Carpet Style - Which One To Choose?

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.

Part 1 of our 2 part guide will help you to choose the right type or style of carpet for your home.

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.

Loop Pile Carpet

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.

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 is a level-cut pile that has a smooth and even upright finish, with a formal look. It tends to show footprints and vacuuming trails.

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.

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.

Diagram of different types

When deciding which carpet style is best for your home there are a few things to consider. For example, some styles are more functional and durable than others. Think about whether the carpet will be laid in a heavy or lighter traffic area. But also consider ambience – would you like your room to feel formal, cosy or functional?

For information on choosing other types of flooring, take a look at our blogs on choosing the right timber flooring http://www.inspiredspaces.com.au/choosing-the-right-timber-flooring/ or Laminate Flooring http://www.inspiredspaces.com.au/laminate-flooring/