Carpet design software is improving carpet production

A report by Market Research Intellect has predicted a growing demand for carpet design software by interior designers and the textile industry.

The report notes that the total global market value of carpet design software was 450 million US dollars in 2024, and is forecast to rise to 750 million US dollars by 2031.

Carpet design software enables the design of custom patterns, simulates textures and improves how floor layouts are visualised. This type of software makes carpet production more efficient and reduces waste, enabling the process from the design stage to the finished carpet to be much quicker.

Carpet design software can be integrated into computer-aided design (CAD) systems to create 3D visualisations that clearly show how a design looks in a particular space. User-friendly interfaces make it easy for designers to access the software and efficiently create new carpet designs.

Carpet design software is being used to create unique, custom-designed carpets. This is useful for companies that want their reception area carpet design to reflect the company's brand colours and logo.

For online customers who cannot physically see a carpet before it is fitted, digital design tools create visualisations of how a carpet looks in the customer’s room.

The developers of carpet design software are investing heavily in research and development to create the next generation of software that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).

Many new carpet designs created with the aid of carpet design software are available at a local carpet retailer in the Chester region.

Global carpet market forecast to grow significantly

The global market for carpets and rugs was estimated at 58.93 billion US dollars in 2024. A report by Key Market Insights predicts that the market will more than double by 2032, reaching around 133.94 billion dollars, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.08%.

The report identifies several key factors that are driving this rapid growth. Consumers are increasingly wanting good-looking and comfortable floor coverings that enhance the ambience of their homes. Ongoing consumer trends in the industry include desires for luxury and artisanal designs. Commercial buyers and high-worth households have been found to want custom-designed carpets with unique, intricate patterns.

There is also a demand for sustainable materials in the home, which has increased sales of carpets made from natural, eco-friendly materials such as jute, wool and sisal.

Advances in cleaning technologies have made carpets easier to maintain. These have included robot vacuum cleaners that clean carpets automatically. Consumers with busy lifestyles who were put off buying carpets due to the need for frequent cleaning are switching to easy-to-maintain carpets. Stain-resistant carpets, meanwhile, appeal to buyers who want carpets to retain their good looks without frequent cleaning.

Carpets are warmer than hard surface flooring. Insulating backing prevents heat loss and dampens noise in a room. Furthermore, carpets made from synthetic materials have the largest market share as they are cheaper, but there is a growth in demand for silk and wool carpets, which are more luxurious.

To view the many colours and patterns of carpets available on the market, contact a carpet retailer in the North Wales and Chester region.

Why commercial flooring strategies are changing

Commercial flooring is no longer just about a surface to walk on; it reflects a company’s brand.

For many businesses, there is a high priority on ensuring the floors to their premises look good, in order to make a style statement. There is also an emphasis on safety and sustainability.

There is a high demand for flooring that is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl tiles require minimal upkeep and are both attractive and cost-effective. Tile and modular systems make repairing damaged floors easier.

Commercial flooring expert Lauren Belskie, Marketing Operations Manager at Imperial Dade, has warned that low-maintenance flooring does not mean it is never cleaned, but that cleaning is quicker and may need to be done less often. Belskie says that appropriate maintenance strategies are likely to extend the life of flooring.

For moisture resistance and durability, as well as aesthetic appeal, natural wood and stone are popular. For chemical resistance and a seamless finish in manufacturing areas, polished concrete, epoxy or resin are ideal. Non-slip flooring, as the name suggests, reduces slip risks.

For office areas, staff tend to like flooring that is soft underfoot and that reduces noise. Carpet tiles with acoustic backing fulfil these requirements,

Smart flooring is changing how work environments manage flooring. Sensors can track foot traffic and space utilisation to provide data for developing flooring care plans. They can also help predict when the flooring will become worn and in need of replacement.

For more advice on commercial flooring, talk to a flooring retailer in Chester about the best flooring option for your commercial buildings.

World’s first carpet-washing robot

The makers of the Robotin R2 claim that it is the world’s first robot carpet cleaner that combines deep vacuuming, washing and drying in one automated unit.

Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep carpets clean and looking good. It is also important to occasionally wash the carpets to remove the ingrained dirt trapped deep in the carpet pile. Vacuuming and wet cleaning usually require two different machines: a vacuum cleaner and a carpet washing machine. The Robotin R2 combines both in one unit.

An app controls the R2, which maps the floor area. Twelve sensors help plan the most efficient cleaning route and identify obstacles to avoid. The machine's three-stage cleaning system removes dirt and stubborn stains. It is capable of cleaning around 400 sq ft of carpet in an hour. Water is heated to 140 degrees centigrade in ten minutes for effective stain removal. After the carpet has been vacuumed and washed, warm air is circulated to evenly dry the carpet.

The R2 has a docking station where its water tank is automatically emptied and filled with clean water.

The robot cleaner was funded by a Kickstarter campaign and will deliver units to its backers in March 2026. Early testers of the R2 say they are impressed by the all-in-one cleaning system.

Carpets are a popular choice for flooring, with many types available from a carpet retailer in Chester. A good quality carpet lasts for many years, provided it is regularly cleaned, whether by a human or a robot.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

Are you choosing new flooring? Laminate and vinyl are two of homeowners’ most popular options. Both can offer appealing designs that imitate tile and wood well.

But while they might look similar, beneath the surface, these materials are different. This article discusses what these differences are and how they could impact your buying decision; from comfort and maintenance to where each type of flooring performs best.

Let’s put these two flooring materials under the spotlight, starting with laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring

Core material

Laminate comprises several layers. Its core is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), and on top, there is a high-resolution photographic layer that imitates real wood or stone. It is sealed with a tough protective coating.

Water resistance

Laminate contains wood fibres, meaning it is not fully waterproof. While modern laminate flooring may have water-resistant coatings or edge treatments, prolonged moisture exposure may still cause swelling or separation between planks. For this reason, it is best suited for drier rooms.

Moisture & use

Laminate works best in dry areas such as bedrooms, hallways, or offices. When spillages do occur, it is important to clean them up quickly.

Durability

Laminate is tough. The top wear layer protects against scratches, stains, and fading. That makes it a suitable option for busy households with pets or kids. But it must not be exposed to water regularly.

Comfort

Vinyl offers a softer, more cushioned feel. Its slight flexibility absorbs footfall and sound, making it quieter and more comfortable, particularly in rooms where people stand for long periods, like kitchens.

Maintenance

Rest assured that maintenance is straightforward. You’ll have to sweep and vacuum regularly - and mop periodically without using excessive water.

Aesthetics

High-definition prints and embossed textures allow today’s laminate flooring options to replicate natural wood grains very well. It’s ideal if you want a classic, realistic wood look on a budget.

Repair

If it becomes damaged, laminate can be tricky to repair, even by an expert flooring company Wrexham or Chester-located.

Boards which have swollen usually need to be replaced, and then there is the challenge of colour matching.

Now, let’s contrast these characteristics with vinyl.

Vinyl flooring

Core material

Unlike laminate, vinyl flooring (https://www.homestyle-carpets.co.uk/vinyl-flooring) is entirely synthetic. With a core of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with stabilisers, it sometimes has fibreglass reinforcements. These properties make vinyl more flexible and resilient than laminate.

Water resistance

Vinyl is water-resistant and often 100% waterproof. For spaces exposed to moisture - be it spills or humidity - it can be an excellent choice. That goes for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Its PVC structure prevents moisture from seeping through.

Moisture & use

Vinyl resists moisture effectively, and this makes it suitable for nearly any room. Also, its flexibility makes it an option for rooms with fluctuating temperatures or humidity.

Durability

Because it is flexible, vinyl is resistant to dents and impacts. It stands up to foot traffic, won’t chip or crack easily, and is waterproof.

Comfort

Vinyl offers a softer, more cushioned feel than laminate, due to its flexibility that absorbs footfall and sound. In rooms where people stand for long periods - such as kitchens - this is an advantage.

Maintenance

Vinyl is easy to maintain. It can be mopped, scrubbed, or steam-cleaned without fear of swelling or warping. The protective top layer is generally stain-resistant.

Aesthetics

Vinyl offers more design versatility. It can exhibit hardwood and stone patterns, or bold and modern designs. You can purchase it in tiles, sheets, or luxury planks. This gives you a lot of design options.

Repair

Vinyl is generally easier to fix. Individual planks or tiles can often be replaced without disturbing the surrounding area. Adhesive-backed tiles make spot repairs simple.

We’ll round the article off with some quick-fire questions on laminate vs vinyl

Is laminate flooring cheaper than vinyl?

Laminate flooring tends to be marginally cheaper than vinyl per square meter. However, premium vinyl can go up to laminate prices.

Does laminate flooring last longer than vinyl?

Both can last up to 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of the flooring and the maintenance provided. Due to its water resistance, we might say vinyl has the edge in this department.

Disadvantages of laminate flooring

- Not waterproof; can swell if exposed to moisture

- Feels harder and louder without underlay

- Repairing individual boards is sometimes tricky

- Limited suitability for kitchens or bathroom

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring

- Can dent from heavy furniture

- May fade under prolonged sunlight

- Less eco-friendly due to PVC content.

- Cheaper options may feel less authentic