Living room carpet is back where it should be, at the heart of the home. Its charms are more than simply good looks, as it ticks the boxes for seductive softness, and in these days of high fuel bills, has welcome insulating qualities.

The main advantage of living room carpet is the incredible range of decorating possibilities that it offers, thanks to the wide variety of colours and textures, as well as the feeling of warmth underfoot.

The different types of carpet pile available mean you can create a dramatically different look and feel, from the smoothness of velvet pile, to the sumptuous luxury of wool.

We explore the best options for your living room below.

Wool Carpet

Wool is the preferred option for a living room rug or carpet, not only because it’s a natural fibre but also for its hard-wearing qualities and natural springiness, which make it resistant to being compressed by furniture and footsteps. It’s also warm and soft with a luxurious, unmatched feel.

Colour Choices

Although the vast majority of us are still opting for a neutral carpet, subtle changes are seeping in. The traditional gold and beige tones are being replaced by greys, taupes and stone shades, while strong colour is being used now in the same way as wallpaper, to create an accent. Emeralds and plums are also popular living room colour schemes.

Texture

Texture in interior design is fundamental and no more so than on a living room carpet. At the top end of the market textured carpets are clean and crisp, without heavy patterns. However, we are now seeing this smooth surface being broken up by ribbed, herringbone or checked designs,

Deep, long pile gives flooring the feel-good factor, while a mix of high and low pile heights can be very luxurious. This gives you a carpet that feels good at a reasonable price.

Patterns

The latest living room trends suggest that pattern is back in a big way. Stripes are in – and are now available in several brave colourways – perfect for stairs and small living rooms. You can be bold with widths and colours to create drama, or use fine lines for a more classic or subtle effect. Floral designs are also making a comeback. There’s a trend for designs influenced by the floral and fauna found in nature.

Materials

If you’re looking for more unusual effects and finishes, consider some of the more unexpected fibres. There’s a growing trend of using a percentage of silk or artificial silk, which gives the look of silk at a moderate price. Lama is another sleek choice, which is stronger than sheep wool and comes in lots of non-dyed natural shades.

Plant Fibre Flooring

Natural floorings made from plant fibre are a versatile option, having moved on from merely rustic designs to encompass smart city looks, too. It can be fitted in the same way as carpet, used as a room square or as a rug or runner with a bound or decorative fabric or leather edge.

Plant-fiber flooring doesn’t cope well with water and high humidity so isn’t the right choice for a kitchen or bathroom. Ask for flooring to be pre-treated with a stain inhibitor. You will need a strong carpet cleaner to vacuum it every once in a while to maintain its natural sheen. Read more here about efficient and affordable carpet vacuum cleaners since natural flooring is not as dimensionally stable as carpet.

Conclusion

Choosing the right carpet plays a very important role in the whole scheme of your interiors. It covers most of the space in every room so knowing beforehand what will suit your needs and taste will help you be better informed and make sound decisions.