This post is sponsored by Mohawk Flooring. All opinions are entirely my own and I’m happy to work with a company I trust.
We looked for over two years before finding our dream home. And by “we” I mostly mean me. Finally we found it — nearly everything was perfect except for the maroon carpet with a white floral pattern in the family room. Ugh. We knew that had to go before moving in. The upstairs had off-white carpet that looked fine at first, but with three kids and a dog it didn’t stay that way. After seven years living with the now very stained carpet, we were finally able to replace it. Along the way I learned a few things worth sharing.
Here are my 5 tips to save your sanity when buying new carpet:
- Do your research
Start online to learn about local suppliers and read customer reviews. Visit showrooms and call a few places to compare service and pricing. Through Mohawk’s dealer locator tool I found Carpet Clearance Warehouse and had a great experience from start to finish. The owner walked me through their facility, explained the installation process clearly, and answered all my questions about measurements and materials. Ask friends for referrals — firsthand recommendations are priceless. Also check for sales and promotions; for example, there may be significant discounts on SmartStrand at certain times. - Lay it all out there
Talk with potential installers about the full scope of the job and all fees up front. Carpet is measured in square yards and typically sold in 12-foot widths, which affects seams and installation strategy. Make sure you understand what’s included and what will cost extra. Common fees to clarify:- The carpet itself
- Furniture moving and removal
- Disposal of old carpet
- Subfloor preparation (some surfaces cost more to work over)
- Padding
- Delivery
- Installation
Ask for a final out-the-door estimate including taxes and all charges. What looks like an affordable price in the showroom can increase quickly once additional fees are added.
- Consider where the carpet will be
Choose a carpet style suited to the room’s use. Shag may look cozy but won’t hold up well in high-traffic areas; low-pile carpets can be more practical on stairs and in family spaces. Think about durability for areas that get the most wear and how the carpet will feel underfoot. Carpet has a big impact on a room’s look and feel, so select a style that complements each space’s function and traffic patterns. - Neutrals vs. bold
Decide whether you want the carpet to be a subtle backdrop or a focal point. Neutrals offer flexibility and make it easy to change decor over time, which is a smart choice for main living areas. Bold patterns and colors can work well in smaller, more private rooms like bedrooms where you can make a design statement without overwhelming the space. Consider your long-term decorating plans and how permanent you want the flooring choice to be. - Compare and contrast before you decide
Don’t rush. Flooring is an investment you’ll live with for years. Take samples home and, if possible, request larger pieces — a small swatch can look very different when stretched across a whole room. At the showroom I learned about new carpet technologies like Mohawk’s SmartStrand, which impressed me because many stains can be cleaned with just water while maintaining softness. Bring samples into the rooms where they’ll be installed so you can see how lighting and surrounding colors affect the look. Ask friends and family for opinions, but make the final call based on what fits your lifestyle and tastes. We chose neutral field carpet with patterned stairs and a plusher option for bedrooms, and the results were exactly what we hoped for.
Have any other sanity-saving tips? Share them in the comments.