When decorating your dining room, an area that often gets overlooked is the flooring. While most people focus their attention on the table and chairs, the carpeting is just as important for creating the right ambiance. The carpets you select for your dining room should complement your existing decor and withstand high traffic. Follow this guide to pick out the perfect dining room carpets.
Consider Your Design Style
Your dining room carpeting should match the overall style of the space. For traditional dining rooms, look for sculpted patterns in neutral colors like beige or brown. Florals and oriental styles also work well. Contemporary and modern dining rooms can handle bolder solid colors, geometric patterns, or even a vivid crimson or royal blue. Measure the room and visualize how potential carpets will look before visiting carpet stores.
Evaluate Carpet Fibers
Dining room floors deal with more than just foot traffic. Spills are inevitable during meals, and chair legs can snag delicate fabrics. The best dining room carpets are made from synthetic fibers like nylon or olefin that resist stains and crushing while still providing comfort underfoot. Wool is another smart yet durable option. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s wear rating as well. The higher the rating, the better the carpet will hold up.
Consider Carpet Pile Height
Pile refers to the length of the fibers that make up carpeting. For dining rooms, a medium or low pile is ideal. Deep shag carpets show every footprint and are difficult to clean. They also make it hard to push in chairs. A lower pile with tightly packed fibers hides soil better. Level loop piles are versatile and trackless. Textured saxony piles add subtle interest. Find a pile height that balances durability with the look you want.
Select a Carpet Pad
While the carpet itself matters, don’t neglect the pad underneath. The right pad improves comfort and extends the carpet’s lifespan. Ask about dense prime urethane pads made specifically for dining rooms. Prime urethane foam resists crushing and provides excellent insulation. Bonded urethane with a jute backing also performs well. A pad with antimicrobial product protection will prevent mold and odor issues.
Calculate Carpet Costs
Dining room carpets come in a wide price range based on factors like material, construction, durability ratings, pattern intricacy, and padding quality. Generally, you can expect to spend $2-6 per square foot installed. Measure your space carefully, allowing enough carpet to fit under the outer edges of your table with room to pull out chairs. Purchase an extra 10% to allow for pattern matching and waste.
Ask About Carpet Warranties
Even quality dining room carpets eventually show dirt, stains, and other signs of wear. Check manufacturer’s warranties before purchasing. Many carpets come with limited lifetime stain, soil, wear, and static warranties of 10 years or more. Be sure to keep your sales receipt and follow all carpet care recommendations to avoid voiding coverage.
Get Professional Installation
Proper installation is key to getting the most out of your new dining room carpet. DIY carpet laying often goes awry resulting in visible seams, buckling, and short lifespans. Hire professional installers to handle seaming, stretching, matching patterns, trimming edges, and attaching the carpet pad. Ask about removing old carpets as well. The small added cost is worth it for carpets that look flawless and last.
Maintaining Your Carpets
Once your dining room has that picture-perfect carpet, keep it looking its best. Vacuum high traffic lanes daily, clearing away dirt before it works down into the fibers. Spot clean food spills right away with a damp cloth. Consider placing washable area rugs under and around the table to protect sections prone to chair scratches and stains. Professionally steam clean carpets once a year. Avoid rubber or plastic pad backs on chair and table legs that discolor carpets. With proper care, your dining room carpets can stay beautiful for over a decade.
With some smart shopping strategies, finding the perfect carpets for your dining room is easy. Evaluate your personal style, measure accurately, read warranties carefully, and don’t cut corners with installation. The right carpets will elevate your space into a warm, welcoming spot for family meals and dinner parties alike for years to come.
We at Pay As You Go Carpets offer the best selection of carpets for the dining room. The best thing about buying carpets from us is that you can pay weekly for them. There is no need to spend a lot of money upfront. You can buy them without a down payment. We let you pay weekly for just £10. Go ahead and browse through the selection of carpets we have.