From gathering to watch the big game to getting cozy for a family movie night to watching your baby’s first steps, the living room is a place for making memories. Designed for openness and comfort, this space truly is for living and enjoying time with your loved ones. Because the living room is the starting point for so many activities and memories, the flooring undergoes a lot of wear and tear. Choosing the right carpeting for your living room is crucial to maximize your investment and accommodate your lifestyle.
When exploring your carpet options, consider the following questions to make an informed decision:
1. Is the carpet long-lasting and life-friendly?
Durability is extremely important because the living room is one of the most trafficked spaces in your home. Many quality carpets, such as Mohawk’s SmartStrand varieties, offer quality guarantees so look and see if your carpet choice has this option. The density of the carpet greatly determines the durability. Not only will your carpet show wear and not be long-lasting, but a poor-quality carpet with low density will also shed more, which requires more maintenance.
2. What fiber type suits my needs and style?
The appearance and durability of your carpet is impacted by the fiber of your carpet. The fiber varieties include nylon, polyester, triextra, and olefin. When determining the right fiber for your home, there are benefits for each variety which could make it a sensible choice. Nylon is known for being the most resilient fiber while still being the softest option. Polyester is stain-resistant and incredibly comfy under your feet, but it is not designed for high traffic spaces. Unfortunately, polyester is difficult to clean and can shed excessively when too heavily trafficked. Triextra is a more recent fiber variety derived from corn sugar. Since it is still fairly new, comparisons to nylon are limited, but triextra is highly stain-resistant and durable. Olefin is an option which delivers durability and stain resistance on a budget. Although not as high quality as Nylon, olefin is still an ideal choice for constantly used spaces.
3. Is the carpet easily cleaned?
Because a living room is the place of memories, food and drink spills are common in this space. Having carpet which is easy to clean is ideal, regardless of your family’s life stage. There are some carpet varieties which offer lifetime stain warranties, making them an ideal choice for your heavily trafficked and used space. When looking at warranties, make sure to get one with a policy free from exclusions, such as pet or bleach stains. Your carpet should not limit your enjoyment of your living room so choose one which can endure the messiness of life and clean up easily afterwards.
4. What carpet construction will work best for my space?
Whether pile or style, carpet construction can greatly impact the overall appearance of your living space. Pile carpet includes plush cut, uncut looped, patterned loop, and cut-and-loop varieties. Cut pile, smooth style, loop piles, and patterned loops. All these carpets offer different benefits and could be a suitable choice for your space, depending on your specific needs.
5. How soft and cushy do I want my carpet?
If your family spends a great deal of time hanging on the floor, such as playing board games, doing yoga, or watching your baby crawl, considering an extra soft carpet would be wise. Beyond the finer fibers encouraging comfort, carpet cushions or memory foam padding beneath your carpet can boost the softness as well.
6. What carpet color fits with my decor, home, lifestyle, and long-term goals?
Although selecting a carpet color choice is subject to opinion based on style, neutral colors are a timeless choice which will fit with any decor. Bold colors can be fun but should be considered carefully as they can become dated rather quickly. Beyond style preference, choosing a color which fits your lifestyle and family is wise. For example, if you have a pet, select a color which does not show the hair readily.
When choosing your living room’s carpet, answering these questions beforehand can save frustration, hassle, and money long-term. If you are looking for a beautiful carpet with durability, stain resistance, and exceptional warranties designed for a busy household, consider Mohawk’s SmartStrand. Visit Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring to experience the innovation and feel the difference of Mohawk’s quality.