The Ultimate Carpet Guide for Irish Homes

Carpet Types Explained - Des Kelly Interiors Pile Options

When choosing a new carpet, the pile (or type) plays a big role in how it feels underfoot, how it looks in your space, and how easy it is to maintain. Des Kelly Interiors offers several carpet types to suit different needs and lifestyles:

• Twist: Dense, resilient cut pile that resists flattening; versatile across most rooms.
  Best for: living rooms, halls/landings, busy family spaces.
• Loop: Textured loops that hide marks and track; very durable (note: loops can snag with pet claws).
  Best for: stairs, hallways, high-traffic areas — choose pet-suitable loops only.
• Textured: Multi-level or patterned textures add depth and help conceal wear/footprints. Popular looks include herringbone carpet styles, which combine visual interest with everyday practicality.
  Best for: living rooms and stairs where design + practicality matter.
• Velvet: Dense, velour-like cut pile with a luxurious, uniform finish; can show shading and footprints.
  Best for: bedrooms and formal lounges where a plush look is desired.
• Wool: Natural, springy pile across twists, loops, or velvets; warm, durable, and premium underfoot.
  Best for: comfort-led rooms in Irish homes (living rooms, bedrooms).
• Bleach Cleanable: Easy-care (usually polypropylene), ideal for families and pets; check dilution/care details on product page.
  Best for: playrooms, kids’ rooms, rentals, high-mess zones.
• Recycled: Eco-friendly fibres (often PET) with stain resistance and modern style; verify fibre content before buying.
  Best for: family rooms where sustainability is a priority.

Tip: Always weigh comfort against durability for each space, and pair your chosen carpet with quality underlay for warmth and longer life in Irish homes.

Materials That Suit Irish Living 

The carpet material you choose has a big impact on everyday performance, from comfort and durability to ease of cleaning and insulation. Below are the main materials you’ll find at Des Kelly Interiors:

Natural & Wool-Rich Options: Wool, New Zealand Wool

• Wool is naturally insulating, durable, and long-lasting, making it a premium choice for comfort-led rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. It feels warm underfoot, a real plus in Ireland’s cooler climate, and with proper care, it stays looking fresh for years to come.
• With New Zealand Wool, you get a smoother, superior fibre that resists wear and keeps its elegance for longer.

Everyday easy-care synthetics: Polypropylene, Polyester, Acrylic

• Polypropylene is a family favourite thanks to its stain resistance, practicality for pets, strong value, and (on many ranges) bleach-cleanable finish.  Discover more in our guide to pet-friendly carpets.
• Polyester offers rich colourfastness, a soft hand feel, and great value, making it ideal for bedrooms and lighter traffic areas.
• Acrylic (often in blends) is praised for its soft feel and colour clarity; always check the blend details and usage suitability on the product page.

Eco-conscious fibres: Recycled PET, Tencel

• Recycled PET carpets reuse materials like plastic bottles to create sustainable flooring that still resists stains and holds colour well, a great fit for family spaces where sustainability matters.
• Tencel (lyocell) is a plant-based fibre known for its silky softness and subtle sheen. It’s best placed in style-led rooms, for long-lasting performance, it’s important to follow the specific care guidance.

Brand/specialty terms: Tuftbond, Melt

• Some carpets feature special terms that describe unique processes or finishes. In our Natural Berber Elite and Natural Berber Deluxe ranges, Tuftbond refers to a backing method that gives the carpet extra stability and strength, helping it keep its shape in busy Irish homes. In our Burford Twist range, Melt is a colouring process that makes shades look richer and last longer.

Tip: Whatever material you choose, remember that a quality underlay enhances comfort, boosts insulation, and helps your carpet last longer in Irish homes.

What to Consider Before You Buy a Carpet

Choosing the right carpet is easier when you run through a simple checklist. Start with your lifestyle, do you have kids or pets that need extra stain resistance? Next, think about foot traffic: busy zones like halls and stairs need tougher piles, our stair measurement guide can help you plan these areas accurately. Match the carpet to room use: cosy velvets for bedrooms, durable twists for family spaces. Be honest about maintenance expectations: some fibres are low-care, while others need more attention to keep their best look. Factor in your budget, and don’t forget underlay essentials for comfort, insulation, and longer carpet life.

Explore Des Kelly Interiors Carpet Brands

We’ve compiled a list of four of our most trusted carpet brands, each selected to bring quality, style, and practicality to your home.

Cormar offers practical, stain-resistant carpets that are family-ready and excellent value, making them a go-to for busy Irish homes.

Fibre specialises in eco-conscious textures and modern flatweaves, perfect for adding natural style with sustainable benefits.

Rols delivers design-forward European wool carpets, giving a statement look with true luxury underfoot.

Victoria combines elegant, wool-rich designs with easy-care finishes, bringing both luxury and everyday practicality.

Our curated selection makes it simple to find the right carpet brand for any room in your Irish home.

Best Carpets by Room

Choosing the right carpet for each room is simple with this quick selector. The guide below matches every space in your home with the most suitable carpet type and material, making it easy to balance comfort, style, and practicality. Use this chart to find the perfect fit from the Des Kelly Interiors ranges and products designed for every room’s unique needs.

Stair Carpets & Runners - Style & Safety

Stairs need the right balance of grip, durability, and style. Twist or loop piles give good traction and resilience underfoot, while our ideas for carpet on stair runner ideas show how runners can add contrast and personality. For extra character, stair rods are optional and lend a classic finish. When planning, explore our stair colour options to ensure your choice feels safe, stylish, and in harmony with the rest of your home.

Easy Care, Longer Life

A simple routine helps protect your carpet and keep it looking fresh for years to come. Vacuum high-traffic areas 2–3 times a week, and always blot spills immediately to avoid stains. Schedule a professional deep clean once a year for a full refresh. Remember, wool carpets need gentler care while synthetics are often more forgiving. For step-by-step guidance, check out our carpet cleaning tips.

Carpet Trends to Know in 2025

Want to refresh your home with on-trend flooring? Our roundup of the latest carpet trends highlights the standout looks shaping Irish interiors this year:

• Soft neutrals for calm, timeless spaces
• Green tones bring nature indoors
• Herringbone patterns add texture and depth
• Eco materials supporting sustainable living

Find Your Perfect Carpet with Des Kelly Interiors

As an Irish-owned business with over 50 years’ expertise, we offer curated premium ranges, friendly in-store advice, and skilled fitting across Ireland. Visit our showrooms using our Store locator, view samples in person, and book a consultation with our team to find your perfect carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which carpet lasts the longest?

The carpet that typically lasts the longest is wool, because wool fibres are naturally resilient, bounce back after compression, and can withstand decades of use with proper care. In Irish homes, wool’s natural insulation is a bonus, helping rooms feel warmer underfoot. Choose a quality wool or wool-rich twist (e.g., from Victoria or Rols) and pair it with a good underlay to extend lifespan further. Regular vacuuming and prompt spill care will keep the pile looking fresh for years.

What carpet material is easiest to look after?

The easiest carpet materials to look after are polypropylene and nylon, because they’re stain-resistant and respond well to routine cleaning. Polypropylene (e.g., Cormar ranges) shrugs off everyday spills in busy family rooms, while nylon combines resilience with simple maintenance - great for playrooms and home offices. For most marks, blot promptly and follow the manufacturer’s guidance; occasional professional cleaning will keep both fibres looking their best. 

Low pile vs high pile—which is better?

The easiest carpet materials to look after are polypropylene and nylon, because they’re stain-resistant and respond well to routine cleaning. Polypropylene (e.g., Cormar ranges) shrugs off everyday spills in busy family rooms, while nylon combines resilience with simple maintenance—great for playrooms and home offices. For most marks, blot promptly and follow the manufacturer’s guidance; occasional professional cleaning will keep both fibres looking their best.

What is the best carpet thickness?

The best carpet thickness for most Irish homes is about 6–12 mm (¼–½ inch) pile height, which balances comfort with durability and ease of cleaning. Rather than chasing maximum thickness, prioritise density (how closely packed the fibres are) and pair the carpet with a quality underlay for extra cushioning, insulation, and longer life. In heavy-traffic spaces, lean toward the lower end of the range; in cosy bedrooms, the higher end feels plush without becoming hard to maintain.