During the pandemic, we may spend more time on them than ever before, so you may now question the condition of the carpet.

Even if they are not worn and well cared for, they may be out of date and need to be replaced with modern alternatives.

But when choosing a rug, where do you start? Do you know the difference between various styles and textures?

Below, our experts recommend some of the most popular gray alternatives to carpet colors-including emerald green (pictured)

We talked to a flooring expert and he explained the difference between loop pile, twisted pile and Saxon pile, and what colors you can choose if you want something different from the grays that have been popular in the past decade.

Jessica Fox of Floor Supermarket said: "When choosing the right carpet for your home, lifestyle and trends, there are several factors to consider, including the right style and feel, the room where the carpet is placed, actual needs, color and Basemap options. 

"There are many things to consider. It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be the case."

There are three styles of carpets. These are loops, twists and Saxon fluff-the fluff that suits you will depend in part on the overall look and feel you want to achieve.

Mrs. Fox explained: "The looped pile carpet refers to the looped carpet that penetrates under the carpet and shuttles up and down again, giving it a loop effect and a tighter, flat appearance.

'Its small pile height is very strong, very suitable for areas with heavy traffic. Loop pile carpets create a neat, uniform appearance and usually require very little maintenance.

At the same time, twist velvet carpets give a more textured appearance. It consists of twisted fibers that pass through the backing and stay in place before starting another. The pile height on these carpets may vary.

“Choose a shorter pile height for a neater look, or a thicker height for a more luxurious finish,” explains Mrs. Fox.

She went on to say that for the super soft texture and two-tone appearance, Saxon fleece is the best choice. This is because it is made in a similar way to twist velvet. The fibers are twisted to stand upright, but the ends of the pile are cut at an angle to create a soft touch.

In addition, for Saxon pile carpets, the color may vary slightly depending on the direction of the pile.

Rachel Clark of Alexander James Interiors agrees that loop rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as corridors and stairs in busy family homes, because of their durability and robust quality. 

She said: "Twist and Saxony plush rugs are ideal for homeowners looking for something soft and comfortable under their feet, especially in the bedroom and living room."

However, if you have furry friends running around, looped carpets are not suitable because your pet’s paws can grab and pull the thread-although regular grooming appointments as much as possible can help avoid any accidents.

Ms. Clark added: “After a long day, when you enter the bedroom with a soft, plush Saxon carpet between your toes, there is no better feeling.” The softer and thicker pile in the bedroom The carpet not only adds a luxurious look and feel, but is also very suitable for sound insulation between the floors of the house.

"The carpets on the stairs not only make the home look more comfortable, but because of their non-slip properties, many people also find them safer."

In addition to choosing the right carpet, you also need to make sure to consider which underlay to match.

Mrs. Fox explained that padding can extend the life of a carpet by up to 50%, thereby reducing noise levels, improving air quality, minimizing heat loss, reducing utility bills, and providing greater comfort.

She said: "Floor mats are made of millions of tiny fibers. They are natural insulators that can absorb cold air passing through the floor to ensure that it does not enter the home."

"As a result, houses naturally become warmer, which means less reliance on energy-intensive heat sources."

The pads have different thicknesses, such as 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm. The thicker the cushion, the higher the insulation level, comfort and noise reduction effect.

In addition to the right carpet, you also need to make sure to consider what kind of mat to match

Ms. Fox explained that nearly a quarter (24.6%) of the floors sold in Flooring Superstore are gray, which reflects trends that have occurred over the past 10 years.

She added: "If you are looking for something different or looking into future trends, other popular carpet color options include ivy and white, neutral colors such as beige or sand, rich chocolate shades, bold blues. Color and jewel tones, especially emerald green.'

'There are new innovations on the market that make sustainable carpets more accessible.

For example, Serene is a new series of environmentally friendly carpets made from recycled products rescued from the ocean.

The two threads-Neptune and Poseidon-are made with ECONYL®, a unique yarn made from recycled nylon fishing nets.

In addition to discarded fishing nets, Serene carpets also incorporate other waste materials recovered from the ocean.

Its eco-textile backing Eco FusionBac is made from recycled PET plastic bottles.

Mrs. Fox said: "The purpose of this series is to give new uses for the waste removed from the ocean, while making the water cleaner and safer."

Finally... Mrs. Fox recommends that you visit the showroom-if possible-to see and feel the carpet with your own eyes, especially if the store has the technology available to help you see what the carpet looks like in different environments.

This is because carpet is a very tactile product, and different thicknesses and colors will look different under different light. 

"Alternatively, you can order samples so that you can check the quality, texture and appearance according to your own home," she concluded. 

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