interior design guide - oxbridge flooring

Interior Design GuideComplimenting your home with colour and carpet

Contents

Interior Design Guide

Oxbridge Flooring was establishedin 1989. Since then we have visited over 33,000 houses so we know a thing or two about carpets and �ooring.

This simple guide will o�er you step-by-step guidance on choosing, preparing andcaring for your carpet to ensure it remainsan attractive part of your home for manyyears to come.

Contents

An introduction to carpet

Basic interior design

Tufted Carpets

Woven Carpets

Wool Carpets

Wool Alternatives

Underlay

Preparing to install

Caring for your carpet

Dealing with stains

Troubleshooting

Our commitment

Page

3

4 - 8

9

10

11 - 12

13

14

15 - 16

17

18

19

19

Helping you to understand..


Carpets are normally taken for granted

by us all but in reality this everyday item

is not quite as simple as it �rst appears.

Carpets begin their life in the design

studio where colours are matched to

create modern or traditional designs

suitable for todays discerning customer.

Once design is complete, the carpet is

woven or tufted (depending on the carpet

type) to produce the �nished product

which passes through rigorous quality

procedures before being delivered to your

home.

Carpets face degrees of use and it is

important to choose the right kind of

carpet for the location or it will wear

poorly. The choice of suitable and

complimentary underlay and accessories

will prolong the life of your carpet and

help it retain its appearance for years to

come.

There are a number of di�erent carpet

options, each constructed with speci�c

bene�ts and qualities. Your Carpet 1st

retailer has a number of years experience

and can provide you expert advice on the

correct carpeting for your purposes, be

it colour, design, texture, �bre, wear or

a combination of all.

There’s much more to carpetthan just colour..

This guide will help you to choose the correct colour, style andconstruction of the perfect flooring for your home.

An Introduction to Carpet

Basic Interior Design


You will need to decide which colours combine well,whether they are toning, harmonious orcomplementary. By getting to grips with the rulesof colour, you can give your room a professionallook.

Primary coloursPrimary colours are three key colours - Red, Blueand Yellow. They cannot be made from any othercolour.

Secondary coloursIf you mix equal amounts of the primary colours, youget the Secondary colours - Purple, Green andOrange.

Red + Yellow = OrangeRed + Blue = PurpleBlue + Yellow = Green

Tertiary coloursIf you mix a primary with a secondary colour, in aratio of 2:1, you get a Tertiary colour. Red-Orange,Blue-Green etc.

Cool versus hotLook at the colour wheel and you will see the lefthand side of the colours are 'warm' or 'hot' and theones on the right are 'cool' or 'cold'.

This is useful when you want to create a mood in aparticular room or need to make your space cosieror lighter.

NeutralsNeutrals are one of the easiest groups of colours,or non-colours to work with. They don't appear onthe colour wheel and include Black, Grey, White andsometimes Brown and Beige. They all go togetherand can be layered and mixed and matched. Noneutral colour will try to dominate over another.

Accent coloursAn accent colour is a colour used in quite smallquantities to lift or to add punch to a colour scheme.

Planning your Colour Scheme

* An accent colour should be in a complementarycolour. It works best if it's a bright, vibrant colour.Accent colours are perfect if you're scared of usingstrong colour - simply add a splash of an accentcolour with a cushion, a vase or a throw.

* Keep most of your room in shades and variationsof one single colour. Choose a number of items ina harmonious colour. Then pick out just a few objectsin an accent colour.

Clashing coloursTo use clashing colours is thought to be a no-no. Atweddings, everyone is worried that the mother ofthe bride will clash with the mother of the groom.But in the home, if they are used carefully, they canlook fantastic.

If they are of equal tonal strength, you can mix themtogether. Don't stop at two, you could try three orfour. But if one is paler or weaker than the rest itwill get lost in the overall scheme.

The Colour Wheel


Using a mood board will give you a direction for yourcreativity, somewhere to crystallise your thoughtsand a way to share your ideas with others.

Begin by choosing your main base colour from thecolour wheel. This might be a colour you particularlylike. Most people are always drawn to a certain colour.Use the colour wheel to look at what colours go withexisting colour items and decide whether to go for atonal, harmonious, or complementary scheme.

Colour schemesFor best results, choose one of the following schemes.

1. Tonal - use just one colour but varying tones of itthroughout a room or use more than one colour butall with the same depth of tone.

2. Harmonious - pick colours next to each other ornear each other on the wheel. These schemesgenerally give a look that's easy to live with and aretranquil and restful.

3. Complementary - or 'contrasting' colours lieopposite each other on the colour wheel.Complementary colours generally inject some lifeinto a scheme, are more daring and will make moreof an impact but might not be so easy to live with.

Create a moodTry using warm, advancing colours in areas whereyou want people to feel welcomed such as livingrooms, dining rooms and halls. You may want tomake your bathroom a relaxing, stress free spa withwatery colours reminiscent of the sea. Or you maywant to nudge your family to get going in the morningand inject some energy with splashes of zesty acidpastels. Take your inspiration from nature.You may want your dining room to be smart andformal for lots of corporate entertaining with navyblue or you may want a relaxed, informal feel whereall the family can relax.

A chic, contemporary bedroom could be conjuredfrom layering neutrals or create a dramatic boudoirwith purples and reds.

Create a Mood

Play around with lighting to create moods for di�erentsituations, for example, romantic, practical, formal,entertaining etc.

Linking rooms with colour

You may have loads of ideas for di�erent colourschemes in each room of your house and be dying togive them all a try. But stop and think of the overalle�ect when all the doors are open and you can seeinto each room. In a smaller house this can tend tolook a bit of a mish-mash.

If you'd like to draw the whole scheme together, choosean overall colour for the entire house and then use itin di�erent ways in each room. Larger houses areslightly more forgiving as long as you pay attention tothe meeting points.

Choose harmonious colours. You could paint one roomblue, the adjacent one a greeny blue, the next purpleetc.

Alternatively stick to one colour but use a di�erenttone of it for each room, for example, going from apale shade of blue to a dark one. This works especiallywell if your rooms open into one another.If one room is wallpapered, try picking out one shadefrom it to paint the next room or use the backgroundcolour of the wallpaper as your base colour.

To unify your whole house, keep all the woodwork thesame colour - preferably white.




The Psychology of ColourEver since man understood �ery red meant dangerand those purple berries were poisonous, colour hasbeen associated with moods and feelings.

The colours used to decorate rooms in a house cana�ect the occupants' moods.

RedAssociated with: danger, passion, energy, warmth, adventure,optimismBest for: dining rooms as it promotes sociable and lively feelings,and stimulates the appetitePitfalls: it can be overpowering and lead to headaches. Eithervary the shade, paint one wall red, or use it for accessories only.Don't use red in a baby's room.

PinkAssociated with: loveBest for: bedrooms as it can be peaceful and restful.Pitfalls: can be appear to be very girlie and sickly sweet. Tocounteract this, introduce hints of dark charcoal or black.

OrangeAssociated with: stability, reassurance, warmth, and is thoughtto aid digestionBest for: living and dining roomsPitfalls: might keep the occupant awake when used in a bedroom.It can make a room look smaller because it's an advancing colour,so make sure the room gets plenty of light.

GreenAssociated with: nature and energy, calming and restful, balance(halfway between red and blue) security, stabilityBest for: bedrooms, living roomsPitfalls: too much green is thought to make people too complacentor too laid back. Inject some red or orange to counteract thesefeelings

BlueAssociated with: calming and soothing; promotes intellectualthought; believed to keep hunger at bay; loyalty, serenity, authority,protection, contemplative.Best for: bedrooms, bathrooms, studiesPitfalls: can look cold and unwelcoming. Make sure it doesn'tlook too chilly by choosing a blue with a warm undertone

YellowAssociated with: sunshine and energy, stimulates the intellectBest for: kitchens, dining rooms or north-facing roomsPitfalls: not very restful for a bedroom. Yellow is thought toenhance feelings of emotional distress

LilacAssociated with: spiritual matters - suggests the misty areabetween the sky and heaven, feminineBest for: bedrooms and bathrooms to create a stress-freesanctuaryPitfalls: can be insipid. Liven it up with black or silver, or both

PurpleAssociated with: creativity, fertility, joy, but also magic, evil, deathand sexBest for: bedroomsPitfalls: can be overpowering

BrownAssociated with: security, stability and very practicalBest for: living roomsPitfalls: introduce a livelier colour for mental stimulation suchas green or blue

BlackAssociated with: death, eccentricity, drama. It's a non-colour thatabsorbs colour and re�ects nothing backBest for: using in moderationPitfalls: depressing - think of all those angst-ridden teenagebedrooms. Use it to temper the sweetness of other sugary colourssuch as pink, but don't use it as a base colour

Feeling intellectual? Try blue...



Nature is one of the most inspiring in�uences whenplanning colour schemes.

If you are lost and uninspired when it comes to�nding the perfect palette to decorate your home,simply look around you. Just like Mother Nature,you can make it work for you.

Flowers are perfect for studying complementary

The most important thing is to look at your chosencolour at all times of day. Pin up a sample and keeplooking at it day and night and under electric light.Fluorescent strip lighting, in particular, will changeits appearance.

• The light in this country is cold and northern, whichmakes colours look dull.

• Work out which direction your room faces. If it'snorth-facing then it's likely not to get much sun andit will probably feel cold. Shades from the cool sideof the colour wheel will make it look even colder, sowarm it up with cosy tones.

• A south-facing room will get lots of light. If youwant it to look sunny choose warm shades, althoughthese might be overpowering in the full glare of thesun. To keep the room light and airy, choose coolshades.

• If your room is dark and dingy, painting it brilliantwhite won't help. White without light looks grey.

• Overhead lighting makes colour look flat. Tryusing a dimmer and lots of ambient lighting.

• A pale neutral may look washed out in strongdaylight or arti�cial light - try a more intense shade.

• Halogen bulbs give a truer representation ofcolour than ordinary tungsten ones.

Light and Colour

Natural Inspiration

colours. Look at the delicate mauve of a crocus bulbpaired with its opposite colour of vibrant yellow on itsstamens, or consider the vibrant red berries nestlingbeside a glossy, green holly leaf.Leaves

Nature demonstrates how a toning scheme never needsto be dull. Think of the several di�erent shades of greenleaves, grass and trees beautifully co-existing.

If you want a harmonious colour scheme, study themyriad shades of golden yellow and russet reds slowlyturning into copper on an autumnal day, or look at agarden border to see how the pinks of lupins graduateinto the bluey mauves and purples of delphiniums andfoxgloves. Clashing colours may also brighten manygarden borders.

Use beach in�uences, copy the perfect neutrals of slategrey pebbles mixed with the muted browns and caramelsof driftwood and sand.



To make a room appear larger

• Choose colours from the cool end of the colourwheel.

• Paint all surfaces the same colour.

• Keep �ooring dark and walls light , the �oor spacewill appear to expand.

• A low ceiling will appear higher if painted a lightershade than the walls or put some mouldings up andpaint them a darker shade than the ceiling.

• Use the deepest tone of colour near to the floorand the lightest shade on the ceiling. This will givethe illusion of space. Try it the other way around tosee how a room can be made to look smaller.

• Large pieces of furniture will appear smaller ifthey are the same colour as the walls.

• A small room doesn't have to be painted in lightcolours. Emphasise its cosiness by painting it amidnight blue or deep red.

Tricks with Colour

To make a room appear cosier

• Choose colours from the warm side of the colourwheel.

• A sunny yellow will 'heat up' a room, but don't gooverboard, complement it with a white ceiling andwoodwork to keep it looking fresh.

• A warmer shade used on the ceiling will bring theheight of a room down and make it feel cosier.

• When using bright colours such as orange and red,remember to maintain balance by keeping the �oorand carpet neutral.

Other tricks

• The far end of a long corridor will seem closer ifpainted in a darker shade.

• In a long corridor-like room, paint the two, shorterend walls in a slightly darker shade to make the roomappear squarer .

A few simple changes to the colour scheme in a room can make it appear more spacious or cosy.

There are plenty of tricks with colour that can be used to enhance the size of rooms in a house. Careful useof colour can o�er a simple, but e�ective, way of making a home feel more cosy.

Follow these design rules to transform an existing living space into a dream home:



With the advances in technology, 95% of all carpetproduced today is tufted. A roll of tufted carpet canbe produced in an hour that would take 8 hours toweave. Hundreds of yarn-threaded needles arepushed through the backing fabric to form the loopsof a tufted carpet, which may be left as loops or cut.A secondary backing is usually glued on for extrastrength and stability. A wide variety of styles andtextures can be then created using varioustechniques.

Berber

Berber carpets are similar in appearance to thethick woollen carpets made by the Berber tribes ofNorth Africa and Asia. The loopy structure is madefrom thick or bulky yarns of wool, nylon,polypropylene or a blend of these �bres to give acushioned e�ect. Berber carpets are available in avariety of colours and can be either level loop ormultilevel loop.

Level Loop

A very �exible and durable carpet is produced whenall the loops are created the same height giving avery natural casual appearance even thoughcommonly made from synthetic �bres. The tightloop texture tends to disguise marks and thereforemakes a loop carpet and ideal blend of luxury andpracticality.

Multilevel Loop

With a surface texture of varying loop heights creatingan informal random appearance, multi - level loopcarpets are very forgiving when it comes to marksand stains making them ideal for high tra�c areasand busy family rooms.

Freize

Freize (pronounced fre-say) carpets are similar intexture to a saxony, but the yarns are more tightlytwisted and should always be heat set. The denselypacked, low pile surface creates a coarse pebblytexture which is both durable and good at hiding marksand stains making a very good carpet for high tra�careas and family rooms.

Saxony

Saxony carpets are made of twisted yarns which shouldbe heat set. Rather than blending together the tipsremain very distinct forming a very elegant �nish.Saxony textures have a tendancy to to show footprintsand vacuum marks and are therefore more suitablefor occasional rooms in the home.

Twist

The popular twist textured carpet is the cut-pilestandard. The carpet yarn is tightly twisted and oftenheat set to retain this texture. The result is a versatile�nish ideal for plain colours.

Velvet

Velvet carpets, sometimes called ‘velour’ or ‘plush’all have a level surface pile of approximately 5 - 10mm depth which is then sheared to give a very �ne�nish. With very little twist in the yarn the ends of the�bres blend together further enhancing the smoothappearance. Velvet carpets tend to show footprintsand vacuum marks and ‘shade’ with heavy use causingthe carpet to look di�erent because of the lightre�ecting o� it. Velvets are a luxury for occasionalrooms.

Tufted Carpets

Loop Pile

Cut Pile

click to view or buy






Carpet Types Explained

Shag Pile

When some of the pile is cut to form a tuft and someleft as loops a variety of surface patterns and texturesis created. This multi - level surface is excellentfor hiding footprints and marks making a cut andloop pile carpet ideal for heavy tra�c areas andgeneral purpose rooms in the home.

Cut and Loop

Shag pile carpetshave had variedpopularity. The pilecan be up to 50mmlong and thestructure of thecarpet is very casualand loose but thesurface �attenseasily and lacksdurability.

Bonded

Bonded carpets, sometimes called ‘�bre bonded’ or‘fusion bonded’ are created by �ring �bres into andadhesive backing material - the �bres are not stitchedinto the backing in anyway. The technique is primarilyused for commercial carpets.

Woven carpets are in a tiny minority of today’sproduction but are some of the �nest carpetsproduced and are used for prestigious installations.

Axminster

The pile of the carpet is woven into the backing andthen cut to length creating a ‘u’ shaped tuft to givea velvety surface �nish. The weaving process locksin the yarn to create a highly durable carpet as wellas a luxury feel.

Wilton

Wilton carpets are produced in a similar way toaxminsters - the main di�erence being that acontinuous yarn is woven all the way through. Thecarpet pile is then sheared to create a range of cutand loop pile textured e�ects. The resulting carpet ishigh quality and extremely durable.

Flat Weave

Manufactured in the same way as a wilton, �at weaveis a loop pile which allows the yarn to be woven acrossa wider area to create a �atter more textured �nish.

Tufted Carpets

Woven Carpets

The process allows for intricate designs and coloursto be used although modern tastes for plain carpetshave reduced the demand for patterned carpets.



Throughout history wool carpets have had thereputation for quality. As a �bre wool is known forthe excellent appearance retention and pressurewithstanding qualities. The very best wool for carpetmanufacture is ‘strong’ wool from sheep breedsfound in Britain and New Zealand

100% Wool or 80/20 - 80/10/10 wool rich

Man made �bres are no match for wool . Naturallysuperior in both strength and performance there isno need to blend with other �bres to improve it.Manufacturers choose to use synthetic �bres withinthe yarn blend for a number of reasons. Theseinclude �bre �exibility, dyeing, heat setting, stainresistance, durability and cost. These wool richblends o�er industry standard carpets which performwell in the home.

The Bene�ts of Wool Carpet

Practical

Strong and resilient - A wool carpet will providesuperior performance for many years as it can o�erunique resilience and long lasting durability. The

As a natural �bre, wool has an inbuilt resistance tosoiling due to it’s natural oils and the microscopicscales on the outer surface of yarn. As a resultadditional anti - soil treatments are unnecessary.Simply vacuuming the carpet will keep it looking goodand whilst wool initially repells spills, prompt andcomplete blotting with white paper towels or anabsorbant cloth is advised and will address manyhousehold spills.

Comfort

Soft and warm - Naturally warm and luxuriousunderfoot wool carpet is a natural insulator improvingheat retention and the energy e�ciency of the home.

Peace and quiet - Wool carpet absorbs sound andcushions the home against echo and room to roomnoise transfer.

Wool Carpetsnaturally occuring crimp in the wool �bre providesautomatic ‘bounce’ so pile compression is reducedmaintaining the appearance of the carpet for manyyears.

Easy Care



Carpet Fibres Explained

Fire retardent - Wool is naturally �re resistant, hasa slow ignition rate and tests show that it is selfextinguishing within seconds. It meets many safetyregulations without additional treatments and forthis reason is favoured in contract locations for thisreasons

Safety

Fall friendly - Carpet cushions and provides a softer�oor which protects against serious injury causedby falls in the very young or elderly.

Indoor environment - With a complex physical andchemical structure wool is a natural ‘smart’�brehelping create a balanced atmosphere in the home.It breathes and absorbs humidity in the air, releasingit when the atmosphere becomes dry and helpsimprove air quality by absorbing airborne toxins inindoor air.

Anti - allergy - The minute scales on the wool �bressurface grab hold of dust particles until vacuumedsafely away which helps to redu ce the amount ofdust particles �oating in the atmosphere. Wool does

Internal Environment

Eco/Environmental

Natural and Sustainable - Grown on sheep whichgraze freely, wool is both 100% natural and fullysustainable. As shearing is a necessary part of animalhusbandry the carpet industry has a fresh supply ofwool available every year.

Energy E�cient - Wool is energy e�cient in the homeand also in carpet production.

Biodegradable - Wool �bre is biodegradable in soiland will produce nitrogen, sulphur, carbon dioxideand water all of which are plant nutrients.

Environmentally Assessed - Wool is an environmentallyresponsible �bre that has been measured in terms ofits ecological impact. A Life Cycle Analysis studycarried out by Leeds University to ISO 14040 standardfor British Wool concludes that it compares favourablywhen measured against man-made �bres.

Wool Carpets

not give o� harmful emissions or promote the growthof bacteria and wool is not a food source for dustmites.






Alternatives to WoolPolyamide (Nylon)

Nylon is often added to wool to create a woolrichcarpet with increased wear resistance, particularlyin lower pile weights and densities.

Nylon’s molecular structure provides an extremelyhard wearing �bre that by many is now consideredthe industry standard within commercial contractlocations.

Polyester

Polyester carpet �bre gives a luxurious feel to thick,cut pile styles and it also provides a good depth ofcolour. However, it is not as resistant to �atteningas some other �bres although it does wear well andprovides good resistance to water-soluble stains.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is becoming widely used in carpetmanufacturing, either as part of a blend, or in itsown right. While it withstands footfall well, it is notas resilient as other �bres. Polypropylene is highlystain resistant as the �bres are created in the colourof the carpet and are not dyed. Polypropylene carpetsare so stain resistant they can be cleaned withbleach.

SilkBeing so delicate, silk is rarely used in carpet butit does bring a certain something to the �nest handmade rugs, particularly those from the Middle Eastand Indian regions.

JuteUsed mainly in the backing of carpets from atraditional point of view, jute is gaining popularityas a natural �bre �oorcovering and its depth oftexture makes it great for rugs.

CoirCoir is made from the �bres of coconut husks andit is a strong and resilient �bre. The husks are

harvested and then soaked for months before beingbeaten into submission, washed and then dried. Thepale yellow �bres are then spun into yarn that is thenwoven into �at weave carpeting or as many peoplewill recognise it, into cut pile doormats that are greatat removing dirt and moisture from soles.

SisalThese are some of the toughest �bres in the businessand unlike most natural �bres it can be dyed. Whencombined with wool, sisal can also take on a softerside and is being favoured by natural �ooringmanufacturers for its aptitude at creating colourful,natural �oors.

SeagrassHailing from the paddy �elds of China, Seagrass is arapidly replenishing resource. Once the �elds havebeen �ooded with seawater, the �bre is harvested andspun into yarn that has an impermeable quality. Whilethis makes it hard to dye, it also makes it relativelyeasy to care for.

Someone’s having a bad day... Thankfully aPolypropylene carpet can handle this.




Someone’s having a bad day... Thankfully aPolypropylene carpet can handle this.

The Carpet’s Best Friend


Good underlay will...Improve underfoot comfortReduce �attening and improve appearance retentionAbsorb the pressure of foot tra�c and reduce wearImprove thermal insulation and warmthIncrease sound insulationSmooth out sub - �oor imperfectionsLast the lifetime of the carpet

•••••••

Poor or old underlay will...Feel hard and unwelcomingReduce carpet lifeCause wrinkling and premature wear spotsCause carpet �bres to breakdown more quicklyNot meet British standards

•••••

How Thick?A maximum of 12mm is recommended as workingwith gripper rod becomes di�cult if any thicker, butrooms with heavy tra�c will need a thinner denserunderlay. The combination of thickness and densityis all important as a thick underlay with a low densitymay not perform well. Typically the thicker theunderlay the better quality it will need to be - 9-7mm is the most common domestic thickness with11mm often used for luxury installations.

Sponge RubberThe most popular underlay on the market, availablein �at or wa�e patterns in a wide range of weightsfor di�erent applications. It performs well for comfortand has a durable spring retention.

Types of Underlay

PU (Polyurethane) FoamThe foam provides excellent comfort and performancelevels with lots of thickness options - and its lightweight helps handling. The product can be recycledagain after use.

Crumb RubberFlat and dense, crumb rubber underlay is good forheavy footfall - o�ering maximum protection but alittle less comfort. Crumb rubber is very good for stairnosings.

CombinationA rubber crumb base with a felt top layer o�ers agood combination of protection, durability and comfort.It also allows carpet seaming to bed into the felt top.

Under�oor Heating UnderlayAlways ask if there is under�oor heating. Mostmanufacturers o�er specialised products. Underlayand carpet with a combined tog rating up to 2.5 canbe used - which means the underlay would normallyhave a tog rating of 1.0.

FeltThis traditional, but environmentally friendly underlayis made from recycled �bres - wool, jute and synthetic- to create a �rm dense pad with excellent thermalinsulation. Still a popular choice among contractorswhen stretch �tting woven carpets.

Pre - tacki�ed UnderlayA self - adhesive single stick underlay in both needlefeltand PU. A removable system for heavy use whencomfort is desired.

UnderlayIt is essential that your new carpet is laid on a new,good quality underlay. This will ensure that you getmaximum wear and excellent appearance, as wellas providing heat and acoustic bene�ts.

Don’t make the mistake of believing that you will savemoney by utilising your old underlay. It will probablyhave little, if any, life left in it, and certainly next tono bounce or resilience.

Fitting Your Carpet


Preparing to Install

We want your purchase experience to be a good asyou do. We want the �tting process to go as smoothlyas possible with the minimum of disruption andinconvenience and for you to be delighted with yourchoice of carpet and supplying retailer.

What to do before your carpet is delivered

It pays to be prepared. Old carpets are heavy andcan be dusty when removed from the �oor so a wellventilated room is advisable and it is wise to vacuumthe carpet one last time before you begin. You mayneed help to remove the carpet as it, and the oldunderlay, will be heavy. Finally vacuum the �oor toremove any remaining dust or dirt.

Some retailers may remove the carpet and underlayfor you. But it pays to check in advance as this isnot usually typical.

Removing your old carpet

Ventilating the room during installation will help toremove some of the materials involved in carpetand �ooring installation which could have an adversee�ect on air quality. Open all windows and doorswhenever possible and also whenever convenientduring the following days.

Airing the room

Ideally all areas should be totally free of furniture asthis will go a long way to ensuring a professional �nishto your new carpet. Any breakable or valuable items,such as vases, lamps and decorations should also beremoved. Electrical items i.e. televisions or computersshould be disconnected and removed from the areaif at all possible.

In kitchens and utility rooms please disconnect allappliances and where practical remove them fromthe area.

If removal of old �ooring or moving of furniture orappliances presents a problem please inform us priorto the installation date as this work can often bearranged at additional cost.

Moving your furniture and appliances

Installing carpet and �ooring is a di�cult job handledby our professional �ooring installers who specialisespeci�cally in the products we supply. Pleaseremember that they are not plumbers, electricians,tilers, joiners, removal men or appliance engineers.

Please ensure that any possible hazards such ascables, wires or pipes, which could cause injury ordamage are brought to their attention as soon aspossible.

Warning!

Manufacturers endeavour to match colour whereverpossible, however you can expect some colourvariation from a sample due to the nature of carpetmanufacture and di�ering lighting intensity.

Colour matching


Preparing to Install

Sometimes the pile height of a new carpet may behigher than your old one. Doors may not open asfreely and should be planed on the bottom. Fittersmay need to remove doors to complete the �tting.Adjustment of the doors can sometimes be arrangedat extra cost.

Opening doors

Always plan your �ooring economically to avoidwaste, but as all rooms are di�erent shapes andsizes, some waste is unavoidable. Fitters will leaveany large pieces of waste for your retention.

Eliminating waste

There are some occasions when seams areunavoidable, however the modern methods nowavailable ensure these are not detrimental to theperformance or appearance of the carpet. It mustbe pointed out that seams are never invisible andprofessional �tters will endeavour to position themwhere foot tra�c is lightest.

Carpet seams

The shade of the carpet depends on the angle of thelight that falls on the carpet pile. Brush the pile in theopposite direction and the shade changes. Suchchanges are characteristic of cut pile materials.

Colour changes

You can schedule a date that is convenient for you butplease remember that not all products are immediatelyavailable from suppliers.

Making a �tting date

Buying carpets and underlay can be an expensiveprocess. The appearance and longevity of your carpetwill be enhanced dramatically by having profesionalinstallation. NICF registered �tters are recognised asthe best.

Use professionals

Fitting Your Carpet

Take Care


With just a little care, your carpet will last longerand look good throughout its life. You can keep yourcarpet in top condition by following the simpleguidelines in this guide.

Remember, if you vacuum regularly and treat stainsimmediately, your carpet will keep its beautifulappearance for much longer.

Vacuuming

Surface dirt is unavoidable and sometimes unsightly,but dirt that is trampled down between the tufts hasan abrasive cutting action that can eventually wearaway the �bres. The best way to delay or preventthis destructive wearing action is to give your carpetsa regular vacuuming.

There is a common myth that you should let a newcarpet “settle in” for a week or so. In fact, entirelythe reverse is true. Virtually all new carpets willshed a small amount of loose �bres and these shouldbe removed by vacuuming as soon as possible.Otherwise the �bres will be walked back into thecarpet and can cause a matted appearance.

Loop pile carpets, particularly Wool Berbers, shouldnot be cleaned with a vacuum which has a beaterattachment - this can cause excessive �u�ng andmatting - this type of carpet should be vacuumedwith the suction head only.

Entrance mats and barrier mats will reduce theamount of dirt carried on to your carpets from outsidethe home, but please remember that these matsmust also be cleaned regularly.

Looking After Your Carpet


Take Care

Accidental spillages on carpets are an unfortunatefact of life and no carpet is totally stain-proof.Remember the golden rule that instant treatmentcan mean instant cure. NEVER RUB - but alwaysblot to a damp dry state.

Liquid spills should be soaked up immediately withabsorbent tissue, preferably white, or a clean, drycloth.

Avoid excessive rubbing and always work from theoutside edges of the stain into the centre to avoidspreading. Use a blunt knife or spoon to gentlyscrape away any solids.

Detergent SolutionA teaspoon of neutral detergent, such as ‘Stergene’,to half pint (quarter litre) of warm water.

Detergent/vinegar solutionAdd one teaspoon of white vinegar to the abovedetergent solution.

Ammonia SolutionOne tablespoon of household ammonia to one cupof warm water. WARNING: Always test a small ‘outof the way’ area of your carpet for colourfastnessprior to tackling the stain.

Dry Cleaning SolventA proprietary brand of dry cleaning solvent shouldbe used. You will also need a blunt knife and somewhite tissues or absorbent cloth to blot up the stainas it is released. The modern alternative is K2R,a dry spray, which is best left overnight to work onany stain before vacuuming o�.

Blood, chocolate, egg, ice-cream, glue, grass, gravy,fruitScrape up excess with a blunt knife. Use detergentsolution, starting at the outer edge and blotting dry.Follow with ammonia solution. Blot dry. Do not rub.

Milk, soft drinksBlot up the surplus spillage. Use detergent solution,starting at the outer edge and blotting dry. Follow withammonia solution. Blot dry. Do not rub

Fats, shoe polish, lipstick, oil, solids, nail polish, tar,vomit, wax, grease, chewing gumScrape up with a blunt knife. Use dry cleaning solvent,followed by detergent/vinegar solution. Blot dry. Donot rub.

Co�ee, tea, alcohol/wines, perfume, urine, liquidfoodsBlot up the surplus spillage. Use detergent/vinegarsolution. Work from the outer edge of the stain, usinga little at a time and blotting up with dry clothsfrequently. Do not rub.

Cleaning Solution Dealing with spillages or damage

Dealing With Stains


Take Care

Troubleshooting

Shading

All cut pile carpets, particularly plain or tonals, areliable to shading - that is to show light and darkpatches due to uneven crushing of the surface,commonly known as “pile pressure”. No care onthe part of the manufacturer can avoid this tendencywhich is inherent in all pile fabrics. It is notdetrimental to the wear of the carpet, nor is it adefect.

Flattening

All carpets are subject to �attening in varyingdegrees. Flattening is caused by the compressionof the pile by footwear and furniture.

Heavy furniture may crush the carpet pile sowherever possible use castor cups. Furniture shouldnot be dragged across a carpet. Try to rearrangeyour furniture occasionally to avoid uneven wear.Regular vacuuming will help to alleviate �attening,bringing the pile back up to its normal position.

The following items are common with all kinds of carpets which occur during use. These items are not defects.

Sprouting

Occasionally a tuft may protrude above the carpetsurface. This is not a manufacturing fault, simplytrim this down to the general level of the surroundingcarpet with a pair of scissors. NEVER try to pull thetuft out of the carpet.

Fading

Today, almost all of the �bres and dyes used inmaking carpets exhibit excellent properties ofcolourfastness to sunlight. However, all carpets aresubject to a degree of fading with age but this isgenerally unnoticeable over the years.

Carpets �tted in extremely sunny rooms with largewindows can be protected by drawing your curtainsor blinds during periods of strong sunlight.

The Oxbridge CommitmentOxbridge Flooring are part of the Carpet 1stnetwork of over 200 independent retail outlets

throughout the UK. All of our products are sourcedfrom reputable manufacturers throughout the world and are the very best examples of their kind.

Our customer’s satisfaction ultimately depends on honest,accurate advice, ensuring that you get the very best valuefor money. We take pride in providing this, ensuring thatyou can buy with complete con�dence.

oxbridge flooringhallco house, northbridge road, berkhamsted, herts, hp4 1eh t: 01442 877366

[email protected]

interior design guide - oxbridge flooring

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