It is crucial to choose a carpet that suits your lifestyle. There is an extensive range to choose from and each one differs in softness, luxury, stain-resistance, mold-free, and durability. You will need to get familiar with the different carpet fibers, style, colors, patterns, textures, and underlay before you go shopping.

If you need, take help from flooring and carpet retailers. To find carpet suppliers and installers around your locality check online. Australian citizens can visit the Flooring Domain website, where you can post your carpet layer needs and get proposals from professionals connected to this network. 

Factors to consider while choosing a carpet

Carpet fiber

• Wool carpet is a prestigious natural fiber, soft to touch, and stain-resistant. They offer good soil-resistance, texture-retention, and durability. It is a natural sound and heat insulator. It does not catch fire when cinder drops. Only the pile top gets scorched. 
• Synthetic carpets like polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and smart strand fibers are designed using advanced technology. The synthetic carpet fiber is soft, luxurious, durable, stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and more. Polypropylene fiber resists static-electricity, while nylon is appropriate for high traffic areas. Smart Strand is designed from a renewable resource like 37% corn, while Polyester fiber comprises of 100% recycled plastic bottle content.

Carpet style

• The plush carpet has a short and vertical pile. It shows footprint marks but is soft underfoot.
• The twist is stylish, durable, and has a smooth texture. The twisted pile is great for high traffic zones.
• Level cut loop creates visual impact and looks grand in dining rooms, theaters, and formal rooms.
• Loop styles offer maximum durability. 

Color & Patterns

• Dark colors look formal and elegant.
• Bright colors make the room environment energetic and vibrant.
• Cool colors induce relaxation and serenity in the ambiance.
• Light colors open a dark room and offer a sophisticated look.
• Medium colors brighten the room with low natural lighting.
• Earth tone colors offer the room a natural look.
• Complex and strong patterns can make the space look constricted, whereas solid color offers the room a stretching dimension. 

Remember light significantly affect carpet colors, so look for free samples to see how the color will work in your home. 

Carpet underlay

Choosing an appropriate underlay is vital because it helps to increase the carpet’s lifespan, enhances underfoot comfort, resists mold as well as prevents the absorption from spills. 

Durability

Check the label for fiber density and quality along with construction details. Bend the carpet sample to check for density. If you see the carpet backing less, it means the carpet is possibly more durable. You can ask the carpet professionals for ACC star ratings and carpet warranty terms.

Cost

The total carpet cost will depend on the chosen –

• Fiber
• Style, color, & pattern
• Brand 

The installation cost and extra charges will include –

• Labor charges for installation
• Molding to make the flooring look sharp
• Padding to keep carpet feels soft underfoot 
• Carpet Removal is a factor if you are replacing the old carpet

Make sure to have a budget, when you go carpet shopping. You can use an online carpet installation calculator to get an idea of the cost.