Placing a carpet in your living room can transform the entire space, adding warmth and colour. However, when it comes to modern-day carpets, choosing the suitable material, design and size can be daunting, considering the many available options. Whether you opt for a shaggy or Persian rug, handloom or woollen carpet depends on multiple factors.
These days, nylon, polyester and olefin carpets have also gained a lot of popularity because of their variety of styles and durability. In this guide, you will get an idea of which carpet material and design will work best to improve the aesthetics of your living room space.
Rug vs carpet: What’s the difference?
Rugs and carpets are almost the same, only varying in size. Sometimes, the rugs are added to a wall-to-wall carpet in cold areas for additional warmth. Generally, the rugs are less than 6 feet in size and can be rolled up and replaced anytime. Traditional carpets are fixed from wall to wall and cannot be replaced easily. However, modern-day carpets are smaller and look like rugs, only more significant. Hence, while buying carpets, ensure you do not bring a rug home instead.
Living room carpet: Size
The size of your living room carpet depends on the size of the room itself. Ideally, it should be of a size that defines the living room area without appearing cluttered. The following tips may help you choose the right size:
- It should be of such a size that helps you place the living room furniture on the borders with at least two of the front legs of the piece of furniture below the carpet.
- If you have two seating spots in a large living room, you can buy two rugs to segregate and define the spaces individually.
See also: Carpet designs for a home makeover in 2023
Carpet for living room: How to choose the right colour?
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Although it may sound simple, choosing the right carpet colour can be daunting. It must increase the amount of natural light the room receives and not be too bright to take away the attention from other stuff in the room. While neutral colours are in vogue these days because of their ability to coordinate with different kinds of living room furniture, bright ones can be chosen to enhance the monotony of the living room décor.
The best thing to do is bring in carpet samples and place them on your living room floors to understand if they match the interiors. It is because you can replace other furniture quite easily, but once installed, a carpet can be quite difficult to move or replace. If you have kids at home, choosing darker shades is best, as they can hide dust and dirt, which is common in toddler households.
Living room carpet: Durability
It is another crucial factor to consider if you are planning to make a long-term investment. How long will the carpet be usable? Living rooms are areas with the highest foot traffic in any house, so you must choose a material that will last you years at a stretch.
Look for carpets that come with wear warranties, for starters. One more way to test the quality of a carpet is by bending it backwards. If the backing of the carpet is easily visible, the thing must be of poor quality. Also, consider the face weight, density rating and tuft density of the carpet you are planning to buy. A 34-40 ounce face weight depicts high quality, while a density rating of over 2000 should be your ideal pick. The tuft density of the carpet should be more than 5, and you can buy the product without wasting more time.
Carpet for living room: Cleaning and maintenance tips
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Carpets are not easy to clean, period! It takes a lot of time and about Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 to clean a carpet, especially if there are wine stains or food debris. Hence, you should always be careful about the cleaning requirements of the carpet you are buying.
An easy-to-clean carpet will serve you best in a home with children and pets. Look for stain-resistant carpets that are coated with some chemicals that inherently repel dirt and stains. You can also get carpets that come with lifetime stain-resistant warranties. Check the type of stains (wine, pets, etc.) that these carpets can resist.
Living room carpet: Types
Now, let us get down to the construction of the carpet, which depends on two essential factors – pile and style.
There are five common types of piles that you can opt for:
- Cut pile – Composed of cut and twisted strands, these are soft but not too efficient in hiding vacuum marks.
- Plush pile – A type of cut pile that is extra soft but not too resistant to wear and tear.
- Twist pile – It lasts longer and is highly resistant to regular wear and tear.
- Low pile – Very efficient in hiding tracks and traffic marks.
- Cut and loop pile – more versatile and durable than other piles, a preferred choice for homeowners.
Cut pile carpets, which are the most common type of carpets that we get in the market, come in four main styles, namely, shag, texture, twist and smooth. Shaggy and twisted carpets have been popular since the 1970s, and newer, trendier styles are available these days. Smooth pile carpets offer a formal look and feel but are best for areas with high foot traffic.
see also: Carpet area, built up area and super built up area: Know the difference
Carpet for living room: Materials
Choosing the material of your carpet for living rooms holds significance, as it determines its feel and durability. Nowadays, four main types of carpet materials are available as follows:
- Nylon – It is the toughest carpet material and is resistant as well. Only you have to spray stain-resistant chemicals regularly to keep it clean. Offering a soft feel, nylon carpets are an ideal choice for a busy household.
- Polyester – It is naturally resistant to stains and spills; hence, no spraying is required regularly. Also, it is exceptionally soft, thus offering a feel-good feel to your feet. However, polyester carpets are difficult to clean because of their extremely soft properties. The dirt gets under the fibres and can be difficult to remove. Hence, if you have pets at home, polyester is not a good choice for your living room carpet.
- Triexta – Composed of corn sugar, it is naturally stain-resistant as well. However, the material can be a bit on the expensive side because of its softness and durability.
- Olefin – If stain resistance is your primary need, olefin is the best option for your living room carpet. However, it is not as durable as nylon. But if you are looking for a cost-effective, temporary option, this one can be a perfect choice.
See also: Types of PVC carpet flooring and designs
Trending living room carpet design ideas
Check out some stylish and comfortable living room carpet designs for your home.
Plush and cosy shag rugs for ultimate comfort
Shag rugs are a great option if you want to add a cosy and comfortable vibe to your living room. These plush carpets come in a variety of textures and styles, from deep-pile to longer strands, and offer a warm and welcoming feel to any space. They’re perfect for sinking your feet into after a long day and creating a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, with their varied colour options, shag rugs can match any decor style, from modern to bohemian.
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Know about: carpet flooring designs
Durable and stain-resistant wool carpets
Wool carpets are an excellent choice for those looking for a durable and stain-resistant option. Wool fibres are naturally resistant to stains, making them easy to clean and maintain. They are also incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Additionally, wool carpets are a sustainable option as they are made from natural materials and can be recycled at the end of their life. With a variety of styles and colours available, wool carpets can add both functionality and elegance to your living room.
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Chic and modern geometric patterned rugs
Geometric patterns are a popular choice in modern interior design, and adding a rug with a bold and eye-catching geometric design can instantly elevate the look of your living room. These rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, so you can choose one that complements your existing decor. From hexagons and diamonds to stripes and chevrons, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the clean lines and symmetry of geometric patterns create a sense of order and balance in your living space, making it feel more organised and put-together.
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Classic black and white carpet
A classic black and white carpet is a timeless choice that can add elegance and sophistication to any living room. Whether you prefer a bold and graphic pattern or a more subtle design, black and white carpets can create a striking focal point in your space. They also work well with a variety of decor styles, from modern and minimalist to traditional and eclectic. Plus, the high contrast colour scheme can help make your furniture and accessories pop. When selecting a black and white carpet, consider factors such as texture, pile height, and durability to ensure it suits your lifestyle and design preferences.
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Eye-catchy abstract-style carpet
Abstract print carpets can add a touch of artistic flair to your living room. With a wide variety of patterns and colours, they can complement any decor style. These carpets often feature bold, abstract designs that can become a statement piece in your living room. They work well in contemporary or modern decor styles, adding a unique touch to the space. Abstract print carpets are available in different materials, such as wool, polyester, or polypropylene, and can be chosen based on the level of foot traffic in the room.
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FAQs
What colours will go best for my living room carpet?
It depends on the rest of your interiors. For example, if the overall tone is dull and neutral, you can opt for bright colours, but be careful about the material to make sure that the colour does not fade with time. However, if you have too much stuff in your living room, all of the various designs and colours, opting for a neutral shade will be best.
Can I go for rugs instead of carpets?
You can, depending on the space of the living room. If it is not too large with a single seating area, you can buy a rug just to keep your feet warm. Multiple rugs can be installed if there is more than one seating area. But if you have a large living space, installing a single carpet will do the job right.
Durability or softness – which one should be the priority?
Both! If you have a soft carpet that will not even last you a few years, what is the point? However, softness is the primary feel requirement of carpets, while durability is the key functional element. Consider a material that guarantees both, or at least the durability factor.
How to clean wine stains on a carpet?
You can mix hydrogen peroxide (2 parts) and simple dishwashing soap (1 part) and spray the solution on the stains after bloating it with a clean cloth. Now blot again. Let the solution sit for an hour before rinsing it with water. If the stain is not too deep, it will do the job. But if it does not, you may require professional cleaning services.
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