When it's time to choose new carpet, spend some time learning about the different types and styles. Determine whether the carpet will be in a high traffic area or if it needs to make a decorating statement. Some carpets are softer, and some are more stain resistant. If the carpet needs to last a long time, be prepared to spend more money on one with a denser weave and high quality finish. Carpet comes in solid colors, multicolored with flecks or a print design. There is a carpet type for all needs.
Cut Pile Saxony
Most cut pile carpet is constructed of one solid color. It has an evenly cut surface that gives it a soft, smooth appearance. Cut pile carpet works well with most decors, including traditional and formal rooms.
Features of cut pile carpet:
- Solid color doesn't detract from the décor
- Often constructed from polyester, nylon or wool
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Textured Plush Carpet
Textured plush cut pile carpet is designed to not show vacuum marks or footprints, so it never has a crushed or just vacuumed look. The versatility of textured carpet makes it a favorite among active and busy families.
Features of textured cut pile carpet:
- Works for the whole house
- Never looks worn or crushed
- Stays in style.
Loop Pile Berber Carpet
Looped berber carpet wears well and offers casual, rugged styling. Easy to maintain, berber has been popular because vacuum marks and footprints don't show. It comes in a variety of materials, including polyester, nylon, wool, cotton or a blend of fibers.
Features of loop pile Berber carpet:
- Looped surface adds texture
- Footprints and vacuum marks don't show
- Color flecks add visual interest
- Works for the entire house
- Ideal flooring for contemporary or country décor.
Cut Pile Berber Carpet
The cut pile Berber carpeting offers the plush feeling of other cut pile carpets, yet it has the color flecks of other Berbers that disguise soil marks for high traffic areas.
Frieze Carpeting
Frieze carpet is textured and has a knobby appearance, with tightly twisted yarn. It is slightly more expensive than other textured carpets, but it is durable and wears well for a long time.
Features of frieze carpeting:
- Tight weave wears well
- Soft to touch and appearance
- Ideal for casual living.
Combination Cut and Looped Carpeting
Carpet with a blend of cut and looped yarns provides visual interest to a room. It is typically in a multicolor print, which disguises soil, preventing the need to vacuum often. The cut pile is longer than the loops, creating the look of carved carpeting.
Features of combination cut and looped carpeting:
- Multicolor feature accents the décor
- Footprints and vacuum marks don't show
- Works in a large variety of decorating styles and rooms.
Commercial Grade or Indoor-Outdoor Carpet
Carpet made for commercial or indoor-outdoor use often has a loop pile that is multicolored. Its durability makes it ideal for high traffic locations and long-term use.
Commercial or indoor-outdoor carpet features:
- Variety of color combinations
- Durable but casual
- Ideal for basement or family room use.
Find this article helpful? If so, read Wood Flooring – Types and Styles and Green Cleaning Products.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
