Which carpet style to choose?
If you’re like me, then you’ll love to have carpets in bedrooms and any areas around your home that are for relaxing. Not only do carpets provide comfort and warmth to your space, but they also provide great insulation, noise reductions and can improve indoor air quality.
With an array of different options available, from plush piles to looped weaves, navigating through the varieties of carpet styles can be overwhelming.
Part 1 of our 2-part guide will help you make a decision on which style best suits your home, preferences and lifestyle.
LOOP PILE
Loop pile is numerous simple loops of yarn constructed fairly tightly, which create a slightly cushioned, smooth finish. Varying loop heights can create a range of styles such as
High-Low Loop, Level Loop Pile and Sisal. It is very durable, requires minimal upkeep and is suited to high traffic areas and busy homes.
High-Low Loop
A textured finish made up of 2 or 3 varying loop heights. The difference in loop heights creates textures or patterns.
Sisal
Made from plant fibres with straight rows of loops which can be either uniform or a sequence of varied heights.
Level Loop Pile
This is made up of short loops of equal height yarn and is also known as Berber. Footprints do not show on this type of carpet.
Saxony
Similar to plush carpets, Saxony has a velvety appearance but with a slightly longer pile. This gives it a softer texture. Saxony carpets are ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and formal living areas.
Textured Carpets
This style carpet has a twisted pile which creates a casual appearance. It is a great option for hiding footprints and vacuum marks. Textured carpets are perfect for high-traffic areas.
Cut Pile
Cut Pile carpets are manufactured by cutting the tips so there aren’t any loops. This produces a more, denser and softer carpet, which looks more formal and luxurious than loop pile.
Examples of Cut Pile styles are Cut Pile Plush, Cut Pile Twist and Frieze.
Cut Pile Plush
Plush carpets have a level-cut pile that has a smooth and even upright finish. This provides a formal look with a luxurious feel underfoot. It tends to show footprints and vacuuming trails more prominently.
Cut Pile Twist
Cut Pile Twist has a smooth textured finish, is very hard-wearing and keeps its appearance. An ideal choice for high traffic areas. The fibres are twisted to give more body and a luxurious appearance.
Frieze
Sometimes known as “Shag Pile carpet’’, Frieze has a textured finish with long highly twisted fibres that lay in different directions. A less formal look than the others, and not recommended for high traffic areas.
COMBINATION OF CUT AND LOOP PILE
Patterns and effects can be created by using a combination of cut and looped yarns. They are versatile and add visual appeal to any room.
Two types of carpets using this method are Textured Loop & Cut Pile, and Level Loop & Cut Pile.
Textured Loop and Cut has longer cut fibres than the loops, whereas Level Loop and Cut carpets have the loops and cuts at equal heights.
Both carpets come in a range of patterns and have a stylish appearance, with a soft, smooth feel.
YOUR CARPET SHOULD COMPLIMENT YOUR INTERIOR
When deciding which carpet style is best for your home there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, think about the intended use of the room as this will influence your carpet choice. Will the carpet be laid in a high-traffic area? For high-traffic areas such as hallways or living rooms opt for more durable styles like Berber or textured carpets. Light-traffic areas such as bedrooms can benefit from plush carpets to provide added comfort under foot.
Next, asses maintenance needs as of course, different carpet styles will require different levels of care. While plush carpets offer softness and comfort, they may require more frequent vacuuming to maintain their appearance. Whereas textured and Berber styles are hardy and are great for hiding dirt and stains.
Your carpet choice should complement your interior décor and reflect your personal style. Would you like your room to feel formal, cosy or functional?
Plush carpets in neutral tones work well for a traditional look and feel. However, for a more modern aesthetic opt for textured styles or bold patterns.
Lastly, think long-term! Investing in good quality carpeting can prolong its lifespan and in turn save you money in the long run. To ensure durability and performance, when selecting your carpet carefully consider factors like fiber type, density and twist.
Whether you prefer plush over durability, or twist over loop pile, there’s a style to suit every lifestyle and taste. By evaluating your needs and understanding the characteristics of the different carpet styles you can make an informed decision on what best suits your family and home.
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