The right carpet can be a way to add colour to an otherwise neutral space, a link to a design theme that runs through the home, and it can provide cosy insulation in winter.

The choices are wide, so selecting just the right carpet for each room requires careful consideration, and it isn’t something you want to do in a rush.

A light-filled tranquil space needs a carpet that complements rather than overpowers the setting, whereas a vibrant modern carpet will brighten up a dull room.

Area carpets cover large areas, so they are great for covering up less than perfect flooring and providing insulation. Choose one that completely covers the walkway or leaves the floor exposed where people generally walk. Select a colour that complements your décor but contrasts with the floor it lies on.

The material you choose will depend on which room the carpet will be in. For example, a carpet for the dining room will need to be resistant to food stains and not a magnet for crumbs and other spills. For a child’s room, the material needs to be soft underfoot, hard-wearing and resistant to stains, and carpets in thoroughfares need to be able to handle foot traffic without showing wear.

Traditional patterned carpets tend to work well in heritage homes but are equally at home in modern apartments. They are out of place in rooms filled with furniture and ornaments, though, where their attractive designs are lost in the clutter.

The dense pile height and soft underfoot feel of a shaggy carpet will create an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. However, they need proper care, and if you have pets, they might not be ideal.

Flat-weave carpets are most suited to high-traffic households as they are highly durable and resilient. Flat weaves are also easy to clean, so you can use them in the busiest areas, such as hallways and passages.

A well-engineered wool carpet is remarkably resilient, and most synthetic fibres attempt to incorporate many of wool’s natural features. Wool fibres are highly elastic, so they can be extensively stretched without breaking and still bounce back, so wool carpets recover quickly from pressure marks left by heavy furniture. Wool is also remarkably soil-resistant, releasing soil far more readily than synthetic materials. The outer layer of the wool fibre has a finely waxed surface with overlapping scales to keep soil in the outer area of the fibre, where it is easily removed by simple vacuuming. In addition, the high moisture content and protein constituents provide natural flame resistance.

When choosing the right carpets for your home, don’t be misled by brand names. Instead, choose carpets that are functional and fit best with the overall style of your space as well as the colour scheme.

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