For this fellow, the soft carpeting and perfectly-sized space provides all he needs to get comfy with his books. For other children who are not natural readers, it pays to create an area that encourages reading and other quiet play.

If you would like to designate a place in your home for your children to read, you don’t need a lot of space or money to make it happen.

Start by choosing a quiet and out-of-the-way place to fix up. This may be a corner of a bedroom, a basement room, the space under the stairs, or even the back of a large walk-in closet. Find a place as free of distractions as possible.

Make sure the selected spot has sufficient lighting. This may be just an overhead light fixture or a floor lamp. For a chair, a table lamp may work. Look for lighting that is positioned to shine on the pages without glaring.

Comfort is the final requirement. For some children this may mean a corner like this boy found. Others may want pillows or cushions to create a little nest. A comfy chair and maybe an ottoman could be another preference. Consult with your child to determine the right choice.

It’s nice to have a shelf or table to hold current books. With a good place to read, you may find your child spends more time on this enriching activity.

Carpet cushion or padding is an item that is often overlooked. It is a very important factor in the installation of your carpet because good padding or cushion can actually make the carpet last longer. Below is a reader question and answer about the environmental friendliness or carpet padding.

Reader Question: Is carpet padding environmentally safe for my family and pets?

Answer: Most Carpet Cushions are made either from recycled materials or materials that are recyclable. Many cushions meet the Carpet and Rug Institutes Green Label for Indoor Air Quality, as they don’t emit hazardous levels of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). Some carpet cushions contain antimicrobial treatments to fight against environmental elements such as odor-causing mold, mildew and bacteria.

It doesn’t matter what the carpet padding looks like because once it is installed, you will never see it again. How it performs is what’s important!

For maximum comfort, consider a thicker, plusher carpet cushion for a luxurious feel in bedrooms, dens and living rooms, where comfort is a priority. Higher weight or higher density products will help your carpet look newer longer. Many carpet cushions are available that combine the best of both worlds – durability and ultra-plush comfort.

When shopping for new carpet, feel free to come in and walk on some samples to see how the padding feels under your feet. We can then talk details of safety and performance.

I am thinking about replacing my carpet because of years of pet stains and stains from my children growing up. I did not do a very good job of having the carpets cleaned each year, but I am wondering if I need to replace the carpet cushion along with the carpet.

Debbie from Yuma, AZ

Debbie,

Carpet cushion is important for several different reasons. It is not only there for comfort, but it also helps maintain your carpet’s original appearance.When replacing your carpet, you want to give the carpet the best chance you can to wear well. New carpet cushion will ensure that.

Things you want to consider are comfort,performance and warranty.

There are different types and qualities of carpet cushion. The better the cushion, the better your carpet will perform. Better quality cushion also blocks moisture, fights stains and odors, minimizes sound transfer between rooms, provides thermal insulation and increases air flow between the floor and your carpet for better, more efficient vacuuming.

When shopping for carpet cushion, take a sample of the cushion you are considering and place it under a carpet sample. Walk on it! Take your shoes off! See how it feels on your bare feet! You should see the difference between different grades of carpet cushion.

Investing a little more on the front end for better carpet cushion will save you money in the long run by not having to replace your carpet as quickly.

To discuss the specific needs of your project call us today at 928-217-5551. One of our knowledgeable sales associates will be happy to help you!