Choosing The Right Color of Carpet

Choosing carpet color is a very personal choice. Fortunately, or unfortunately for those who have a hard time making up their mind, carpet today comes in virtually any color. If you can't find the exact shade you want, custom dyeing also is an option. Carpet and rugs have become a focal point for interior design, so don't make a hasty decision and don't be afraid to go with a fresh or innovative look.
Select a color that unites the decorative elements and creates the atmosphere you desire. Beige carpet can make a room look spacious, but if you're wanting a bolder statement, look for a common color within the furniture and draperies.
Warm colors can turn up the heat in a room that lacks light, while cool greens and blues have a soothing effect. Lighter colors make a room seem larger while dark colors say "cozy." Also consider that lighter colors of carpet tend to be tougher to clean while medium and dark colors and tweeds often help hide dirt in high traffic areas. However, darker carpets show lint and dust and can make a room seem smaller.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, the national trade association representing the carpet industry, there are some current trends to consider. While some people are choosing more "daring" carpet colors with floral, plaid and horizontal patterns, neutral carpet, especially Berber, is still a very popular choice. Even neutral carpet is becoming more diverse with more textures and patterns to choose from. Many carpet manufacturers are now producing Berbers and sisal look-alikes with a flair of color sprinkled against a neutral background, offering more dimensions. This type of carpet also is good at masking spots and spills. Carpet also is being flecked with many different colors to create a tweed-like appearance. These colors may be tan, beige or cream, but also can incorporate what is being called the "new neutrals" including soft greens, pale yellows and blues.
In general, Americans are making their homes softer and more livable which is translating into more use of neutral colors with strong accents of red, blue and purple. Carpet color can be a foundation or a vibrant focal point. Neutral beige can have a yellow or pink tint and blend with other fabrics. A more vibrant color, such as the blues or greens of water and the environment can be an exciting personal statement. Neutrals also may appear as a peach or other softened ethnic skin tones.
"Interest in colors of various skin tones is evidence of increased acceptance of cultural blending from globalization," according to the Color Marketing Group in their Year 2000 Consumer Color Directory. The Color Marketing Group interprets trends they see in consumer behavior, the economy and other factors, predicting color direction one to three years in advance.
Try browsing through home decorating magazines before carpet shopping. Look at your surroundings and choose a color range that is appealing. Consider the colors of walls, furniture and decorations in the room and how they work together. In general, carpet and wall colors should at least have some contrast in color. Take carpet samples home to get a feel for how the color works with the rest of the room.
Also remember that, depending on your décor, carpet doesn't have to be uniform throughout the house. For instance, fun or whimsical carpets work well in children's rooms and add flair to the overall household.

Color Trends according to BASF Corporation, a top producer of chemicals and related products:

Greens: Green is still a color favorite in many palettes with strong yellow influence. Colors range from clear tones to hazy and smudge versions and are blued, blackened and olive toned. Many greens also are neutralized with gray, brown and orange.

Gray: A trendier color because it allows other colors to be themselves. Most of today's grays are tinted green, black, blue or yellow. Brown: Brown is a coming color and recently has shown strength undertoned with black, red, yellow, violet and orange. Look for lighter and usable browns in the near future.

Orange: Orange is another project color for the future, ranging from peachy to yellowed tones with terra-cotta, a stronger accent color. Paired with blues and greens, orange makes for a warm trendier accent. Orange's main role will be as a strong influence color, undertoning many colors to the warm neutral side.

Blue: Always popular, blues are good companions and can be paired with green, terra-cotta and off-whites. Nature inspired and water influenced blues are increasing in popularity while newer blues are undertoned with violet, silver and black.

Teals: Brighter teals of the 90s have neutralized and become dustier and more livable. Today's teals are undertoned with gray and blue and make good accent colors.

Violet: Violets are grounded in spirituality issues and Asian influences. Purples are becoming dustier and grayer and make good bridges between warm and cool colors, and as an accent color. Violets will be undertoned blue or black as blue grows in popularity.

Red/Pink: Reds, berry and pink colors are a staple in most collections and remain important accent colors. Look for corals, a softer version of the basic red, showing strength. Brown reds and burgundy with strong undertones of blue also could rise in popularity.

Yellow: Yellows have expanded from brighter accents to golds and mustards. Yellow continues to be a strong influence color and will move more to orange-golds, camels and coppered-golds.

Metallics: Metals remain important but are beginning to show less sheen. Copper has emerged and looks trendy in brushed versions. Stainless steel and pewter also are popular and softened to complement the more monochromatic and softer direction of the palette.