A Magic Carpet Ride
There is a misconception that carpets can make the overall appearance of a room look posh and expensive. I'd say not anymore. Whilst this fallacy may be true 10 to 15 years ago, some DIY-ers (excluding the author) still believe that carpets are a MUST, not a luxury, when designing your living room.
Times have changed and so is the way we approach day to day living - practicality and comfort are now involved, not just design.
If you are somebody thinking whether to install a carpet or not, then this blog was written for you. These are just points you might have not thought about.
Why carpet?
Carpets provide cushion to our feet
Unlike solid flooring, carpets soften the impact of feet and floor. It reduces foot, leg and even back fatigue.
Assured Safety
Prevents slips (better foot grip) and provides cushion for glass to avoid breakage. Slipping on a carpeted floor can reduce injuries to mere bruises instead of painful broken limbs and bones.
Noise absorber
Carpet absorbs and contains noise caused by running kids and stilettos worm by women. It also absorbs echoes for a much quieter room ambience.
Color and Vibrancy
With the wide array of choices nowadays, consumers can choose from earthy, pastel, bold prints and numerous other carpet designs. The colors and designs of your carpet can blend well with other design features of your room or stand out and become the focal point of the space.
Disguise bad flooring
While this is not really a recommended option, bad flooring can be covered up by a superb and stylish carpet.
Why not to Carpet?
Maintenance
Carpets are hard and very expensive to maintain. While it is an advantage that the dusts are contained in your carpet, cleaning them is another story. You really need extra cash for maintenance.
Health Reasons
Carpets can be home to more microorganisms and germs than to any type of solid flooring. This can be prevented by vigorous cleaning using chlorinated hydrocarbons so that the carpet fibers are covered with pesticide-like chemicals. Capet fibers provide a safe haven to bacteria, molds and other allergy-causing germs. And finally, another health disadvantage of installing carpeting is the tendency of carpets to trap and hold airborne VOCs (Volatile Organic compound). This is what experts call "sink effect". Walking across the floor with your day to day shoes that have been exposed to various chemicals and germs will distribute the same chemicals and germs all over your carpet. They can remain in your carpet for more than 5 years.
A cushioned step and cozy feel the carpet provides may come with a significant price. This is just me speaking of courses. I still see living rooms with wall-to-wall carpeting that are both fabulous and clean. We all have our own levels of comfort and carpets can either be a great or not-so-great option depending on which room and whose home it will be installed in.
Eric Salterio Capacia, Data Analyst
This 33-year old Arian started writing full sports articles several years ago, covering mostly tennis competitions. But it was his love for colors and balance that brought him to Home Decor blogging.
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Friend from Distant Shores | Jan 19th 2009 5:38PM
For foreign countries, it also provides warmth in winter. I am not fussed either way. But would agree that the maintenance could be a pain. Take it from someone who's got both in one house. Carpet and no carpet.
superman | Jan 19th 2009 10:38AM
If you have a big carpet that can cover your whole apartment or room, this is when you wish an Electrolux man will knock on your door. Teehee.