Wall to wall

Yesterday I was at one of my favorite local carpet and rug sources, Home Carpet One, a retail store with a trade program.  I find a lot of overlap here with the stores at the Mart, plus their prices are competitive.  I also love that they will do everything, including take up and install.

I instantly fell for this medallion pattern that somehow avoids being too sweet even though it is basically made up of pink hearts.  'Clovers' By Concepts International...

These color combinations are great, too.

With carpet on my mind, I am compelled to share a few ordering tips:

Request a sample or borrow a few 

Carpet manufacturers will usually send this directly to you, but if that is not an option, take a few home.  Always best to see them in the space.

Schedule a site measure 

For wall to wall carpet, request that the installer measure the space as soon as possible so the estimate is accurate.  (Some companies won't do this until you have placed your order.)  This is especially helpful when you are laying carpet on concrete or tiled floors.  Often, the installer will have to "skim" the floor to smooth it out so the carpet will lay properly.  A necessary step that will cost extra and should be planned for in andvance so it does not hold up the job.

Then, once you have placed your order...

Request a strike-off

(This is sample of the actual goods they are going to install)  

Dye lots vary, especially for natural materials like wool, and you want to be sure you get what you want.  The carpet will usually work even if the color it is slightly different.

Request a seaming diagram

(This is a floor plan of the room showing where the seams in the carpet will land)  

If the room is wider than the carpet (standard is around 12'), there will have to be seams.   Ask them to  run the carpet in the most cost-effective way. However, sometimes that will mean a seam running through a noticeable, high traffic location, OR will change the direction of the pattern (say, a stripe) and it may be worth spending a little more for a more discreet seam or desired pattern.  

Request a seaming sample

(This is a sample of the carpet sewn together) 

If the goods are narrow or the room is very large and you may have a lot of seams.  Seams should be discreet and often will disappear.  If the product does not seam well, you may consider re-selecting.

Paint, Install Carpet, Touch up Paint

It is much easier paint a space, especially baseboards, before the carpet is installed.  If this is a high traffic area, ask the installer or your contractor to protect the installed carpet with paper, and bring the painter back for touch up work as needed.

Stick around and supervise

If you don't have a decorator who can oversee the work for you, try and resist the temptation to have work done in your home while you are away.  Things always go wrong, even with the best planning, and it is much easier to correct any problem or miscommunication before the carpet is installed.

Most importantly, always ask if something looks off and don't worry about being high-maintenance (though always be gracious).  You are the one who is going to live with the carpet and you will get better service if they know you are paying attention.  

Xox,

Jenny