Choosing the right carpet

Of all the floor coverings available in the market today carpet is still by far the most popular. And it’s easy to see why.

Décor versatility

Complement your décor theme – or create an entire new one – from Fowles Auctions Sales’ extensive range of carpet colour and surface textures.

Warmth

Experience the feeling of warmth and inclusion with soft cushioning underfoot.

Safety

Protect your family by providing a slip free floor surface.

Insulation

Homes with carpets are cooler in summer, warmer in winter and much quieter – now that’s comfort.

Ease of maintenance

A good vacuum cleaner, a periodic professional clean and prompt attention to spills is all you need to keep your carpet

looking good.

Value for money

With the wide range of carpet available at Fowles Auctions Sales we have a solution for practically every budget and décor need

Carpet + Good Health

In the past, carpet has been unfairly singled out for its alleged association with dust and allergies. However, we are now learning that these views are little more than urban myths. In fact, there is no scientific evidence linking the presence of carpet to any respiratory allergy, including asthma.

For allergy and asthma sufferers, the critical issue is the amount of dust and allergens present in the air they breathe, and this has now been proven to have little to do with carpet. Research conducted by Dr. Peter Dingle at Murdoch University shows no difference in airborne dust levels in homes with carpet, compared to homes with hard floors.

Dr. Dingle’s work backs up the views of Australian respiratory experts Guy Marks and Michael Abramson in their paper “House dustmite avoidance: facts and fiction”, published in Asthma Australia.

Decorating with Carpet

Selecting the colour and pattern of your new carpet at Fowles Auctions+Sales is very exciting. Of the many purchases you can make for your home, few will affect the overall ambience of your home as much as new carpet professionally installed by our installers. The first rule of thumb is don’t limit your choice by looking for neutrality or a match with wall toning. Let your floor be an integral part if the décor. Here are a few tips to help you select your new carpet with confidence.

Colours

  • Deep and rich walls colours warm up and close in a room.
  • Cool crisp colours give a feeling of freshness and space.
  • Subdued colours or earth tones will create a quiet mood.
  • Light colour carpets will open up a dark room

Patterns and Textures

Large areas of a strong and complex pattern can close in a room; conversely, a “solid” unbroken colour will give the appearance of stretching the dimensions of a room. Textured carpets have very good appearance retention qualities. They disguise the change of appearance associated with normal use and can mask small marks. Please speak with our sales staff who are all fully trained in colour matching and selection.

Styles + Constructions

There are two basic carpet constructions: cut pile and loop pile (they can also be combined in one surface design to create a cut and loop construction). These constructions can also produce a vast range of different surface effects that are known as styles.

Cut Pile Styles include Plush, Velvet, Saxony, Frieze, Shag, Twist, Hard Twist and Heather Twist.

Loop Pile Styles include Level Loop, Sisal, Cord, Multilevel Loop and Textured Loop.

Like any fashion, carpet trends come and go. So don’t necessarily select the style that’s in this month’s home furnishing magazine. Some styles are more functional than others, so consider where the carpet will be laid – in a heavy traffic area like the family room or a hallway, or in a lighter traffic area such as a dining room or spare bedroom.

Also think about the ambience of the room.  Are you creating a contemporary space, a formal look or something cosy or functional?

Talk to Fowles Auctions+Sales staff about the décor effects you are trying to achieve, and the likely traffic levels. They will assist you in selecting the best style for your home

Fibre

The aesthetic and performance of carpet is similar to the fabric in your clothing. The type of fiber used, the construction of the cloth, and the color all play a role in the styling, cost, and performance of that garment. Fibre is your carpets basic ingredient, so it’s a good idea to start here. Carpet fibre can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some types of carpeting are harder to care for than others, and each type of fiber has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to take into account the room, space and budget when considering which fibre is best for you.
The aesthetic and performance of carpet is similar to the fabric in your clothing. The type of fiber used, the construction of the cloth, and the color all play a role in the styling, cost, and performance of that garment. Fibre is your carpets basic ingredient, so it’s a good idea to start here. Carpet fibre can be made from avariety of materials, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some types of carpeting are harder to care for than others, and each type of fiber has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to take into account the room, space and budget when considering which fibre is best for you. Click here to read more about fibre types.

Underlay

There are three main types of underlay: felt, foam and rubber. Like carpet, all types are available in various grades and qualities and these can be matched to your carpet and the wear characteristics of your home. Ask Fowles about the options available.

An underlay should be firm but comfortable. Poorly specified underlay will lead to stretching and rucking and may result in a breakdown of the carpet backing. As a guide, if you stand on the underlay you should not be able to feel the floor with the heel of your shoe.

If you are replacing your carpet, don’t be tempted to use the existing underlay. It will have the same wear patterns that appear in your old carpet and these will quickly resurface in a new carpet. Carpet manufacturers’ warranties also require their products be installed over new underlay. Click here to read more about Underlay.

Carpet Grade

For peace of mind, look for carpets that have been graded by the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS). It’s a national carpet grading scheme covering all types of carpet and all carpet fibres. Carpets graded by the ACCS carry distinctive labels featuring a star system that provides guidance on the likely appearance retention and performance properties of the carpet. All you need to do is simply match the number of stars to your home environment.

All ACCS graded carpets carry a minimum two-year performance warranty, supported by the manufacturer or supplier. For further information on the operation of the ACCS, visit www.carpetinstitute.com.au or contact the Carpet Institute of Australia on 1800 188 822.