How to Choose a Carpet Color

The color of a carpet can change the feel of an entire room.

Adding new carpet to a room can change its appearance drastically. The color and texture of a carpet is a big part of this. It's important to consider carpet color carefully, because after it is installed, there is no easy way to turn back and change your mind right away. There are several things you can do to become confident about choosing the right carpet color.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Credit card

Instructions

1. Make a note of the furniture, drapery and wall colors present in the room now, or which will be present in the room after you finish decorating. The carpet color you choose should either match or compliment these colors and match the general ambiance you wish to create. For example, if you have light oak or walnut pieces and want the room to feel very bright and airy, you can choose a light colored carpet---for a nautical feel choose a light sea-blue.

2. Look at photos of rooms with the carpet color you are considering. Buy some decorating magazines or look online. This helps you get a better idea of what particular carpet colors look like in actual rooms.

3. Purchase samples from a carpet dealer. You can buy these online and have them shipped to you for a small fee if you do not have a carpet retailer close to you. You'll normally need a credit card to purchase these (if they are free samples, you will still have to pay for shipping). You can place these samples near other items in the room to get a better idea of how the room would look with that color.

4. Choose a carpet color suitable for your lifestyle. If you have a lot of young children and/or pets, for example, a pale cream or white carpet in a high-traffic room is probably a bad idea---it will show dirt and stains very quickly. Likewise, remember you do not have to choose one color for the entire house---each room can have its own color of carpet, depending on the purpose and ambiance of the room.

5. Keep colors soothing in areas meant for relaxing. Soothing colors include shades of blue, green, brown, and even pink, according to the color personality chart at stainmasters.com (See Reference 1).

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid color patterns, opting for a neutral, solid color, unless you are absolutely sure you will not tire of the pattern. Also, remember that a carpet containing several colors rather than a solid color will make a room feel "busier" and you'll need to tone down all other decorations to keep a sense of order in the room.

References

• Stain Master: Color Personalities