WHICH COLOR? WHICH TEXTURE?
When it comes to selecting your home's carpet, there's an exceptional range of options. In fact, it may seem a bit overwhelming. As your design plans develop, think of your carpet as a fashion investment. include your fabric swatches, paint chips, wallpaper patterns, and furnishings in your carpet decision.

TIPS FOR ROOM PLANNING
How is the room going to be used? Will your new carpet receive heavy, medium, or light traffic? What are the dominant colors. patterns. textures, etc. already in the room? What is your budget for this room?

THE "VALUE" FACTOR
As your reach your final selections, you may find yourself deciding between two carpets of different quality. Experience shows that it's wise to buy the highest quality you can afford. Here's why - "You get what you pay for" may be truer for carpeting than for any other major consumer purchase. The performance and quality of a carpet is directly related to the amount of fiber that goes into the pile. The better the fiber and the denser it is packed, the better the carpet will perform. Low quality carpet is easy to spot. It is thin and lightweight. The lower price might be tempting, but remember, it will lose its surface appearance faster than a heavier carpet.

APPEARANCE RETENTION
The appearance of your carpet will change over time due to the effects of daily traffic, regardless of the carpet's quality, however, a good carpet pad will help extend its life. Carpet pad is not an option if you want your carpet to be comfortable to walk on, and if you want it to last. Carpet padding absorbs up to 90% of the impact of normal foot traffic. Without it, the carpet pile and backing takes all the punishment. Consider the carpet pad as a shock absorber. When selecting the carpet pad, remember, a thick pad will not necessarily perform better. The density of the pad, not the thickness, will provide the best cushion. Industry standards suggest a minimum 5-pound density.

SOIL & STAIN RESISTANCE
Some of the recognized names, include Dupont Certified Stainmaster, Monsanto Wear-Dated, and Anso V Worry-Free. Many people identify these as brand names of carpet rather than the chemical protection built into the carpet's fiber. The presence of stain-resistant properties in your carpet allows the carpet to be cleaned easily and effectively. But no carpet can be maintenance free. Proper care is easy and inexpensive. Use walk-off matts at entrances. Vacuum frequently, remove spills promptly. Prevent contact with harmful household chemicals such as bleach, pesticides, or plant food.

1. Look for a recognized name in the bedding industry.

2. Before you shop for a price, ask questions about comfort, construction, and warranties. Usually, those three will determine the value you get for your money.

3. Don't sell yourself short! A mattress is the only furniture that affects your health. You spend approximately one-third of your life on a mattress. Quality bedding may cost a few dollars more, but it will last longer, giving you a better value.

4. Take a good look at your old bedding. Is the cover torn, soiled or stained? Does the mattress appear lumpy or sagging?

5. What does your old bedding feel like? When you and your partner lie alongside each other, do you roll together? Is your bed comfortable and quiet?

6. The changes in your bedding occur gradually. Your body has the amazing ability to adapt to a deteriorating sleep environment. That's why you may not even realize that your bed is no longer providing the support you need. Sometimes, it takes a night's sleep outside your home (at a hotel or a friend's home) to appreciate a better night's sleep than you've been getting!

7. Choose a reputable dealer whose bedding experts are able to answer your questions. Dewey Furniture has been recognized as the best place to buy a mattress in the tri-county area.

8. Remember, comfort is a personal choice.