The Return Of Wall-To-Wall Carpeting

Back Again, Only This Time In Technicolor!

As happens with most things in design and décor, floor coverings have their cycles and what was once passé is now very "in." Take, for instance, wall-to-wall carpeting. Many of us remember the days of the neutral colored, bland and boring carpeting with smooth-cut pile which served as a solid background for decorating. It didn't have a lot of excitement or character and, as a rule, ended up looking less than lovely in no time flat.

However, like everything else in décor and design these days, carpeting has not only gone high-fashion, it is also high-tech. Synthetic yarns, new manufacturing processes and improvements and advancements in dyeing techniques have opened the door to new carpeting options with more of everything. More color, more texture, more style, durability and stain resistance are available to the buyer than at any other time in carpeting history. Rather than just being a background for your décor, carpeting has become a focal point in décor in its own right.

Why Choose Wall-To-Wall Carpeting?

Wall-to-wall carpeting, unlike area rugs, is floor covering which extends across an entire room. It is most frequently chosen for its ability to create warmth, to unify a group of rooms, to add to the décor and in some cases to protect against injury or to cover flawed flooring. Once you have decided on the features you desire and your budget is established, then you are ready to embark upon the great hunt for the perfect floor covering.

It's Not As Simple As It Used To Be, So Take Your Time

There are some considerations when choosing wall-to-wall carpeting which will have a lot of bearing upon your purchase, so keep them in mind when shopping. The most important thing to consider in carpet selection is the amount of usage the carpet will get. How much foot-traffic will occur? If there is a lot of traffic, then you'll want to look for a dense construction with shorter pile height of a half inch or less which wears better than shag or high sculpture. There are many different types of pile, fibers and construction when it comes to wall-to-wall carpeting, so be prepared to spend some time familiarizing yourself with what is available.

They're Made From Everything From Wool To Plastic

The material the carpeting is made of is a huge determining factor in its wearability. Wool is the benchmark when it comes to carpeting. It doesn't crush or fade (unless exposed to constant sunlight). This fiber is, by nature, fire-retardant and hypoallergenic. It has the ability to regulate the humidity in a room and even discourages the growth of bacteria. It is also the most expensive of all fibers used to make carpeting.

The most common fiber used today is nylon. It is colorfast, resilient, soft and easy to maintain. After wool, nylon is the best choice. Polypropylene, also called olefin, is durable, colorfast and very reasonably priced. This "plastic" product doesn't have the wearability of nylon, but if the areas you are going to cover are not really high traffic areas, it will work well.

There are many things to keep in mind when buying wall-to-wall carpeting as flooring, so don't rush the purchase. Take your time and find the product that is perfect for your needs.