Remember that you are going to use your carpet every day and it will last a long time, so it is worth taking a bit of time and trouble to ensure you make the right decision. When selecting a carpet consider the following:

Suitability - How much wear will it receive? Always look for the Quality Mark - your assurance that the suitability claim is valid.

Decoration - Are you matching the carpet to a particular scheme and, indeed, what are your future decorating plans? Remember to choose the carpet first and install it last!

Style and design - Do you want a plain carpet, patterned carpet, one with texture, a border?

Longevity - How long do you reasonably expect your carpet to last?

Budget - How much can you spend? Don't forget to include the cost of fitting and underlay and other materials.

Having answered these questions, you are ready to buy. When you do, always remember to:

Get your room professionally measured.

Ask your retailer for a sample and take it back home to see it in your own environment and in your own natural light.

Buy new underlay. It will prolong the life of your carpet by up to forty per cent. Always ensure that you buy a quality underlay such as Seventh Heaven by Tredaire.

Always have your carpet fitted professionally and buy from a Flooring Specialist. Don't be fooled by offers of 'free fitting'. Fitting is a craft and you will certainly be paying for it somewhere! You can also be misled by terms such as 'Registered Specialist' from the Carpet Foundation. This means that a retailer has paid a fee to be included on the list.

Buy the best carpet you can afford. As with everything else, you only get what you pay for and carpet is no exception.