How to get the perfect carpet for your home

Depending on the size of the room to be carpeted, buying a new carpet can represent a significant investment. And it’s not only the cost of the carpet itself; there is the cost and time of the fitting, too. Regardless as to your budget, you will want to make sure you get it right first time, otherwise you run the risk of living with an unsuitable carpet for years to come.

Ask for a sample

Many retailers and manufacturers are happy to provide samples, usually for free. This is a great way of seeing what the carpet looks like in your home with your usual lighting. It also enables you to touch the carpet and gauge whether it is suitable for your household’s needs. Even if you’re pretty set on a particular carpet, it’s still a good idea to take a few samples home before committing. The lighting in a retail store is likely to be very different from that in your home. Retail lighting tends to be brighter and more consistent, so you won’t be able to get a good idea as to how the carpet will look in situ simply from viewing it in a shop.

Don’t make rash decisions

If you’re buying a plain carpet in a neutral colour, you’re unlikely to suffer from buyer’s remorse, but if you’re going for something more unusual or dramatic, be sure that it’s really what you want before committing. Bear in mind that fashions in interiors change drastically every year or so and avoid anything too “of the moment” if you’re concerned that it will look dated in a few months’ time.

Hire a fitter

If you have never laid a carpet before, it is always a good idea to hire a professional fitter. He or she will have considerable experience and will be equipped to deal with any complications or issues that might arise.

If you are determined to fit it yourself, ensure that you have the correct tools and the right underlay before getting started. While there are plenty of tutorials available on YouTube and other sites, some carpets can be far more difficult to work with than others. The size of the room and the complexity of the layout are also factors; for example, someone with moderate DIY expertise might be fine to lay a carpet in a square box room or study, but doing the same in a large, open-plan living area with alcoves, fireplaces and bay windows is best left to the professionals.