Carpet

Carpet is the most misunderstood floor of the last decade. Yes, hard floors have taken over kitchens and living rooms — but for bedrooms, stairs, and any room where warmth, quiet and softness matter, nothing else comes close. A quality wool or polypropylene twist-pile lasts 10–15 years, insulates against sound and cold, and is dramatically cheaper to replace than any hard floor.

Pros

• +The warmest, quietest floor for bedrooms and stairs
• +Massive sound absorption — transformative in flats and townhouses
• +Softer landing for children, elderly, anyone at risk of falling
• +Cheaper per m² than any real-wood or LVT alternative
• +Modern stain-guard treatments handle red wine, pet accidents, coffee

Trade-offs

• −Not for wet rooms or kitchens
• −Traps allergens if not vacuumed regularly (HEPA vac fixes this)
• −Wears visible traffic paths in high-traffic zones over 5–10 years
• −Deep piles crush under heavy furniture — plan layout carefully

FAQs

• Wool or synthetic — which is better?

  Wool for premium bedrooms and living rooms — warmer, more durable, naturally flame-retardant. Polypropylene for stain-prone family use — spills wash out with water. Nylon for stairs and hallways — the toughest of the synthetics.

• Can carpet go over underfloor heating?

  Yes, with a total tog value (carpet + underlay) of 2.5 or less. Anything above and the UFH efficiency drops sharply.

• How long should a carpet last?

  10–15 years in a bedroom, 5–10 years on stairs, 8–12 years in a living room. Carpets marketed with '20 year warranties' usually refer to fibre replacement only, not visible wear.

• Are modern carpets bad for allergies?

  Actually the opposite of what most people think. Carpets trap allergens rather than letting them recirculate — provided they're vacuumed weekly with a HEPA filter. The clinical evidence is well established.