Man-made choices

Synthetic carpets are built from man-made fibres rather than natural and there are different versions available to choose from with slightly varying characteristics. Most common synthetic fibres include nylon, polyester and polypropylene. Nylon is very durable and resistant, polyester is soft, stain-resistant and often cheaper, whereas polypropylene is moisture-resistant. Man-made carpets are great for homes with children and pets with their low maintenance and easy-clean properties. The majority of these ranges are very affordable and come with warranties for extra peace of mind. Most synthetic carpets are made with stain -resistant fibres making it harder for spills to penetrate through the carpet  whilst repelling stains thus biding more time to wipe them away. If stains do occur, opting for bleach-cleanable versions makes life even more of a breeze as the most difficult of stains can be lifted with ease. Paired with a good quality, thick underlay; synthetic carpets can also be great insulators and sound absorbers, making them perfect for bedrooms or noisy floorboards. The downsides? They're not as eco-friendly as natural versions, aren't quite as long lasting (although, being easy to clean can make them much more durable!) and can flatten faster (unless opting for nylon versions).