Lush and comfortable, carpet adds the finishing touch to a room. With more variety in color, patterns and textures than ever before, shopping for carpeting can be confusing and sometimes slightly overwhelming. Smart homeowners consult a carpet and flooring expert to advise them on several important criteria when selecting the perfect carpeting for the home.

COLOR, GLORIOUS COLOR Nothing is more personal than your choice of color. There are hundreds of carpeting colors available, as well as a wide range of custom-made colors. When deciding on color, keep in mind that light-colored carpet can work wonders in making a room appear larger. On the downside, spatters and spills are more apparent, requiring more frequent cleaning. Dark-colored carpet can make a room feel more intimate and cozier and hides spots that may occur. Dark colors tend to highlight lint and light animal hair, so be prepared to vacuum more often. But there are more than single-color options. Tweeds, heathers and Berbers are popular because of their ability to hide dirt and stains. These styles spin yarns of many different colors together to create a natural, hand-spun look.

PADDING MAKES PERFECT Quality padding prolongs the life of your carpet, makes it more comfortable underfoot and insulates against cold and noise. Padding comes in a couple of varieties - either felt or sponge rubber. The rule with both is the heavier the better. Felt padding is usually not recommended for high-humidity areas, while rubber padding should never be used over radiant-heated floors.

FIBER COUNTS When selecting carpet for a room, take a look at the fiber type and count. Wool adds warmth, silk adds elegance and a bright polyester conveys a playful, fun attitude. Each type of fiber has its advantages and disadvantages. Carpet price usually is determined by fiber density. Generally, the more fibers per square inch, the longer the carpeting will wear and the more expensive it will be. Here's the rundown on the fiber choices you'll find at most carpeting sources:

TAKE NOTE OF TEXTURE It's also important to consider texture. If you want a casual feel for a family room, a slightly rough texture achieves this goal. For more formal areas, a plush carpet adds elegance.