Styles of carpets
Guide to Residential Carpet Styles
By
Cheryl Simmons
Cheryl Simmons
Cheryl Simmons is a flooring expert who grew up in the flooring industry, working in her family's retail store since her youth. She has written nearly 100 articles for The Spruce, mainly covering everything having to do with carpeting from colors and filaments to runners to area rugs.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/30/19
gollykim / Getty ImagesDeciding on a style of carpet can be overwhelming at first, as you walk into a showroom and see hundreds of options. However, all residential carpets can be classified into one of only a few categories, which can really help to narrow your search.
Each of the following styles has a unique look, as well as distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some styles are better suited to certain types of décor than others, based on their appearance.
Here is more detailed information on carpets, including characteristics of each style, durability, and performance expectations.
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Cheryl SimmonsSaxony is the iconic carpet style; it is the image that likely comes to the minds of most when they think of carpet. Saxony carpet is a cut pile that is medium height; it is neither very long nor very short. Saxonies can range from a plush, velvety appearance (known as a straight Saxony) to a textured appearance (referred to as trackless).
Because Saxony is available in different looks, it can work for almost any type of décor. Straight Saxonies work best for formal settings, because of their high-end velvet finish. However, this is the style that will show footprints across the surface of the carpet fibers, so it is a less popular choice for busy households.
Textured Saxonies represent a large portion of the residential carpet market because they truly are versatile enough to use in almost any type of décor. Textured Saxonies are designed to minimize the appearance of footprints and vacuum marks on the carpet, so they work well in high-traffic areas. They have a less formal appearance than straight Saxonies, so they are suitable for more casual settings such as family rooms and dens.
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Cheryl Simmons
Originally, the term Berber referred to a flecked carpet: a white or off-white carpet with a fleck of dark brown or gray. Today, however, Berber more often refers to a looped style of carpet. Berbers can range from small, tight loops to large, chunky loops.
As Berbers first started to become popular in residential carpet, they were chosen mainly for areas of the home not used for entertaining such as home offices and basement rec rooms. This may be because they resembled commercial carpet styles, and were almost always multi-colored.
Today, Berbers have moved away from the commercial look and can work well throughout the home. The solid-color Berber styles in the new soft fiber carpets (such as the Mohawk SmartStrand collection) look a bit more sophisticated than the older multi-colored styles but still add a nice relaxed feel to the room.
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RyanJLane / Getty ImagesFrieze is the evolution of the shag carpet. Frieze features long fibers—usually much longer than Saxonies—that have been tightly twisted. Generally, freizes are very durable, due to the high twist of the fibers. They are sometimes called California shags.
Friezes have a laid-back feel to them (perhaps because the fibers literally lay back as opposed to standing up straight). They can have somewhat of a messy appearance because the fibers lay in every direction, but this is part of their charm. They tend to feel cozy and inviting.
Based on this, friezes obviously don’t work for formal settings. They are great in family rooms and in basements, and they often look great on stairs, as the longer fibers can help to camouflage seams around railing posts.
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Cheryl SimmonsThis style is just as the name suggests: some of the fibers are cut, and others remain looped. The cut fibers and looped fibers are combined to make a pattern in the carpet.
Cut and loop styles offer a wide variety of designs and textures, which work with various types of décor. The pattern made from combining the cut fibers and loops can range from a pin-dot style to a geometric design. Currently, linear patterns which give a striated look are very popular.
Depending on the pattern of the cut and loop, this style can work in various areas of the home. It is often well suited to modern or industrial-style décor.
15 Different Types of Carpet Fiber and Pile Options
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Quicklist: Carpet Fiber and Pile Options
- Berber Loop Pile
- Level Loop Pile
- Multi-level Loop Pile
- Saxony Cut Pile
- Textured Cut Pile
- Frieze Cut Pile
- Pattern (Cut and Looped) Pile
- Shag Pile
- Lush Pile
- Nylon
- Olefin
- Polyester
- Acrylic
- Wool
- Triexta
Are you in the market for a new carpet, but aren’t sure which one best suits your needs? If so, then you need to take a careful look at the different types of carpet available for your home.
For high traffic “living” areas in the home such as kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms, hardwood is more popular than carpet these days. However, that doesn’t mean carpet is a thing of the past as carpet is still widely used in other rooms in the house.
Picking the right type of carpet for your home
It is important to consider the carpet style that would be best suited to the room you intend to put it in. An office room or playroom might benefit from tough carpet tiles, while a luxurious Saxony carpet might be great in a guest room.
The problem is — how much do you really know about carpet types? Would you be able to tell the difference between a synthetic carpet and a natural fiber carpet? Do you know your shag from your plush?
There are many types of carpet options with different carpet fibers for you to add into your home, which range from high-end carpets for that special finish to more durable carpets for high traffic areas.
Some of the most common types of carpet you’re likely to come across are:
- Cut
- Polyester
- Loop
- Shag
- Plush
However, these are by no means the only types as our list below will illustrate.
We constructed this guide to help educate you about the different types of carpet, so that you can make the most informed buying decision.
Related: Carpet Remnant | Who Invented Carpet | Should Carpet match Drapes? | Types of Soundproof Carpeting | Should You Have the Same Carpet Throughout Entire House | Make your Carpet Fluffy Again
Carpet Popularity by Room
Which rooms are best for carpet?
Our first section is based on analysis of hundreds of thousands of rooms to determine how common carpet is in the main rooms of the home.
From our analysis, we put together a simple chart and corresponding table illustrating how common carpet is for the main rooms as a percentage of each main type of room that has carpet.
As you can see, carpet is not popular for kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms and entry areas. This is to be expected since those are high traffic areas and kitchens or bathrooms have water, stain and spill potential for which carpet is not ideal.
Chart
Table
The percentages below indicate what percent of each room type has carpet.
Which rooms are best for carpet?- Best rooms for carpet: bedrooms, home offices and basements.
- Worst rooms for carpet: Kitchens, bathrooms, entry areas and dining rooms.
homestratosphere.com
Two Main Types of Carpet: Loop Pile and Cut Pile
Carpet is created by looping yarn-style material through backing and then creating a particular pile on the other side (i.e. the upside). There’s a loop pile (i.e. Berber) and cut pile (i.e. Saxony). The type of pile will determine the carpet texture, but it should also be noted that the carpet fiber will also have an effect.
Below we set out the various carpet options for both main types of pile.
A. Loop Pile Carpet Options
1. Berber Loop Pile Carpet
Berber is the most common type of loop pile option you can choose. This means that the fibers are bent into a series of loops. This establishes a durable carpet that resists stains although it does not have as much cushioning as other choices.
In a Berber carpet, the loops are short in length although a slight bit of variance is welcome. This is a dense choice that offers a smooth tone. It is also something that will not come apart all that quickly. You should still ensure that you don’t add anything sharp into the carpet so it will not tear up and wear out quickly.
2. Level Loop Pile Carpet
A level loop design uses short loops where everything is carefully measured to where the loops are of the same length. This type is a little stiffer but it is perfectly appropriate for high traffic areas where durability and toughness are important.
3. Multi-Level Loop Pile Carpet
With a multi-level loop design, the tops of the loops will be varied by height, offering a more appealing design with series of visual flourishes. This is different from a patterned carpet in that all the threads are made into loops instead of just with cuts.
This creates a design where the variance in the textures on the carpet can gradually change over time. The details on your carpet will not be as noticeable as you might think but they can make a real difference when aiming to make your space look its best.
B. Cut Pile Carpet
1. Saxony Pile Carpet
The Saxony style is a cut pile option where the fiber ends are cut as evenly as possible. In a Saxony arrangement, the fibers are packed tightly together. This creates a smoother appearance. The fibers are about half an inch high as well.
This is also known as a plush carpet for how soft and luxurious it feels. However, having such a soft-textured carpet is not without its pitfalls. The individual fibers in a Saxony carpet can tear up quickly, so be careful when moving furniture.
2. Textured Cut Pile Carpet
The textured carpet style is another cut pile choice. The yarn used is twisted and then cut meaning the carpet is soft while the surface is twisted enough to create a more casual appearance.
The twists are tight enough to offer stain resistance, meaning there is more durability and easier cleaning. Also, the individual fibers bend a little faster than those of a Saxony carpet but it can add a nice tone when used well.
3. Frieze Carpet
The frieze choice uses short fibers that can curl in many directions. This establishes a sturdy look that can hide footprints although it is not necessarily made with heavy foot traffic in mind as too much traffic can cause excess fatigue in the area.
It has an informal style and is often referred to as a shag pile carpet. It is an attractive option that exudes a sense of luxury but you should be careful with handling items around it as you could have a rather tough time with trying to clean out anything you spill in there.
4. Pattern Carpet
A pattern arrangement uses a mix of cut and looped yarn spots. The specific areas where the yarn is looped versus where it is cut are planned out before the carpet is made, and is designed to establish a specific pattern.
In this sense, a patterned carpet gets its pattern from its texture and construction, rather than from simply using dyes. Different colored yarns can be woven together to create the pattern, which can be in the form of contrasting colors or even a blend of different natural or synthetic carpet fiber.
This is the same way woven carpet works in terms of structure and design, creating a unique texture carpet that gets it’s design from the way the yarn is woven together.
Click here to know more about the differences of the loop and cut pile carpet.
Carpet Materials
The next distinguishing component of carpet is the material. When someone is wondering about the different types of Berber carpet, for example, those different types are based on the different carpet materials used in the pile.
Below is a list of the different types of carpet materials.
1. Nylon
Nylon carpeting is a very popular option, due to how strong and durable nylon is. Nylon fiber can resist soil and stay in its same shape for years without warping.
It is popular but it can produce static electricity due to friction. If you do decide to go for a nylon carpet, then you might want to apply anti-static sprays to help keep electric shocks to a minimum.
2. Olefin
Olefin is a polypropylene compound that was originally used in outdoor situations for how well it can resist moisture. Today, it is used in indoor situations because olefin fibers offer a wool-like texture and are very strong.
This can look great but it will have to be dyed to make it look esthetically pleasing. Also, excess exposure to the sun’s rays could hurt the appearance of the carpet.
3. Polyester
Polyester carpeting is another popular option for those seeking toughness and durability in their floor coverings — without compromising on style. A prominent synthetic material, polyester can resist stains. It resists moisture and is easy to clean off. It could clump up into piles if you don’t maintain it well enough.
4. Acrylic
Acrylic is made with a wool-like body that has a level of static and stain resistance that makes this variety particularly appealing for areas that might be susceptible to stains, and general wear and tear. It is not likely to fade as much as other options.
5. Wool
You can always use real wool for your carpet if desired. Wool is appealing for how it features a series of carefully woven fibers that resist dirt. It can resist stains quite well. However, it is also more expensive due to how sturdy and durable the surface is.
6. Triexta
Triexta is a synthetic choice that has become popular in many homes with pets and kids. This is thanks to how the fibers are strong and not as likely to tear apart like others. Triexta carpeting is a powerful option but it can also be somewhat expensive, so may not be the best choice for those wishing to keep costs down.
Carpet Quality Indicators
A. Pile Fiber Density
Quality carpet is indicated by the density of the fibers used for the pile. The denser the pile, the higher quality it is. When you can feel the carpet backing material when running your hand over the upside of the carpet, this indicates a lower quality. When you don’t feel the backing this is a sign of superior quality.
B. Pile Fiber Weight
A heavier carpet indicates more fibers per square foot. The yarn used for the pile can have some bearing on this (synthetic pile might have a different weight to natural wool carpet, for example), but the general rule of thumb is that the heavier the carpet per square foot, the better quality it is. This includes synthetic fiber carpets, so be sure to check the weight.
C. Quality Material
The most expensive and best carpet material is wool. It’s soft, durable, natural and eco-friendly. That said, a wool carpet may not be the most practical choice since other materials offer more stain-resistance and in some cases more durable (but not as plush).
Here’s a photo of wool carpet:
Carpet Padding
In addition to your carpet pile, you also need quality padding material. It is a soft material that is flexible and designed to go in between the subfloor and the base of the carpet where the fibers are attached.
The padding is used underneath the carpet pile and will cover up the floor. It insulates an area from the cold and creates a soft surface. You should always test out the padding used on your carpet before choosing it so you can get an idea of how it feels under your feet.
Carpet Baseboard Trim
A baseboard material is a trim that is attached to the ends of your carpet. The baseboard will use a series of nails and wood pieces that link the carpet to the edges of the walls. This is to create a better overall appearance where the carpet is smoothed out and carefully arranged.
You have to ensure that the baseboard links to the carpet after everything is measured and stretched out. Think of this as an anchor for the entire carpeted surface. If you need to remove baseboard for carpet installation, check out our how to remove baseboard article.
Carpet Colors
Carpets are available in a vast variety of colors . You can choose anything ranging from a neutral shades of brown or nude, right though to deep and vibrant colors and patterns. The colors really are limitless.
The Most Common Carpet Colors
Based on an analysis of 1,883 bedrooms with carpet, the top three carpet colors are as follows:
- The most popular carpet color is beige, which is used in 55% of bedrooms.
- The second most popular carpet color is gray, which is used in 24% of bedrooms.
- The third most popular is brown, coming in at 6.27% of bedrooms.
We used bedrooms for the analysis because the most common flooring for bedrooms is carpet.
Carpet Color Chart
Carpet Color Decision Tips
Regardless of what you prefer, there are several points that must be used when getting carpet in your home:
- Choose a color that fits in well with other items in a room. These include pieces of furniture, the paint on your walls, and so forth. Make sure the carpet blends in well with the rest of the room.
- Check on how well the carpet is made so you can identify when there are stains. You might have a tough time identifying stains that need to be fixed if you have a darker color.
- You can always get a patterned series of colors on your carpet. These include colors that create floral or symmetrical line designs among other things. You can always ask the manufacturer of your carpet about how well a design might work for you.
- Watch for the sunlight that comes into your area. Don’t add any colors that are too unique and dark into a spot where there’s lots of sunlight or else you might risk the color fading.
Carpet Price
The cost to get carpet will be based on how much carpet you need at a given time. There are many specific points about carpets that you must explore when looking at their cost:
It can cost about $1 to $10 per square foot for carpet. The more expensive options are typically more durable and could also come with an attractive pattern. Berber and wool are especially more expensive than other options.
It costs about $1 per square foot to get the carpet installed. You might have to spend a little extra in the event you need to remove any old carpeted surfaces, get furniture moved around, and so forth.
In summary, you should expect to spend around $2 to $10 per square foot depending on what you have. This means that a standard room will cost a few hundred dollars for you to get a carpet.
See our carpet cost calculator here.
Carpet Size
The sizing for your carpet will be measured based on how large your room is. You will have to measure your carpet based on such factors as how long and wide your room is and how many cuts have to be made to get the surface in your property organized right.
You can always work with a professional installation team to get a clear idea of what you can use when getting it installed. Do be careful when getting it ready though so you won’t use more carpet than needed or be at risk of bare spots in your home.
Key Points For Using Carpets
There are several added considerations to find when getting a carpet installed in any way. These points can be used when getting an installation ready to help you fully get the most out of your carpet:
- Sometimes the subfloor or padding underneath the carpet has to be installed. In many cases, you can use the same padding that you used for an older carpeted material on your new one. You’d have to check on how consistent and flexible the padding is before you choose something in particular.
- You will more than likely have to add a new baseboard material to get this ready. It might take a bit of extra time but if used right it should not be too hard to use.
- You can always get a customized cut ready for your carpet. You’d have to ask your installer to see what can be done beforehand. A proper estimate is needed with regard to how much carpet you need in a certain room.
- Some added moldings may be added to link your carpet up to other carpeted surfaces around your home. This is especially the case if you have different types of carpet with a variety of piles all around your property.
Make sure you watch carefully when getting carpet added in your home. A great carpeted surface can make a world of difference if chosen right. You should look around to see what’s available and how well it can all fit into your home when used properly enough.
Related: Types of Rugs
Top Brands of Carpet
Choosing the right carpet for your home or office is vital for your comfort and daily living. Depending on your preferred materials and the traffic in your home, some brands may work better for you than others.
While there are hundreds of carpet brands to choose from, here are some that come highly recommended.
1. Mohawk Industries
Source: Mohawk
Based out of Calhoun, Georgia, Mohawk Industries offers both carpet and carpet tiles that are stain-resistant, wear-resistant, or both, depending on what you need. You can choose a carpet that fits the function of that room, mixing and matching as you order for rooms throughout the house.
2. Karastan
Source: Karastan
Historically known as an American brand of oriental wool rugs, Karastan exhibited a 12-foot by 15-foot Axminster wool rug at the 1933-1934 Chicago World’s Fair, where millions of visitors walked on the carpet, displaying its durability. The rug, made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, featured a tree of life pattern in 33 skein-dyed colors. Mohawk Industries bought the company in 1993.
Karastan quality is not only found in the material but also in the carpet’s aesthetics.
3. Tuftex
Source: Andersontuftex
Los Angeles-based Tuftex carpets stand up to wear and tear in heavy traffic areas. Shaw Floors’ premier residential brand designs carpets based on regional trends.
4. Newton
Source: Newtonproducts
Affordable carpet is one of the flooring options offered by Newton. They offer a variety of colors and carpet types to accommodate your budget and your needs for the space.
5. LifeProof
Mohawk Industries’ LifeProof brand is sold exclusively at The Home Depot. Launched in 2015, the fibers used in LifeProof products are meant to give superior stain resistance.
6. Masland Carpets
Source: Masland Carpet and Rugs
Masland Carpet and Rugs, founded in Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1866, has been an industry leader in both flooring and automotive components for many decades. They introduced the first manufactured carpet fiber prior to World War I, and in 1922 began supplying the Ford Motor Co. with woven rugs for their vehicles. Today, Masland offers consumers many options for broadloom carpets and area rugs.
7. Fabrica
Source: Fabrica
Choose from nylon or wool carpets with Fabrica. There are also area rugs available with the same materials and textures. Each type of carpet comes with 30 or more color options.
8. Stainmaster
Source: Lowe’s
Lowe’s purchased the Stainmaster brand in 2021. If you need carpet in an area with lots of stain potential Stainmaster’s nylon-fiber products may be right for you. Their carpets and rugs are designed to be stain-resistant and make clean-up easy.
9. Shaw Flooring
Source: Shawfloors
Shaw Industries, the largest carpet manufacturing company in the world, began making scatter rugs and bedspreads in 1946. They now have over $6 billion in annual revenue. Their LifeGuard Spill-proof waterproof backing is meant to keep spills and odor‑causing pet accidents from soaking through to the pad and subfloor.
10. Dupont Sorona Carpet
Source: Sorona
Energy efficiency is the name of the Dupont Sorona carpet game. Choose from a variety of textures and colors for your property. These carpets are easy to clean and have a long lifespan compared to other brands.
11. Atlas Carpet Mills
Source: Antron
Patterns are a big part of Atlas Carpet Mills. They are known for designing outside the box, giving your room an edgier and more contemporary look. Choose from swerving patterns, links, and lines when you choose this brand.
12. Proximity Mills
Source: Proximity Mills
Cut and loop or tip shear; you have patterned options or standard colors of your choice with Proximity Mills. The colors start with standard earth tones and then diversify into other options to make your space bold and bright.
13. Doma
Source: Domaflooring
Doma specializes in flooring, including carpet options. Many of their patterns look like area rugs that end up stretching through an entire room. One of the more popular patterns currently is Liana in Denim.
14. Paradiso
Source: Paradisoflooring
Known as one of the luxury options, Paradiso carpet has a higher price tag, but it comes with only top-tier materials. Everything from abstracted carpets to traditional styles is available.
Many of the woven patterns come in various textures. Some are flat and smooth, while others have thick, textured patterns. A few shades take on the appearance of granite and rocks.
15. Phenix
Source: Phenixflooring
When you choose a carpet from Phenix, you will get a stain-resistant carpet, no matter what pattern or color you choose. They have the FloorEver series, Modern Contours series, and Microban available.
Where to Buy CarpetRugs.comWhen you want a carpet without the hassle of installation, a rug like the many available at Rugs.com will get the job done fast and easy. The rugs aren’t wall-to-wall carpeting, but they can strategically cover up hard flooring. The patterns are also more ornate than the typical carpet, allowing the interior designer to add artwork even when guests look down.
Lowe’sWith the strength of being one of the two major home improvement retailers in North America, Lowe’s market presence includes formidable pricing per square foot, financing options, hundreds of carpet styles, decent product warranties, and home delivery with installation in its service area.
Home DepotAs Lowe’s major competitor, Home Depot has many of the same features for its carpet supply: a wide selection, cheap and upfront pricing, installation services, warranties, and the ability to pay in installments. Shoppers who started with Lowe’s should check out Home Depot to see which offers the better deal, and the same goes for anyone who checks Home Depot first.
Empire TodayEmpire Today has a similar feel to Home Depot and Lowe’s as a retailer with a hefty coverage area, but they focus on flooring of all types and don’t have customer-facing storefronts. Getting a price quote requires a little more work, so shop around to take advantage of their policy of beating competitors’ pricing before calling for their in-home estimate.
Carpet OneCarpet One has the storefront spread of the major home improvement stores with the flooring focus of a more limited competitor. The lowest priced options from the bigger stores will likely be cheaper than those at Carpet One, they don’t do home delivery, and they don’t offer their own installation service.
That said, Carpet One is still a physical store that’s available as an alternative to the slightly bigger names.
American Carpet WholesalersThe selection at American Carpet Wholesalers isn’t robust, but it is inexpensive with low prices per square foot and interest-free financing. Free samples are available, so testing out the options won’t nickel and dime shoppers like some other online carpet stores.
Flooring Inc.Flooring Inc. is another carpet retailer that focuses on its online presence rather than setting up storefronts. The pricing ranges from relatively inexpensive to the steeper price tag of quality carpets. They’ll ship the carpet to anywhere in the United States, but no local presence means they likely won’t be much better help with finding local installers than a quick online search.
Interface CarpetInterface supplies carpets around the world, so nearly anyone reading this article can call them up and place an order. The wide reach means that the buyer will need to handle the installation, whether on their own or by hiring an installation service. After looking over their portfolio, contact the company to receive samples of the carpet before committing to a purchase.
EU CarpetFor European delivery destinations, EU Carpet features a range of rugs with beautiful and unique patterns. Despite the name, they don’t sell any true wall-to-wall carpeting. The price per square foot will be high, but installing the rugs is as simple as laying them on the floor.
Your Local Carpet Specialty StoreBoth small towns and big cities may have carpet stores in their commercial districts. Since they may have independent owners or come from smaller local chains, the exact services offered at each one will vary. It doesn’t hurt to pay the stores a visit, and they can sometimes have better deals than the big box stores. A locally-owned store tends to cycle more of its money back into the community, adding extra value to the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about carpeting.
1. Can Carpeting Be Dyed?
It is possible to dye nylon or wool carpets. Acrylic, polyester and polypropylene carpets cannot be dyed. Your carpet’s current color will determine the new colors into which it can be dyed. There are three methods that are commonly used to dye carpet.
They are spraying on the dye with a wand that has a pressure poundage of between 150 and 500, using an aerosol spray can, or applying the dye using a rotary scrubber with nylon bristles. They all require using professional-strength carpet dye for the best results.
2. Can Carpeting Be Patched?
Carpeting can be patched by professionals with the e proper equipment or by DIYers with the help of a patch repair kit that has adhesive disks. Simply measure and tape off the damaged piece of carpet to be patched.
Remove the damaged area and measure and cut a replacement patch. Put the carpet patch into the right position. Glue it in place. Then rough up and smooth down the edges of the carpet patch to hide the seams.
3. Can Carpeting Be Stretched?
Yes, a loose, lumpy, wrinkled carpet can be stretched. But to do it properly you will need a power carpet-stretcher, a knee-kicker, a pry-bar, a stapler containing 5/16-inch staples, a utility knife and some tack strips.
Once one end of the carpet is secured into the tack strips, the carpet-stretcher is used to pull the carpet tight all across the room and remove the rolls and wrinkles. The other end of the carpet is then embedded into the row of tack strips at that end of the room.
4. Can Carpeting Be Painted?
Berber, jute, seagrass and sisal carpets can be easily painted using upholstery paint. Plush carpeting does not take paint well. It tends to become matted and hard.
5. How Is Carpeting Measured?
Carpeting is measured using a diagram of the space to be carpeted. The area is then measured and the measurements are transferred to the diagram. The total square footage is then calculated.
The measurements in each area are routinely rounded up to the nearest .5 of a foot so a floor that’s 14.3 feet long by 11.8 feet wide becomes 14.5 feet by 12 feet. This ensures there enough material to adequately cover the floor. An additional 5% is added for seams. Carpets that require a pattern match will need additional material.
6. Who Invented Carpeting?
Goat hair and sheep’s wool have been sheared and spun or woven into carpets for over 9,000 years. In Western Asia, knotted-pile carpet rugs were being produced between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.
William Sprague is credited with being the father of the modern carpet industry. In 1791 in Philadelphia, he built the first mill for weaving carpet.
7. Can You Install Carpeting Over Hardwood Flooring?
Yes, you can. All you have to do is nail tackless strips on the floor along the baseboards on the room’s perimeter using masonry nails. Cover the floor with carpet padding.
Cut the carpet about four inches larger than the room’s length and width. Lay it in place leaving two inches of excess at the wall. Hook one end of the carpet into the tackless strip at one end of the room beginning in the corners.
Stretch the carpet all the way to the other wall using a power stretcher. Hook the other end of the carpet on the tackless strip there. Trim off the excess carpet.
8. Can You Install Carpeting Over Tile?
Carpet can be laid over tile. Simply cut and remove a strip of tile around the room’s perimeter that’s about two inches wider than the tackless strip that holds the carpet in place. Nail in the tackless strips on the floor 1 1/2 inches from the baseboard.
Cover the entire floor with carpet under-padding. Hook the end of the carpet over the tackless strip. Use a power carpet stretcher to pull the carpet tight all the way across the room.
Press the other end of the carpet into the tackless strips there. Cut off the excess carpet all along the baseboard using a utility knife.
9. Can You Put Carpeting Over Concrete?
To install carpeting over concrete, nail tack strips into the floor all around the perimeter of the room. Cover the entire concrete floor with carpet padding. Connect the strips of padding using tape. Unroll the carpet on top of the padding.
Begin at the far corner of the room and hook the edge of the carpet into the tack strips. Once you have connected the end of the carpet to the tack strip across the entire back wall, use a power carpet stretcher to pull the carpet taut all the way to the front wall. Hook that end of the carpet to the tack strip. Replace the baseboards.
10. Can You Put Carpeting Over Laminate?
Putting carpeting over laminate is not recommended. The tack strips used to connect the carpet to the floor can wrinkle the laminate. This will make it uneven, not lie flat beneath the carpet and make it nearly impossible for the carpeting to be installed properly.
Over time, laminate has a tendency to stiffen and begin to curl up. This will push against the carpeting and cause it to become displaced, lumpy, wrinkled and uneven. It is better to remove the laminate and put the carpeting directly on the subfloor.
11. Can You Put Carpeting Over Linoleum?
It is possible and relatively simple to put down carpeting over the linoleum on your floors. The key is to make sure the linoleum is clean and smooth. Then install your tackles strips and your carpet pad and follow the basic steps for installing a carpet.
Some people put a plywood underlayment on top of the linoleum before installing the carpet, but that is not necessary. A good carpeting job can be done without underlayment.
12. Can You Put Carpet Over Cork?
If the cork flooring is firmly in place, you can leave it as it is and simply install a carpet pad and carpeting on top of it. That is a faster, safer, and more cost-efficient method of replacing your cork floors with carpeting. You can call in a professional or tackle putting carpeting over your cork floors as a do-it-yourself project.
13. How Long Does Carpeting Last?
Inexpensive, apartment-grade carpeting generally lasts about five years. Medium grade carpeting can be expected to last as long as 15 years.
The top-quality carpeting available today can last as long as 25 years. That longevity and durability depend on the amount of traffic it has to endure and how well it’s cared for and maintained.
14. What Materials Is Carpeting Made From?
Carpets can be produced using a wide range of natural and synthetic materials. They include acrylic, polyester, wool, nylon, polypropylene (Olefin), Smartstrand and recycled plastic.
Some popular carpeting materials are uncut carpet pile, cut carpet pile, Saxony cut pile, textured cut pile, Frieze cut pile, plush carpet or velvet cut pile.
15. Can Used Carpeting Be Sold?
Used carpeting is commonly sold in home goods stores, thrift stores, home decorating stores, second-hand stores, private sale listings and online auction sites like eBay. There is a wide selection of used carpeting available in a variety of sizes and at very affordable prices.
16. Can Used Carpeting Be Recycled? How?
Carpets of all types can be recycled. The fiber in the carpet is separated from the backing and often both the fibers and the backing are broken down, processed, and used to create new carpets and other products.
17. Can Carpeting Be Repaired? How?
Rips, stains and cigarette burns can make your carpet look old and unsightly. Plus, replacing it can be expensive. If the area that’s damaged isn’t too large, it’s possible to repair the carpet and save money instead of replacing the entire carpet. The damaged sections of carpeting can be repaired using a patch.
18. What Is Berber Carpet?
Berber carpet is a loop carpet invented by the Berber people of North Africa. They produced light-colored, handwoven textiles featuring distinct woven knots, loops, as well as natural multi-color flecks from the coat of the sheep from which they got the wool from which the carpets were produced.
The knot and loops are distinguishing characteristics of modern, mass-produced Berber carpets.
Related: Types of Carpeting Tools | Prevent Carpet Mold Growth
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Carpets in a modern interior - the best design ideas from Twinstore
December 14, 2022
Even the most stylish room without a carpet seems unfinished, it lacks home warmth and comfort. For several years, carpets were out of fashion interiors, but today they are again popular. And not only floor, but also wall!
Properly selected in color, shape, size, pile length, the carpet can become the main element of decor, emphasize the features of the interior style and make the room more comfortable.
Article content:
- Varieties of carpets
- Forms and styles of carpets
- Modern style wall hangings
- Color solutions of carpets in the interior
- Carpet in the living room - novelties and ideas
Carpet types
There is no single generally accepted classification of carpet products, this is due to the fact that there are a lot of features for grouping.
By location, carpets are divided into floor and wall. They are similar in many ways - they are made using the same technologies, from the same materials. In modern interiors, both types of carpets are used as a decorative element, a "chip" that emphasizes the taste of the owner.
According to the method of production, carpets are divided into 2 types: handmade carpets and those made using automated machines.
Elite carpets are created by hand from natural materials. Such products are not only beautiful and unique, but also durable. The service life of one carpet cloth can reach 200 years!
In the machine method of manufacturing, both natural and synthetic materials are used. Modern technologies make the production of carpets easy and fast. The cost of such products is much lower than that of piece copies made by hand.
According to the height of the pile, three types of carpets are distinguished:
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short pile (pile length up to 5 mm) - as a rule, these are carpet paths. Easy to care for, practical.
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medium pile (pile length 6-15 mm) - warm, durable carpets, quite easy to care for. Suitable for living room, dining room, nursery.
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long pile (thread length from 16 to 100 mm) - the most comfortable models, fluffy and soft. Most often they are purchased for a bedroom or a children's room. Such products are quite whimsical in care.
According to the composition of the material, carpets are divided into natural and synthetic, often manufacturers combine several materials in one product.
Carpets made from natural materials are the most expensive, they can be woolen, silk, cotton, linen.
Woolen carpets are most often woven from sheep's wool; products from camel or goat are rare. They have a good texture and a long service life. However, they absorb all odors, are unstable to pollution, a carpet made of natural wool can be eaten by moths. The color range is quite modest, since wool is more difficult to dye than synthetic materials.
Cotton carpets are inferior to many materials in terms of durability, they do not tolerate moisture well. Carpets only made of cotton are extremely rare, as a rule, wool is added to the composition. According to tactile sensations, such carpets are softer than wool and easier to care for.
Carpets made of natural silk are premium products, most often handmade using ancient technologies. Differ in softness, gentle natural gloss, a variety of coloring and patterns. They serve several generations, do not lose their qualities for 200-300 years.
Partially synthetic carpets (no more than 30% synthetics) are the most popular, due to their affordable price and good wear resistance.
Carpets made of synthetic materials are the cheapest and most durable. Well suited for places with heavy traffic: living room, hallway. Acrylic, nylon, polypropylene and other materials are used in the production.
Carpets made of polypropylene are similar to wool, but they are not afraid of moths, they have a low cost, a wide range of different shapes, colors and sizes, they are unpretentious in care and do not lose color saturation with regular cleaning.
Acrylic carpets feel and look the same
resemble wool, but, unlike natural ones, do not cause allergies, almost
do not accumulate static electricity. Repels mold and moisture,
thanks to which they can be laid in the bathroom.
Carpet shapes and styles
On the market today are carpets of various shapes and sizes, from the usual geometric (circle, square, rectangle) to bizarre, consisting of several figures or having the silhouette of an animal, plant (such carpets are most often made for children's rooms). The choice of product is influenced by the area and shape of the room. So, a round carpet will look ridiculous in an elongated room, and a long and narrow carpet path will be lost in a spacious living room.
The most common form of carpets is rectangular. Such products are suitable for any rooms and interior styles. Recently, products with rounded corners have become popular, this prevents the corners from wrapping during the operation of the carpet.
Oval carpets used to be used mainly in the kitchen, but today the boundaries of their application have expanded. The absence of sharp corners and the streamlined shape of the product visually increase the space. Such a carpet will look good in a small living room, in the kitchen. All this is true for round-shaped carpets.
Square carpet you should choose only for rooms of the correct shape, otherwise the non-ideal geometry of the room will be striking.
Whichever carpet you choose, remember an important rule: the greater the distance between the carpet and the furniture, the more spacious the room will seem.
small carpets do not make the center of attention, they are good in combination with large products. Can be used for zoning in a spacious living room, bedroom or library.
The chosen model of the carpet should be combined with the style of the room. Depending on the interior, these can be classic solutions or original design works.
Conventionally, by style, all carpets can be divided into several groups:
Classic. Products of this style can be seen in the paintings of famous artists of the past, in museums and luxurious modern mansions. Such carpets are characterized by complex, but precisely calibrated patterns in baroque, classicism, renaissance or modern styles. The color palette is chosen in accordance with the characteristics of the style and can be red, crimson, gold or pastel shades. Most often, classic carpets have a rectangular shape.
National styles (traditional) is a reflection of local traditions. Easily recognizable by their characteristic patterns: exquisite oriental (we are familiar with the patterns of the Middle East and Central Asia) or restrained European (Greece, Provence). The color palette can be anything, the ornament consists of floral or geometric patterns. Handmade models can be made in patchwork style (patchwork mosaic).
Ethnic style. It could be classified as national, but for us these products are more exotic and therefore stand out separately. Such carpets are made in India, Egypt, Morocco and other African countries. The color palette is most often red-brown with the addition of bright shades. All colors are as close to natural as possible.
Modern style. Fantasy and originality rule the ball here, however, most of the products have absorbed the signs of such styles as hi-tech, loft, fusion. The color scheme can be any. Patterns on modern carpets are abstract or geometric, floral ornaments have nothing in common with traditional carpets. Despite the variety of shades, we recommend choosing products that combine no more than three colors.
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- ROYAL PALACE CARPET
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Contemporary wall hangings
Many consider wall carpets to be a relic of the past, an echo of Soviet times, but fashion is spiraling and wall carpets are back in trend. Of course, today carpets on the walls are much less common, but with the right approach, a wall carpet will become a “chip” of your interior, emphasizing its courage, individuality and style.
It is almost impossible to imagine ethnic style without wall carpets, they make the interior more vivid, colorful, memorable. Wall hangings are also appropriate in vintage, classic, Scandinavian styles, in mixed eclectic interiors.
In an oriental-style interior, carpet combined with countless decorative cushions adds a touch of luxury to the interior.
A strict, restrained and minimalistic interior will become cozier and warmer, one has only to add a wall carpet. But do not forget that in high-tech and loft styles, only carpets in muted colors are appropriate.
The carpet can replace the head of the bed, opening up almost limitless possibilities for experimentation: vertical or horizontal arrangement, color scheme, pattern, attachment point, etc.
A huge plus of wall carpets is high heat and noise insulation.
Do not want to decorate the wall with a large carpet? Designers offer a great alternative - tapestries and panels. They can be interesting accent pieces.
Use a carpet, tapestry or panel to highlight only one area. It can be a headboard, a sofa, a chest of drawers, a desktop. So the carpet will not hide the space of the room and will fully cope with the role of decorative decoration.
If you decide to hang a carpet, pay attention to the fastening. You can safely use noticeable elements: massive chains, openwork forged brackets, cornices, decorative eyelets. This technique looks unusual, original and makes the interior stylistically safe.
Baguette decoration - Another interesting option for introducing a carpet into a modern interior. Small items can be stretched on a stretcher like a canvas or framed like a picture - a frame and a passe-partout.
When choosing a wall hanging, remember that the product quickly absorbs dust, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.
Interior carpet colors
The choice of color is influenced by the purpose of the room. If you do not focus on the style of the interior, then products of bright colors are suitable for living rooms and children's rooms, plain and neutral shades are suitable for the bedroom.
The contrast between the carpet and the floor looks interesting and bright. For example, a bleached oak floor looks good with products of warm shades, a dark floor will set off a carpet in light (white, milky, ivory) colors, a gray floor covering is in harmony with purple or cherry carpets.
If the carpet does not fit into the interior, but for some reason you do not want to part with it, add textiles with a similar color scheme. It can be curtains, decorative pillows, bedspreads.
For interiors that include wallpaper or furniture with intricate prints, choose a low-key carpet, best in a solid color, but a simple patterned option is also suitable. The reverse rule is also true: pale upholstery and walls will be complemented by brighter, richer colors and complex ornaments on the carpet.
Often contrasting pieces or rugs with an unusual pattern draw attention away from other accessories and furniture, this solution is appropriate if you want to draw attention to the floor.
Items with a medallion (central drawing) look good in the center of the room, but if you want to put furniture on the carpet, it is better to choose a model with a frame around the edge or with an ornament throughout the area.
The easiest way to fit into the interior is a plain carpet, a product in the style of a patchwork or with an abstract pattern. The main thing is to choose the right style and color scheme.
Carpet for the living room - novelties and ideas
The choice of carpet for the living room occurs after the completion of the repair. So you can correctly assess which carpet product will ideally complement the interior. The main thing is that the product is wear-resistant, stylish, of high quality and has a presentable appearance.
Very popular today are carpets with the effect of aging, scuffs, which are achieved through a neatly cut pile. Such models are suitable for interiors with antique furniture, lofts.
In modern interiors, products that combine several textures look interesting, for example, wool, leather, silk, cotton.
If straight lines predominate in the room, a round or oval carpet will help soften the angularity. It would also be appropriate to add several other decorative elements of a similar shape - pillows, wall decorations.
Do you want to focus on the recreation area and make it visually significant? Arrange the carpet so that it goes under the sofa to its middle.
With the help of carpet products, the living room is easily divided into several zones. For this, small carpets are used. They may vary in size, but must be combined.
Under no circumstances should a carpet be an independent interior unit. It is not the dominant element, but the “icing on the cake”, the final touch that gives the interior integrity.CARPET CRYSTAL MERINOS CARPET GENOVA CARPET GENOVA
- CARPET CRYSTAL MERINOS
- CARPET GENOVA
- CARPET GENOVA
Choosing a carpet is not the easiest task, but all the efforts spent will pay off in full. A perfectly matched carpet is not only a comfort for the feet, but also a great opportunity to show off your sense of style, make the interior more unique and impress the guests.
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Styles and patterns of carpets - Delivery of carpets from a warehouse Moscow
Even the most fashionable interior will look cold and lifeless without carpet . Since ancient times, a carpet has raised the status of a home in our eyes and in the eyes of guests, and if a carpet is of great value and rarity, then it will surely become a kind of relic for several generations of the family. But still, in most cases Gorgeous carpet patterns adorn our living rooms and bedrooms.
Selecting a variety of patterns carpets , you can create an architectural appearance of the room by dividing it into different functional areas, which will acquire their own special significance. So, for example, an exquisite carpet pattern can delimit the reception area in the living room or separate the dining and working areas. Carpets are able to recreate a certain orderliness of the room and at the same time enliven and saturate the interior with drawings, ornaments and various shades.
When choosing a carpet, remember that color and ornament can be used as a starting point for various design solutions. So, for example, under carpet , you can choose curtains, wallpaper or furniture upholstery.
Patterns of carpets can be made in different styles, it can be oriental ornaments, and classical European styles, and modern abstraction. The children's room can be covered with a carpet with a cartoon ornament.
Conventionally, all carpets can be divided into products of two main styles: old and new. The old style includes carpets with a traditional pattern for carpet weaving - an ornate ornament. Modern drawing is a combination of laconic art forms.
What to choose for yourself - classic or modern, - you decide. But it is worth considering that the style of the carpet should be combined with the interior of your home. Carpet of traditional pictorial forms will perfectly fit into the interior of classical style. Conversely, a product with a simple, with a modern pattern will be in harmony with minimalism, hi-tech, functionalism, etc.