Where to buy carpet?

[fishseddy]

I've only ever had wooden floors, but in my new house I'm going to have carpet on the first and second floors-it's a fairly large area to cover.

I'd like something light and neutral, probably wool in a 'loop' design.

Looking online I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choice...did you get yours from somewhere like John Lewis or carpet right who sort the fitting out too? Or buy cheaper and arrange fitting separately?

I don't want to skrimp but we are spending loads of money on this house and it's rapidly running out, so don't want to overpay either!!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

We've carpeted in Auckland Berber by carpet right. When we needed more we bought it from Big Warehouse Sale, it's an exact match and 2/3rds the price. We fitted it ourselves but it doesn't look great so wish we'd paid for a fitter

My parents always use carpet right. Their fitters have got a 'Which' or 'Good Housekeeping' (I can't remember which) award.

There isn't one near me so I use an independent shop locally. When they fitted (not carpet) one of my bathrooms they did a fabulous job, when they did the second one they did an absolutely rubbish job!!

My M&D's house has all been done by carpet right and looks great so I would shop there if I could.

Yes. John Lewis. Might not be the cheapest but excellent quality. Cheaper than similar brands we looked at. I would not know how to arrange fitting separately. They measure, give you a quote based on your carpet choice and underlay and then they arrange the fitting, It's a hassle not to do it like this. Who would measure? Most shops are one stop for all your requirements.

By the way, I really would not have a loop design. (Been there and it wasn't good). It pulls. The loops come out of shape and can flatten. We now have high quality velvet cut on the landing and where needed. It is luxurious and hard wearing at the same time. It looks perfect after many years. It is what hotels use and they use it for a reason!

Thanks so much, that's really useful...John Lewis and carpet right were the two I've been looking at so will stick with those for now!

Gah that is so disheartening about the loop carpets!!! Although it kind of makes sense as I have some loop rugs that have gone that way... @BubblesBuddy How is your Auckland Berber holding up? That's just the kind of thing I'm after, it looks gorgeous!

We have the John Lewis 65 oz velvet carpet. Not sure we have Aukland Berber carpets anywhere!

I would advise using a local independent. They usually have their own fitters. In my experience, they are significantly cheaper than both Carpetright and John Lewis. You can usually find some online reviews.

I'd go local independent too. It is definitely worth paying for proper fitting which is a relatively small cost compared with the cost of the carpet itself.

Fitting carpet is one of those jobs that looks fairly simple until you try to do it yourself!

I would never use Carpetright again. For us they were dreadful. Cocked up everything and very difficult to get hold of on the phone. Their fitters were not good either, they also left an unholy mess, with glue on walls and units, god knows how. Have a look at their online reviews. I wish I had before I used them.
I now use a local independent company, much better service and he price is comparable if not cheaper. And they clear up after themselves.

We used John Lewis and got one of their special buy carpets that they have in at sale time, we are very pleased with it and the fitting.