A new rug or carpeting will immediately change the entire decor of your room

If you are looking for a quick change, check out these rug and carpeting decorating ideas

New carpeting or a new area rug may be just what you need if you are a homeowner looking for a new look, a different color direction or just a quick change in your decor.

Although the terms carpet and rug are used interchangeably, they are not the same product.

Carpets are produced in rolls from 2 to 18 feet wide. It is usually installed wall to wall by professionals over raw flooring and a carpet pad.

Rugs a smaller soft floor covering. These are also called area rugs as they are often used to define separate areas in a room. They are used over finished flooring

Advantages and Disadvantages of Carpets

Wall-to-wall carpeting is the perfect choice for adding a splash of color or texture to a room. It is soft underfoot, adds warmth on those cold nights and muffles sound.

The biggest benefits of carpeting however, is the ease with which it covers flooring that is damaged or of low quality. A floor that was a ghastly eyesore a few hours ago, can be transformed into a thing of beauty. It's almost as if you had access to Aladdin's lamp! (And wouldn't we all love to have that?)

One of the disadvantages of carpeting is that it is a fairly large investment. Once it is installed, you will have to live with it a long time. Take the time to shop around. Learn about the different types of carpeting. Some of these are:

• Berber - A tufted carpet that is composed of short-loop-pile carpeting. This is durable, great if you have high traffic areas, and suitable to almost all types of decor
• Broadloom - This is any carpet made on a wide loom. Most carpets made on a loom today run from 12-18 feet wide
• Sisal - Sisal carpet is made of plant fibers woven in textured patterns. It has gained in popularity in recent years. Along with coir and seagrass, (other plant based weaves), they provide the look of carpeting for less money, but do not give the same quality of durability.

A second disadvantage of carpeting is the fact that you can't take it with you. As much as you may love that particular color or texture, once laid it is there to stay. If you move often and love to bring your treasured possessions with you, move on to the next section to learn more about Oriental, Aubusson, Dhurrie and other area rugs

Carpeting in manufactured by several different construction methods. Construction refers to how the yarn interlocks with the carpet backing. Some of the methods are listed below:

• Weaving - At one time almost all rugs were woven on a loom. This is not the case today
• Tufting - Yarn is pushed through the backing from the rear, forming loops on the surface. A latex backing is applied to some tufted carpeting to prevent loops from pulling out. Berber carpeting is a popular tufted carpet used today.
• Needlepunched - Yarn is inserted into the backing with hooked needles.
• Knitted - Needles are used to knit pile and backing together. Again a latex backing is used in this type of construction
• Flocking - Flocking uses static electricity to stand short fibers on end. An adhesive is used to bond fibers to the backing

  As a rule, woven carpeting is the most durable with flocking bringing up the rear.

  Beyond Wool

  The best carpets are made of wool. It is the most durable, and it is also the most expensive. Wool is strong, soft, and takes colors wonderfully well. It is also naturally fire resistant.

  There are many synthetic alternative fibers. Some will provide the same look, but not give the same consistent durability.

  A good compromise choice would be a wool-synthetic blend, These offer a wide choice of color and design. Because it is a blend, there will be some enhanced quality of wear without the pure wool price tag.

  Coming to a Decision

  Because of the wide variety of material, style, color, texture, etc., it is often difficult to narrow down to your choice.

  The simplest way to do this is to decide first on your price range. Within this price range, you want to look for the best you can afford. The most durable carpet is usually the most expensive. However, are you really looking for durability? How long to you plan to stay where you are? How many years do you think it will be before you plan to redecorate this room?

  If you haven't yet looked at the Flooring Analysis Worksheet check it out before you make any purchasing decisions. This may bring questions and solutions to mind that you may want to mull over.

  Comparison Shop

  There are tremendous differences in carpeting prices. Shop, Examine, Compare, Ask Questions!! The highest priced is not always the best.

  Get out your decorating portfolio look around, take notes and pictures. Then, when you make your final decision, it will be one you will be happy to live with.

  
  
  
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