It’s been quite some time since you’ve bought new carpeting for your home, and it is starting to show. What was once soft and stain free is no longer. It’s time you replaced the carpeting, and while there are many factors to consider from pile cut to fiber to performance rating, the one that has got you stumped is color. You know you don’t want white or black carpeting, but beyond that, you have no idea.

Carpeting can be costly, and once you purchase it and arrange to have it installed, there’s usually no turning back. You’re stuck with the color you selected, so it better be right.

Here are some tips to help you through the color dilemma.

What is the size of the space? Generally, lighter colors open up a space, while darker colors close it in, making for a cozier feel. While dark colored carpeting will hide more stains, it could make your small spaces appear even smaller.

How much traffic does the space receive? While lighter colors are more easily soiled than darker colors; darker colors will show dust and lint. If the room(s) where you are replacing the carpet receives a lot of use, you might want to consider a color in the medium range to minimize the appearance of dust, dirt and lint.

What is the purpose of the space? Bright-colored carpeting might prove a real distraction in a room intended for work or relaxation such as a home office or bedroom. It might do wonders, however, in a playroom or workout space, adding to the energetic feel.

How is the space designed? If you are satisfied with the design and plan to live with it for a long time to come, you might want to choose carpeting that will enhance it, such as an Oriental patterned carpet for an Asian-inspired dining room.

If, on the other hand, you like to change things up, then you might to opt for a neutral colored carpet. That way, you won’t have to worry about designing around the carpeting. You can just add an Oriental rug on top and switch it out when ready.

What kind of flow do you want to create in the space? Some people want a continuous flow from room to room, and flooring is one of the best ways to create this.

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting throughout your home and you want to keep the flow continuous, stick to one color like tan or gray to create a neutral backdrop. Just make sure the color you select varies somewhat from that of the walls and furniture, else you will end up with one big box.

Most importantly, what color do you like? It won’t matter how attractive that silvery gray carpet looks in your home if you hate it. Choose a color that appeals to you that you can live with for a long time to come.

Take home samples and review them at various times of the day in different types of light to get a real sense of how they will look in your home. What looks like an elephant gray at the store may look more like a pewter in your home.

Know what you are getting and choose the color of carpeting that will best serve your needs today and for many tomorrows to come.

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