Interior designers are quick to sell us the idea that luxury carpet is synonymous with durability. But just because a particular carpet is expensive, that doesn’t make it ideal for well-trod living areas where family members often come and go. Can cheap carpet work in high-traffic areas? It’s very possible. More important than the brand or price tag is the carpet itself — the content, the colour, and the weight — when determining if it’s the right fit for your home.

The content

The first thing to consider when looking at a carpet is the fibre it’s made from. While wool is traditionally the carpet of choice for high-traffic areas, it is often twice the price of synthetic fibres. Recent technology means that some man-made materials, such as nylon and polyester can be just as durable as natural fibres at a fraction of the cost. Nylon is the strongest synthetic carpet and is resistant to mould, mildew, and stains, when treated correctly. Polypropylene, the ‘new kid on the block,’ also cleans well, which is ideal for families with small children, and is colourfast, meaning it won’t fade in those sunny afternoons.

The weight

Another important factor to consider is the weight of the carpet — how many strands of fibers have been woven into each square metre. This affects the softness, appearance and durability, as carpets with low weight will be much thinner, and subject to wear and tear. Thicker carpets will hold up to constant footsteps and won’t crush over time. If you’re looking at carpets for your living room or den, try to get carpets with at least 1500gr/m². Higher-weight carpets will also have longer warranties for day-to-day use than low-weight carpets of less than 800gr/m².

The colour

A carpet colour has to reflect not just your home, but also your lifestyle. A white carpet looks beautiful in a clean, minimalist home, but won’t last long in a house full of small children! Despite the best stain-resistant technologies and carpet cleaners, the best insurance is a carpet that won’t show obvious discolouration. Darker carpets suite rooms with an indoor-outdoor flow prone to smudges from soil and mud, and warm, neutral tones in a dining room can help to hide stains from food spills. Try to get a carpet with varying shades sewn into the fibers, which will hide unfortunate marks far more effectively than a solid block of color.

When it comes to home redecorating or redecorations, you want to do it right the first time. But being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise quality. Cheaper carpets can work in high-traffic areas. Some carpets are just as durable as high-end products if you know what to look out for, and online retailers have made it even easier to track down the carpet that’s fit for purpose. By selecting the carpet fibre, weight and colour that’s right for you, you can find yourself a carpet that will last in any room.