The next time you enjoy the red carpet treatment, thank the Greek gods.
Though rolling out the red carpet is usually reserved for royalty, celebrities and high-powered politicians, this VIP treatment started with a vengeful Greek wife in 458 B.C. In the play Agamemnon, the wife sinisterly offers her husband a red path to walk upon when he returns from Troy.
Red is a powerful colour that’s been associated with royalty for centuries. It was one of the most dominate colours woven into the first carpets, which isn’t surprising since only royalty and the rich could afford to buy such luxuries.
Though the first wool rugs date back to 6000 B.C., it was Marco Polo’s eastern adventures that triggered the worldwide spread of tapestries and carpets. This ancient technique trickled its way overseas and by 1537, Robert Rothe was importing weavers from the East to make rugs for his Irish estate.
Carpets were deemed protective, decorative and exclusive until the Industrial Revolution hit in the 18th century. This sparked a steady stream of new machines and man-made fibres. Textiles were mass produced and more affordable than ever. As England’s population exploded during this time, so did the market for carpet.
Whether it’s historically significant or simply cosy, carpet tends to put us in our comfort zone, especially in colder climates where we relish the feel of something soft and warm under our feet. But this woven fibre does have its pitfalls.
If you suffer from allergies, carpet probably isn’t the best option as they can catch and hang on to dirt, germs and pollen if not regularly vacuumed. Stain-resistant carpet can’t resist every spill and, after a while, it’s easy to spot the worn out section of carpet that gets the most foot traffic. The only way to keep carpet in its best shape is to vacuum often and steam clean regularly. And even this is no guarantee.
The alternative is hard floors. Whether wood, tile, slate or ceramic, hard floors tend to be low maintenance and look better for longer. This longevity may justify the higher cost of installing hard floors and, if the flooring is good quality, it could even increase property value.
The downfall of hard floors is that they tend to echo whereas carpets cushion noise. Hard floors can also be cold during winter and slippery when wet. One solution is to add floor rugs to hard floors. Area rugs absorb some noise and reduce the chances of a skid and slid across the room.
Before you choose a floor, consider the room’s function. Will hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom be worth the risk of moisture damage? Or would ceramic tiles, slate or marble be more ideal in steamy conditions?
If you have an older family, hardwood floors hit the mark in the living room. But if you have young, active children, hardwood floors could be easily marked. Carpet is quieter and softer than most floors, which is a consideration if your family likes to sprawl on the floor to play games or watch dvds.
For basements or cellars, stick to concrete. You can buy concrete stains that look like flooring, but it’s much more practical and economical than the real thing.
As for bedroom floors, it all boils down to your bedroom style and personal preference. What do you like to feel under your feet when you step out of bed? Whichever flooring you choose, know your options. Floors are an investment and it pays to know what’s up when you’re looking down.
