Did you know that your carpet is probably the first thing guests notice?

A carpet can add an unmatched element of interest and intrigue, whether it serves as the design inspiration for the room or just as a finishing touch. However, the overall process of finding the perfect one is not that easy because there are several things to think about, including size, material, shape, and style, and the fact that there are so many possibilities complicates it even more.

If you want to enter the new year with style, you might like reading this article. Why? Because we compiled some of the things you might want to consider before deciding on a new carpet. Let’s get started!

1. Don’t blow your budget

Even the most expensive carpet does not have to cost an arm and a leg. That’s why you should never stop at the first one you see, either online or in a store. Do a little bit more research to see what fits your budget and your overall décor. And whenever you’re in doubt about what might look better, request samples of the ones you like more.

By picking the appropriate carpet for each space, you can make the most of any budget. For your living room, stain-resistant goods might be worth the extra money, but low-traffic, more economical carpets might work just as well. Don’t forget to think about how to keep it running! If you have kids or pets, you can try buying a carpet tile instead of a rolled one.

You’re in doubt about the material? We got you at the second point of the article.

2. Materials and style

The style of a piece is frequently determined by the material from which it is manufactured. But with so many choices out there, it might be hard to make the best decision. That’s why many experts advise that you consider these factors when purchasing a new carpet for your home:

If you want to buy a natural fiber carpet, pay attention to the fact that they are usually pricier than others and that most of them need special care and a professional cleaning. They are the most durable ones, plus they fit very well in most rooms of the house.

In case natural fibers aren’t your thing, you can choose synthetic materials for your carpet. These are also easy to clean and way cheaper than the ones made of natural fibers. But there is only one downside if you decide to buy synthetic fiber carpets: they might lose their aesthetic value faster than wool or natural fiber carpets due to mildew and bacteria buildup brought on by frequent spills or pet incidents.

Remember that picking the right fabric for your carpet depends not only on your style but also on the size of your room. Let your imagination take control of your actions and be a little bit more creative this year! You deserve to have a perfect home.

3. Understand maintenance necessities

This may sound overrated, but buying a rug that is hard to maintain will be a pain in the neck in the long run. For example, if you have young children or a pet, you may want to avoid buying fluffy or high-end ones. And in case you’re not entirely sure what fits best for your room, ask the salesperson about the details of cleaning and maintenance before you buy the carpet.

In an area with a lot of traffic, you can choose a textured carpet, which is definitely more resistant to dirt and is also super easy to clean.

4. Carpeting vs. area rugs

What might be the right choice? You can consider both. Carpets are usually harder to maintain and clean, but most of them are pretty soft and fuzzy, which is good looking. And most of them are pretty affordable price-wise. However, most of them are prone to mites or mold, and if you or one of your family members has respiratory issues, it might be a huge problem.

If you’re looking to upgrade your old carpets and you want to avoid all the things mentioned, you can go for an area rug, which is definitely way easier to clean and maintain this way. The biggest disadvantage of an area rug is that it demands reasonably decent flooring because it almost certainly reveals some of it. It’s ideal if you have a stunning hardwood floor. In that case, you need at the very least a floor that is in relatively decent condition. Area rugs can sometimes slip, and if you trip over an edge, they could become a tripping hazard.

However, this isn’t a big issue because you can usually fix it by using double-sided tape or a rug pad.

Now that we’ve covered the most important factors to consider before purchasing a new rug for your home, we’ll go over how to choose the best one for each room based on its shape and size.

Choosing the right carpet room by room

Bedroom

Your bedroom is definitely the place where you can get creative with the overall design, which is why a lot of people usually prefer to match the color of their rugs with the color of their walls. It’s a neat combination! But that shouldn’t be a general rule, of course.

Opt for simple textures and exotic fabrics in pastel colors rather than bold ones. The best rugs for a bedroom are those that are made of rich materials like silk and that don’t visually overstimulate. The likelihood that you’ll go barefoot more frequently here makes a high-pile rug a wise choice. If you are among those lucky ones that have a room with plenty of space, choose a broad rug that extends beyond each side of the bed and nightstands.

Living room

How incomplete would your living room look without a proper carpet? Besides adding an extra layer of comfort, a proper rug (or carpet) would look amazing in the room where you spend most of your time. And in the end, you want to impress your guests too, right? Because it’s an area with a lot of traffic, you might want to invest in a big carpet made of wool or a natural fabric, especially if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative.

If you have a big couch in your living room, you might want to benefit from it by adding a rug underneath and making sure the front legs of both it and the adjacent armchairs are on the rug.

Hallway

What’s the first thing your guests see? The hallway, of course. And because of that, it might be nice to make a good impression, especially if it’s the first time they come to visit after you moved. Additionally, the tone for the rest of your home should be set by this floor piece. Regardless of the size of your hallway, the best choice for a rug is a compact one, not too big, that prevents slipping.

Don’t neglect the fabric, because it’s also pretty important when choosing the right carpet for your hallway. Because it’s a high-traffic area, you will need one that’s long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain.

Check out: 13 Best Tips to Organize a Small Closet.