Colour Guide

Choosing carpet colours

While the range of carpet colours on the market today is as amazing as it is extensive that in itself can sometimes make decisions more difficult. So before you start, it’s a good idea to sit in the room and think about how colour will work. 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 general guidelines:

In high traffic areas, colours need to be forgiving, darker colours don’t tend to show up stains or marks as much. Lower traffic areas like bedrooms, give you much more freedom to work with colours.

Cooler colours create a feeling of space, while warmer colours make a room feel cosier. In dark rooms use lighter colours and for a relaxed, quiet feel, look for earthy or subdued colours such as greys, browns and beiges.

However, if you opt for a patterned carpet, be aware of how the pattern will affect the feeling of space in the room. But in the end there are no hard and fast rules for choosing carpet colours, a lot of it comes down to personal taste together with the right advice from the experienced team at Choices.

Current trends

There are some terrific trends emerging in carpet colours today and while neutral colours will always look great, consider using colour to create impact in the room. Rustic decorating has recently had a large influence on carpet colours too; cool and warm greys as well as creams are the new neutrals. Stronger colours such as greens, blues and lilacs are also proving popular.

Colours are being used in different ways within carpet too. For example, stippling is one new trend. This is where different colours and textures are woven together in a single yarn. Plus there are cut pile carpets that have a contrasting tone in the centre, striped designs, and painterly designs.

Decorating with flooring

Selecting the colour and pattern of your carpet is where the fun really begins. The first rule is to let your floor be an integral part of the décor. Don’t limit your choice by looking for neutrality or to match with wall tone.

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

• Deep and rich colours make the space feel warmer and encourage conversation
• Cool crisp colours give a feeling of freshness, create space and promote relaxation
• Subdued colours or earth tones will create a quieter mood
• Brighter colours will have an energizing effect
• Light colours will open up a dark room creating a spacious, airy effect
• Bold colours & patterns are good if you want to take the focus off the furnishings
• Neutral colours take focus off the flooring and onto the furnishings
• Light colours soil easily, dark colours will lint and medium colours are easier to clean
• Large areas will intensify the colour so it may look darker than your sample. If you’re carpeting a large space, consider toning the colour back a little.
• Choosing a slightly darker shade than the colour on your walls will give the room a sense of solidness and a foundation.