What to know before you buy - Beaulieu of Australia Pty Ltd

What to know before you shop

Carpet shopping should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

The good news? You don’t need to be an expert. With a handful of decisions made before you walk in, your trip to the store becomes the fun part, where you get to see, feel and choose the carpet that’s right for your home. Here’s your simple checklist.

1. Know how each room is used

Before you shop, take a mental walk through your home and think about what each space is really for. There’s no single right answer here — it really comes down to how you use the room day-to-day.

Bedrooms — often where comfort matters most. If you’re usually barefoot or lying on it, a soft, plush feel underfoot tends to be a priority.
Living room or TV room — usually higher traffic, with plenty of lounging (and the odd spilled snack). A balance of softness and everyday durability is generally worth looking for.
Home office — flooring experts often recommend a slightly firmer, denser carpet for spaces with daily desk use. Pro tip: A chair mat placed under your desk is also worth considering; it helps protect the carpet fibres from repeated wear.
Studio or rumpus room — if it’s a multi-purpose space for kids, hobbies or guests, durability and easy cleaning often matter more than plush softness.

Keeping in mind how you live in each space and what the requirements of each room are will help the retailer to guide you to a suitable carpet that will handle the level of everyday living you need.

2. Consider everyone’s needs – even fur babies

Everyone in your home deserves the very best from your choice of carpet. Our carpets are made with advanced technologies, making them the best choice for all family members, even those with special requirements.

Pets — if you’ve got a furry family member, it’s worth looking at carpets that are easy to clean and resist staining, so shedding, scratching or the odd accident are simple to manage. Check out our Pet-friendly carpets
Kids — with little ones around, a bit of extra durability and stain resistance can help your carpet keep looking great through spills, crawling and everyday play. Check out our carpets designed for families
Allergies or asthma —If anyone in your household experiences allergies or sensitivities, it’s worth exploring carpets designed with features and technologies that help minimise and manage common indoor triggers. Check out our carpets designed for sensitivities

Budget for the full picture

You don’t need an exact number in mind, and you certainly don’t need to be a pricing expert; that’s what your retailer is there for. Having a general sense of what you’re comfortable spending helps a retailer guide you efficiently, so let them talk you through the details.

Generally speaking, your budget should allow for these three components of the job:

The carpet itself
Underlay
Installation

When all three are considered together, you’re investing in the whole feeling underfoot, not just the colour you fell in love with, but comfort that feels every bit as good as it looks, for years to come.

Get your measurements sorted

If you happen to have a floor plan or even a rough sketch on hand, bring it along to the store. But you don’t need to bring precise measures; this is exactly where your retailer’s expertise comes in.

Most stores offer in-home measurement and advice on installation considerations, so once you’ve narrowed down your options for carpet and underlay, they will sort out the measurements for an accurate quote.

Two small checks make a big difference

Colour is often the first thing that catches your eye when choosing a carpet and it’s easy to fall for a shade on the spot. While you’re considering different shades, try them out in your own space. Just use our Floor Visualiser to see how different shades will look in your space. Then head to store to look at a sample in real life.

Comfort is the second check. Carpets range from a sturdy classic feel to a soft, dense plush feel underfoot. It helps to have a rough sense of what your preferences are, as it helps your retailer narrow the various ranges down for you. The best way to feel the difference is in person. Request samples to take home from your local store so you can see how it holds up to everyday life, how it looks in your room’s different lighting throughout the day and how it works with your existing furniture and style.

Your take-with-you list

Head in store with confidence. Once you’ve tackled these considerations, your retailer will be able to assist with a quick, easy conversation about turning your home into exactly what you pictured.

Download checklist