Consumer Reports Carpet Buying Guide

Consumer Reports Carpet Buying Guide

Are you considering purchasing new carpet for your home or business? Making the right selection of materials and styles can be a daunting task. Whether you are buying for aesthetic reasons, to increase insulation, or both, this guide will help you better understand the different types of carpets and how to choose what is best for your needs. We’ll go through their benefits, drawbacks, price points and installation process so that when you’re ready it’s easy to make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about finding the perfect carpet solution!

Top 10 Best Carpet

*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating).
 

LFHHT Fluffy Area Rugs 8×10 Feet for Living Room Bedroom, Large Modern Indoor Soft Fuzzy Shaggy Carpet Shag Rugs Kids Girls Boys Classroom Nursery Dorm Room, Grey

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

Part Number THI0058M–YTF-US-8X10-Grey
Model 8×10 Feet
Color Grey
Size 8×10 Feet

MUJOO 5'x7' Area Rugs Pink Machine Washable Rugs Living Room Rugs Boho Area Rug for Bedroom Laundry Room Kitchen Non Slip Carpet Abstract Soft Low-Pile Floral

$95.99  in stock
2 used from $76.50
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • FOLDABLE ACCENT AREA RUG:The washable rugs 5'x7' can be folded without leaving creases for easy storage.Soft, low-pile, 5'x7' area rugs can be used in heavy traffic areas of your home without blocking the door opening.
  • NON-SLIP AREA RUG: The area rug 5'x7' back adopts unique chain glue design to make the rug more non-skid and better grip. Boho carpet 5'x7' is used directly without additional padding. Lock edge reinforced , very long-lasting, not easy to be decomposed.
  • MACHINE WASHABLE AREA RUGS:The 5'x7' rug can be washed in the washing machine, will not fade and can be reused.5 by 7 area rug can be dried at low temperature or high temperature in 220 degrees. The dust hairs on the rug also can use vacuum cleaner to clear, clean convenient.
  • TIMELESS DESIGNS:living room rugs 5'x7' contains elements of Vintage,Faded,Moroccan, Traditional,Modern, Classic, Shabby Retro Chic and more;Area rug fits most interior designs and make the room more designed.
  • MULTI-PURPOSE: Boho machine washable rugs 5'x7' is a fluffy, low-pile design that is soft enough for children and pets. Now use this pink 5'x7' carpet as living room rugs to make your home feel more homey, or as a bedroom rug,indoor rug,front door rugs indoor,entrance rugs indoor,indoor door mats,kitchen rug, laundry room rug, office rug is also a good choice.

Garland Rug Classic Berber Area Rug, 9 by 12-Feet, Earth Tone

$96.76  in stock
5 new from $96.76
4 used from $89.53
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • Made in the USA
  • This is NOT Machine Washable
  • EASY TO CARE FOR: Shake out the rug in the sunshine for easy dirt removal and deodorizing. Do not pull loose fiber, clip and remove loose ends with scissors. Blot spills and use a soft bristle brush for stains. Vacuum without a beater bar.
  • Shipped folded in a sturdy box, there may be some creasing. Initial creasing is normal and the creases will fall out within a few weeks. We advise cross rolling; roll against creases; to help eliminate the bumps.
  • 100% Polypropylene
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Solid Shag Area Rug 8×10 Area Rugs for Living Room Large Area Rug Machine Washable Rugs, Ideal for Carpet Floor Use

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • Home Decor: Solid color shag rug is suitable for any kinds of home decor and any home areas. Like dining room, bedroom, dormitory, home office, kid's room, laundry room, living room, or nursery.
  • Protective Cotton Backing: Cotton made backing does not do harm to your floor. You can place the rug under sofa, couch, or bed, so it would not move. If you wanna a better non-slip effect, an extra rug pad is needed. It also offers more cushion and help prevent slippage.
  • Plush Pile Rug: Fluffy shags are made of high-quality synthetic yarns, machine-woven into luxurious shag textures. This shag rug is perfect for high traffic area and offers cozy cushioned softness underfoot.
  • Pet & Kid Friendly: The fluffy rug creates a cozy place for your children to play. Also your dogs or cats can run and lay on the rug. No worry about scratch the floor surface or wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Easy Maintain: The rug is machine washable. Shake the particles and dust on the rug before throw into the washable machine. For daily cleaning, just vacuum the rug (suction-only, without a beater bar) or shake it off or gently blotting out minor stains with a mild detergent or carpet cleaner.

Glory Rugs Area Rug Modern Soft Hand Carved Contemporary Floor Carpet with Premium Fluffy Texture for Indoor Living Dining Room and Bedroom Area (5×7, Navy)

$94.99
$84.90
 in stock
1 used from $64.14
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE – Featuring stylish Rug for Living room, dining, bedroom office and nursey room. Patterns and chic colors, our area rugs bring sophisticated flavors to your space. The subdued elegance beautifully complements your decor.
  • SOFT AND WARM UNDERFOOT – Precision-made by machine using premium-grade anti-shedding 100% polypropylene to offer a soft, fluffy, plush pile which is warm and cozy on the feet that also helps to protect hardwood floors and naturally dampen noise
  • MADE FROM PREMIUM MATERIALS – Designed to look beautiful in any room whilst also offering excellent levels of durability, this luxury jute-backed rug is made to withstand years of everyday use and is equally suited to high foot-traffic common use areas and formal less-frequented areas alike.
  • STAIN-RESISTANT & FADE-RESISTANT – Glory Rugs offer exceptionally easy general upkeep and carefree maintenance, allowing you more time to enjoy your new carpet and less time cleaning. Our luxury rugs offer excellent resistance to fading and staining, making them the perfect choice for busy households and those with children and/or pets.
  • – We know you will love your new modern abstract Rug 5×7, 8×10, 4×6, 2×7 and 2×3 the moment you take delivery, Guarantee, giving you total peace of mind when making your purchase today.

CAROMIO Fluffy Area Rugs for Living Room 8' x 10' Modern Plush and Thick Faux Fur Shag Rug Non-Slip Carpet for Bedroom, Fuzzy Shaggy Rugs for Kids Nursery Dorm, Light Grey

$89.99  in stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • Ultra Soft and Smooth Touch: Our shag area rug is ideal for traditional and contemporary rooms as it dampens noise and warms up cold bare floors. Lie on your fuzzy carpet, 4cm high velvet pile gives a super soft feeling to the touch. A dense sponge layer in the middle that provides high-level coziness, soothe tired muscles. It's like lying on a cloud, bring you to fall into wonderful dreams easily.
  • Higher-density Faux Fur: Feature 1.57" pile, 400 GSM High-density shag carpet surface(total about 650GSM with bottom), our area rug is incredibly soft and comfortable. No more shedding carpet fibers! Our shaggy area rug is richly colored and an ideal choice for home decoration. It's perfect for the living room, bedroom, nursery, children's room, girl's room, baby's room, playroom, kindergarten, or your new space for homeschooling.
  • Anti-Slip Bottom: Thousands of non slip grip dots at the bottom of the rug, these anti-slip grips are effective at preventing the rug from sliding on the floor, for children playing on the floor is a great choice, it can give them warmer and more comfy feeling.
  • Safe Materials: CAROMIO area rug was designed to last for years to come! This extremely soft fluffy velvet carpet is made from safe polyester material. You could feel free to lay on it, barefoot walking, and good for tummy time. Environmentally friendly high pile adds a touch of luxury, no odor, not easy to fade and not easily contaminated by dust.
  • Easy Clean: We recommend to vacuum the rug regularly to reduce potential sheds and dust, or you can hand wash the dirty area without worrying about color fade. Do not use bleach. In order to make transportation convenient, our carpet packaging is well folded and compressed, so when you unpack the package, it will be a little thinner than the original thickness, and it will not so flat on the floor, but it will return to normal after 3-5 days.
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BSTLUV Large Modern Shag Rugs for Bedroom,6×9 Area Rug,Soft Plush Geometric Carpet,Big Shaggy Fluffy Rugs for Living Room,Office,Dorm,Classroom,Boys,Kids Room,Fuzzy Thick Fur Rug,Dark Grey and White

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

Color Dark Grey / White
Size 6 x 9 Feet

Valenrug 6×9 Area Rugs – Stain Resistant Lightweight Washable Rug, Anti-Skid Rugs for Living Room, Boho Persian Area Rug(Grey, 6'x9')

$119.99  out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • Lightweight Washable Rug – Our washable rugs are created to make maintenance a breeze. The area rug is ultra-thin with a 0.25-inch low pile height, spill & stain-resistant, it’s easy to schlep to the washing machine for a deep cleaning when the inevitable "oops" happens.
  • Soft & Comfortable Surface – Expertly woven by machine, the washable rug was made of premium microfiber yarns which made it super soft and comfortable, great for kids and pets activity. It also features a low-fuzz design, suits for high traffic areas such as living room, hall way, dining room or bedroom.
  • Anti-Slip & Foldable – The rug backing was coated with textured TPR to help the rug stay in place, one piece is all, you don’t need to pay for an extra rug pad. The area rug may arrive with some creases, lay it flat on the floor and walk around, the creases will fade within a few days.
  • Elegant & Classic Styles – Stylish and timeless, these antique printed area rugs bring a refreshing boost of color to your home. Medallion, Antique, vintage or traditional, muted or vibrant, you can always find a rug ties your room décor together.
  • Launders Easily – Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust or hair for daily care; Machine wash with cold water on gentle cycle, air dry or tumble dry with no heat setting, do not use beach or iron.

SAFAVIEH Adirondack Collection 8' x 10' Ivory / Silver ADR109C Oriental Distressed Non-Shedding Living Room Bedroom Dining Home Office Area Rug

$480.00
$107.28
 in stock
14 new from $107.28
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • [STAIN RESISTANT & NON-SHEDDING]: Expertly machine-woven from enhanced synthetic durable fibers that are stain resistant and have a virtually non-shedding 0.45-inch thick pile.Construction type:Power Loomed.Avoid Direct sunlight since direct sunlight will cause the colors in your area rug to fade over time
  • [KID AND PET-FRIENDLY]: Safe for everyday indoor high foot traffic and areas more prone to life’s unpredictable messes from kid or pet activity
  • [EASY MAINTENANCE & DURABLE]: Stress-free cleaning includes regular vacuuming and gently blotting out minor stains with a mild detergent or carpet cleaner.Note: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the colors in your area rug from fading over time.
  • [TRUSTED BRAND]: SAFAVIEH has been a trusted brand and leader in home furnishings for over 100 years, using their expertise in crafting trendy high-quality designs; Begin your rug search with Safavieh and explore over 100,000 products today
  • Product Note : Rugs may contain temporary creases upon arrival, allow time for creases to flatten and settle
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Persian Area Rugs 2305 Modern Abstract Area Rug Carpet, Navy / 8 x 10,2305 Navy 8×11

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of April 25, 2024 10:23 pm

Features

  • Actual Dimensions: 7 feet 5 inches Width by 10 Feet 0 inches Length.Construction type:Machine Made
  • STYLISH AREA RUG: Circular designs on this 8×10 transitional area rug give it an abstract flair. Choose colorful hues like turquoise, reds, yellows, or blues. Modern area rugs complement contemporary bedrooms, modern farmhouse living rooms, and trendy dining rooms, its multi-color design matching any atmosphere.
  • LOW MAINTENANCE: Our stain-resistant area rugs 8×11 are safe for kids and easy to clean. Roll out in high traffic areas to add style and flair. Spot clean or vacuum with no-beater bar/rotating brush on areas that need cleaning. Dirt and dust fade away to show bold patterns and lively colors.
  • ART FOR YOUR FLOOR: Persian area rugs 8×11 enhances the look and mood of sitting rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. The abstract geometric design is versatile, bringing eclectic furniture and home décor together to elevate your space.
  • Product Note : Rugs may contain temporary creases upon arrival, allow time for creases to flatten and settle
 

What is carpet?

Carpet is a type of flooring material that is made up of fibers (such as wool, nylon, or polyester) that are tightly bound together to create a soft and resilient surface. Carpet is one of the most popular types of flooring, used in both residential and commercial settings for its comfort, sound-absorbing capabilities, and decorative appeal. Carpet typically comes in two main forms: cut pile and loop pile. Cut pile carpets have cut loops of yarn that stand upright from the backing material, while loop pile carpets feature uncut looped yarns that lay flat against the carpet’s backing.

Factors to consider before buying carpet:

Durability: Invest in carpet that is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life. Consider factors such as how much traffic your home or office receives, as well as whether or not you have pets that may claw or chew on the carpeting.

Cleanliness: Carpeting can trap dirt and allergens, so look for products that are easy to clean and maintain long-term. Some carpets are specially treated with stain resistance in order to help keep them looking like new longer.

Comfort: When selecting a type of carpet, consider the level of comfort it will provide when people walk on it barefoot. Soft, plush carpets often feel luxurious underfoot but may not be the best choice if you have pets that might scratch or claw at them.

Style: Take into consideration both the color and pattern of the carpet when making your decision. The right design can bring a room together and make it look more stylish, so choose something that complements the existing furniture in your home or office.

Cost: Carpeting can range from very affordable to quite expensive depending on the type and quality you select for your home or office space. Set a budget before you begin shopping so you know how much money you’re willing to spend on flooring.

Installation: Consider what kind of installation will be required for your new carpeting – professional installation may cost more, but it often provides a better result. Be sure to factor in the cost of installation when deciding which type of carpet is best for your needs.

Reviews: Do some research online to read reviews from previous customers who have purchased similar types of carpets. This can help you make an informed decision about what will work best for your home or office space and budget.  Good luck with your carpet shopping!

Padding: Don’t forget about padding! Quality cushioning can make all the difference in terms of comfort and durability, so be sure to invest in a good padding material as well as quality carpeting. With the right combination, you’ll be able to enjoy your new flooring for many years to come.

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Maintenance: Consider the amount of maintenance that will be required in order to keep your carpet looking its best. Vacuuming and spot cleaning regularly can help extend the life of your carpets, as well as protect them from dirt and allergens. Additionally, professional steam cleaning or shampooing every few months is recommended.

Warranty: Look for a manufacturer’s warranty on your carpet, which usually covers fading or staining for a certain period of time after installation. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything does happen to the flooring, you are covered!

Benefits of carpet:

  1. Carpet provides warmth, comfort and insulation – Carpets help to make any room homely and cosy by insulating against cold floors and reducing noise levels from outside or other rooms in the house.
  2. They can improve indoor air quality – Carpets trap dust particles and other allergens, making them a great choice for people with allergies or asthma.
  3. Easier to clean than hard flooring – Spills on carpets are easier to clean up compared to hard flooring that require scrubbing or mopping which can be labor intensive.
  4. Cost effective – Carpet is an inexpensive option when it comes to choosing a floor covering as they have a much lower cost than hard flooring such as wood or stone.
  5. Variety of designs and colors – Carpets come in a variety of colors, styles and textures making them ideal for any interior space. They can create an inviting atmosphere for guests or family members.
  6. Durable and long lasting – Carpet often lasts up to 15 years with proper care which makes it a great investment overall when considering other flooring options.
  7. Feel softer underfoot – The softness of carpet provides comfort for your feet, helping to reduce fatigue from standing for too long on hard surfaces like tile or hardwood floors.
  8. Increased safety – Carpet is less likely to cause slipping as compared to slippery surfaces like tile or hardwood. This makes it a great option for households with young children or elderly family members who are more prone to slips and falls.

Pros and Cons of carpet:

Pros:

– Carpets add warmth and comfort to any room. It helps create a cozy atmosphere and is great for kids as it is soft and very comfortable to walk on.

– Carpet provides sound absorption which helps reduce noise levels, making your home a more peaceful environment.

– Carpets can help insulate the room from temperature fluctuations, keeping the area cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

– Carpet offers improved air quality since fibers trap dust particles, pollen, and other allergens that might otherwise be airborne in the home. This makes carpet especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.

– With proper maintenance, carpets can last up to 20 years or longer if taken care of properly.

Cons:

– Carpet can be difficult to clean, especially if there are pet stains or heavy soiling. It requires regular vacuuming and may need professional cleaning depending on the level of staining.

– Carpets can also be hard to maintain in high traffic areas as they tend to show wear and tear more easily than other flooring materials. Additionally, spills must be cleaned up quickly before they leave a permanent stain.

– Carpets are susceptible to mold and mildew growth when exposed to excess moisture, which is why it’s important to keep a room well ventilated and vacuum regularly.

Types of carpet:

  1. Cut Pile Carpet: This type of carpet has a plush, luxurious look and feel because the fibers are cut at an angle in loops that create texture on the surface. It is very comfortable to walk on and it hides dirt and footprints well.
  2. Loop Pile Carpet: This type of carpet is made up of uncut fibers that form looped piles which are even across the entire surface. The fibers can be made from wool or manmade materials like nylon or polyester, resulting in different textures and looks.
  3. Combination Pile Carpet: As the name implies, this type of carpet combines cut pile with loop pile to create an interesting pattern with varying heights and colors. The combination of the two piles creates a more durable carpet, which is great for high traffic areas.
  4. Frieze Carpet: This type of carpet has long fibers that are twisted and curled which gives it a bumpy texture and look. The extra twist in the fibers makes it more resistant to crushing so it’s ideal for busy households with pets and kids.
  5. Saxony Carpet: This type of carpet has a smooth, even surface made up of cut threads that are densely packed together. It comes in solid colors or slightly blended hues, giving an elegant look to any room.
  6. Velvet Carpet: This type of carpet is thick and plush, making it perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. It is made up of tightly twisted yarns that create a soft, velvety texture and come in solid colors.
  7. Berber Carpet: This type of carpet has threads made from natural materials like sisal or wool which make it extremely durable and stain resistant. The fibers are looped, giving it a unique flecked pattern that can be created with different colors for a unique look.
  8. Patterned Carpet: This type of carpet comes in a variety of designs and patterns ranging from geometric shapes to oriental motifs. It’s great for creating an eye-catching effect in any room with its intricate design.
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How to use carpet?

  1. Vacuum the carpet before use: Before using your carpet, make sure to vacuum it with a good quality vacuum cleaner. This will help remove dirt, dust, and other debris that could interfere with the use of your carpet.
  2. Prepare the area where you want to place your carpet: Before laying down the carpet, make sure to prepare the area where you want to place it by clearing away any furniture and other items that might be in the way. You’ll also want to ensure that the surface is clean and free from any debris or substances that could damage your carpet.
  3. Measure and cut your carpet according to size: Measuring and cutting your carpet is essential for getting a fit that is perfect for your space. Measure the area where you plan to place the carpet and mark it with a pencil, then cut the carpet according to your measurements.
  4. Lay down the carpet: Once you have measured and cut your carpet, lay it out in its intended area. Make sure that all edges are even and use some heavy-duty glue or double-sided tape to secure them in place. You can also use nails or staples if necessary.
  5. Give it time to settle: After laying down your new carpet, make sure to give it some time to settle into place before walking over it or placing any furniture on top of it. This will ensure that its fibers are properly adjusted and will preserve its shape and longevity.
  6. Take care of your carpet: Once you’ve laid down your carpet, take the time to properly maintain it. Vacuum it regularly, use a mild detergent to clean up any spills and stains, and make sure that there are no loose threads or fibers before using it again. Taking these simple steps will ensure that your carpet stays in tip-top shape for years to come!

Common mistakes when using carpet

1) Using the wrong vacuum cleaner: Carpet fibers are delicate and need to be treated gently. If you use a vacuum with a rotating brush, it could damage the fibers and cause premature wear. The best option is a canister vacuum or upright vac with a soft-dirt brush.

2) Not vacuuming regularly: It’s important to vacuum your carpet at least once a week to keep dirt from building up in the fibers. This will help keep it looking good for longer and will make it easier to clean stains when they happen.

3) Using the wrong cleaning solution: Make sure you’re using the right cleaning solution for your carpet. A lot of people use dish soap or laundry detergent, but these solutions can actually damage the fibers! The best thing to use is a product specifically made for cleaning carpets like Tide or Downy; just make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle so that you don’t accidentally dry-clean your rug instead of cleaning it!

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4) Not pre-treating stains: Before you start cleaning, it’s important to pre-treat any visible spots or stains. This will help the cleaner penetrate the fibers and lift out dirt more effectively.

5) Using too much water: When cleaning carpets, less is usually more! If you use too much water, it can saturate the carpet and cause it to become moldy or create a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure that you only use enough water to dampen the area before applying the cleaner.

6) Not drying properly: After you’ve finished cleaning your carpet, make sure that you allow plenty of time for it to dry completely before walking on it again or putting furniture back in place. Wet carpets can get moldy or create a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to make sure that it is completely dry before using it again.

7) Not using a protective layer: If you want your carpets to last longer and retain their color, then you should use a protective layer such as Scotchgard or Teflon after each cleaning. This will help protect the fibers from dirt and stains and will make them easier to clean in the future.

8) Over-shampooing: When shampooing carpets, it’s important not to overdo it! Too much shampoo can cause residue buildup which will attract more dirt and make it harder to clean your carpet. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle of shampoo and make sure that you rinse the carpet thoroughly.

9) Not checking for colorfastness: Before cleaning, it’s important to check if the carpet is colorfast. If it isn’t, then the cleaner may cause staining or discoloration of the fibers. The best way to check is by doing a spot test on an inconspicuous area before proceeding with the full cleaning process.

10) Ignoring spills and stains: Spills and stains should be dealt with immediately in order to prevent them from becoming permanent. Try to act quickly when you see a spill so that you can minimize any damage and keep your carpets looking their best!

FAQs:

How long does carpet last?

Carpet is a popular material used in many homes and businesses as floor coverings, and it can last for several years with proper care. The lifespan of carpet depends on several factors, such as the type of material used, the amount of foot traffic in the area, and how well it is regularly maintained. Generally speaking, higher-quality carpets made from nylon or wool tend to last longer than cheaper options like those made from polyester or acrylic fibers. With proper maintenance, a good quality carpet can easily last 8 to 10 years.

How often should carpet be cleaned?

Carpet cleaning is an important part of maintaining a clean, healthy and aesthetically pleasing home. Generally, carpets should be vacuumed regularly – at least once per week – to remove dirt and dust that can accumulate in the fibers. The frequency of deep cleaning your carpet depends on several factors, such as foot traffic in the home and type of carpet. In general, high traffic areas should be cleaned professionally every 12 to 18 months, while low traffic areas may only require professional cleaning every 24 to 36 months. Additionally, if you have pets or young children, carpets should be cleaned more often to reduce allergens.

Conclusion:

With so many factors to consider when purchasing carpet, it can be overwhelming trying to make the best decision for your home. Use this guide as a starting point in your research to help you narrow down your options and find the type of carpet that will work best for your space. Remember to consult with a professional if you have any further questions or need help making a final decision. With a little bit of preparation, you’ll be on your way to enjoying beautiful, new carpet in your home in no time!

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