Therefore, it can be quite important that living room floor is soft, comfortable, and cozy. Beyond that, though, durability, ease of cleaning, construction, and even color can make a big impact on choosing the besting carpeting for the living room. Here are six factors to consider when choosing a carpet for your living room. When shopping for the best carpet for the living room, quick test the quality of the product by bending the sample backward. If the backing easily shows, the low-density carpet is of lower quality and will crush faster. A carpet’s durability is measured in face weight, tuft twist, and density rating. Look for a 34- to 40-ounce face weight, a tuft twist of 5 or more, and a density rating of 2,000 or higher. Additionally, note the difference between Bulked Continuous Filament (BCF) or staple fibers. The latter sheds more easily, which requires more vacuuming.
Nylon: The most resilient carpet fiber, but it must be treated with a stain protector occasionally. The softest and strongest type is 6.6 nylon. Triextra: A fairly new type of fiber that’s partially derived from corn sugar. It has superior anti-stain properties and is also resilient. However, because it hasn’t been around as long as nylon, there isn’t yet a basis for comparison. Polyester: Also known as PET, this fiber is stain-resistant and cushy under the feet. However, it’s also hard to clean, sheds, and doesn’t last as long as other options. It will feel good on your feet, but it’s not ideal for high-traffic areas.Olefin: Inexpensive and resists fading, staining, and mildew. It’s not as durable or long-lasting as nylon, but it’s a good option for high-traffic areas.
Consider a living room carpet that features a lifetime stain warranty. For best possible peace of mind, look for a carpet that has a “no exclusion” policy—meaning that substances commonly excluded from most stain warranties (such as pet accidents or bleach) are fully covered.
Pile: Cut piles are also known as plush, while uncut piles are looped. Other options include a patterned loop, which has loops of multiple heights, and cut and loop, which creates a pattern. Style: Cut pile styles include smooth, texture, twist (also known as frieze), and shag. Smooth style looks the most formal, while twist and shag are the most casual. Loop pile styles include level loop, also known as berber—which is ideal for a high-traffic area because of its density—and patterned loop.
Softness can also be achieved with the carpet cushion placed beneath the carpet. Many believe that, in order to be durable, an underpad must be quite firm. This is not necessarily true; however, it is possible to achieve a balance between softness and durability. Modern “memory foam” carpet padding can offer the best of both worlds—great durability as well as softness. Bold color choices can be fun but often become outdated. Neutral-colored carpets, including beige and gray, don’t go out of style. Warm colors, such as beige or red, create a cozy ambiance and hide stains.
