Carpet: The Ultimate Accessory

The right carpet can have a dramatic effect on a room by adding colour, warmth and comfort. Carpet also has natural sound-reducing properties that are particularly useful in areas such as upper-floor bedrooms and hallways of multi-storey homes.

Planning Considerations

You can choose to have carpet blend with your existing décor or make an impression that really stands out. When selecting your carpet, keep in mind the traffic flow of your home. If pets shed dark hair and the children are constantly on the go, you may want to pass on lighter colours and select a darker one. Perhaps you may also want to consider a carpet with a detailed pattern to enhance the room's visual appearance.

1. Style

Most carpeting is tufted, with the loops of yarn stitched into a backing material to form a pile. The two broad types of carpet are cut pile and looped pile and each type comes in several varieties. Cut pile is the most popular while durable looped carpets include berbers that work well in more casual spaces.

2. Colour

When choosing a carpet colour, remember that light colours can make a room feel airy and open while darker tones can create coziness. Whether subtle or dramatic, the carpet colour you choose will form the foundation of the room's decor. Here are some palettes to consider:

Subtle
Understated colors, from neutral beiges and grays to soft tones like pale sage, contribute subtly to a room's overall appearance. These colours set the stage of a room without monopolizing attention.

Cool
A soothing palette of light blues, greens and purples can provide a calming environment. An icy blue or mint green can reduce the perceived temperature of a room that receives the warm afternoon sun; deep blue or indigo may induce a good night's sleep.

Warm
Warm tones like sunny yellows and muted peaches add energy to a room. To help you wake up in the morning, add warmth to a cool space, or create a stimulating environment for entertaining, warm tones are an excellent choice.

Bold
Bright or dark, bold colour choices like fiery red or deep chocolate can transform a room and clearly define a space.

3. Construction

Carpeting can have a soft and luxurious look that is wonderful in a formal living room, or you might like a tightly looped industrial look for the basement family room.

In addition to wool, which is durable and naturally stain-resistant, there are generally three types of manufactured fibres used in carpeting: nylon, polyester and polypropylene, or olefin. They share several features: softness, stain resistance and suitability for high-traffic areas. Nylon and polyester are also crush-resistant.

Eco-Friendly Carpets

A number of manufacturers now offer their own line of eco-friendly carpets designed to improve indoor air quality and support environmental sustainability. Fibres made from recycled plastic bottles and other renewable sources, such as corn sugar, are new ways that manufacturers are changing the carpet-making process to help the environment. Greater use of natural fibres; improved dyeing methods; and new technologies that require less energy to produce carpets is also lessening the impact these products have on the environment - without affecting quality or comfort.

4. Carpet Under Pad

When buying carpet, the pad you choose is just as important as the carpet itself. Carpet padding is typically made up of foam or prime urethane and helps increase comfort and durability. Therefore, it's a good idea to purchase the best carpet pad your budget will allow. Some high-end carpet pads can resist mould and prevent spills from penetrating the carpet pad. However, try to avoid purchasing a carpet pad that might be too thick for the style of carpet you select.

Padding offers luxury, comfort, support and longevity to the life of your carpet. Choose padding designed to suit your carpeting needs.

5. Warranty

Rest assured that your carpet will perform to your expectations. The Home Depot offers various warranties to guarantee your carpet investment.

	Stain Resistance	Soil Resistance	Abrasive Wear	Texture Retention
	lifetime	lifetime	25	25
	lifetime	lifetime	20	20
	lifetime	lifetime	15	7
	lifetime	lifetime	15	7
	10	10	10	5
	5	5	5	n/a

*Soft Collection not available in Quebec.

Carpet Care

Dirt tracked into a carpeted room can become embedded in the fibres, discolouring it over time. To keep your carpet looking fresh, vacuum it at least once a week, particularly in high-traffic areas. Harsh chemical cleaners might damage your carpet and should be avoided, and stains removed as quickly as possible by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel. For a deeper clean, consider buying or renting a steam cleaner.

Carpet Cleaning Tip

Use white vinegar or a solution of soda water and salt to spot clean your carpet. Don't rub - rubbing will set stains. Press down on the carpet with a dry paper towel then rinse using clean water.

Do-It-Yourself Installation

Carpet installation has largely been left to the pros, however, The Home Depot's tool rental service, carpet installation tools and DIY guides make it possible for you to cost-effectively install carpeting.