The gentle touch

Ahome wouldn’t be homely without carpet. Carpet makes it cosy and comfy underfoot, and it’s less draughty and more heat-retentive and sound-absorbing than many other floor coverings. But with so many different types to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin. The carpet’s pile affects its appearance, feel and performance. As a general rule, the more luxurious the carpet is (ie, the longer the pile), the more care it will need to keep it looking good. Choose from twist piles, which have a coarse, rugged finish; velvet piles, which have a smooth, luxurious finish; loop piles, which are similar to natural flooring, such as coir (avoid if you have pets, particularly cats, because of the damage their claws can do); and saxony piles, which have a sensuous feel, but aren’t suitable for heavy foot-traffic areas because of their depth. How a carpet looks, feels and wears also depend on what it’s made of. Without a doubt, a wool carpet is a quality carpet, but wool can be blended with nylon or polypropylene (at least 50% wool is recommended) to improve the carpet’s performance, make it more affordable, or create a special effect.

In the mix: Cluster carpet from natural berber range; 80% wool, 10% nylon, 10% polyester, £29 square metre; Cormar Carpets. Go to www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Luxurious wool: ariel carpet from arcott range; 100% laneve wool, £130 square metre; Flock. see www.flock-living.com

Quirky carpet from natural Style range; 100% wool, £35 square metre; Victoria Carpets. See www.victoria carpets.com

With a twist: Honeysuckle carpet from Bell Twist range; 80% wool 20% nylon, £40 square metre; Brintons. Go to www.brintons.net

Line details: Reed carpet from wellington stripe range; 100% laneve wool, £39 square metre; Ulster Carpets. Go to www.ulstercarpets.com