When it comes to carpet, you are spoilt for colour choice. The range is amazing and extensive which makes choosing just one all the more difficult. Before you start, it’s a good idea to sit in the room you’re carpeting and think about how colour will work there.

For instance, you may want to choose a carpet that complements your furnishings, or one that works well with your paint or wallpaper colours. In some cases, you may even want the carpet to become the main feature of the room.

Here are some tips to help you choose colour with confidence:

• Deep, rich colours warm up a space and encourage conversation
• Cool crisp colours create freshness and space and promote relaxation
• Subdued colours or earth tones create a quieter mood
• Brighter colours have an energising effect
• Light colours open up a dark room creating a spacious, airy effect
• Bold colours and patterns are ideal to take the focus off furnishings
• Neutral colours shift the focus from flooring to furnishings
• Light colours soil easily, dark colours may lint, and medium colours are easier to clean

Many people have a budget in mind for their flooring project, whether it’s part of a full home renovation or just one or two rooms.

As a general rule, pricing for flooring is displayed or quoted in square metres.

Some carpet pricing includes installation, whereas hard flooring surfaces do not. If you know the number of square metres required to carpet your home and you have selected a style, you can then determine the cost.

For Example: 75m2 at $50/sqm = $3,750

The amount of carpet you will need is determined by the size and number of rooms you’re carpeting. The following provides a guideline for the approximate number of square metres required to carpet these average room types:

*These measures are based on average room sizes only and will vary from home to home.

So many factors will determine your choice of carpet. From a home interior design angle, you’ll need to consider the style and colour that will best suit your home. Are you after a traditional, contemporary or eclectic look? Some carpets lend themselves better to different style outcomes.

On a practical level you may also need to consider what benefits you need from your carpet.

Do you have a busy household?

If so, you’ll need a carpet that can handle high traffic areas.

Do you regularly use a fireplace?

Then a fire resistant carpet is a must.

Do you have indoor pets?

Apart from a durable carpet, you’ll need a carpet that can maintain traffic from feet as well as paws (with claws), which may rule out a loop carpet.

Does sunlight spill through your main living area during the day?

Then a solution dyed nylon carpet would be suitable to reduce colour fading.

Do you have children or a rental property?

Choosing a durable fibre will be essential.

While it sounds like a lot, if you take the time now to consider your lifestyle factors and how you need your carpet to perform, the selection process will go smoothly and the result will be just as you anticipated.