Carpet 101: Six Basic Styles

Selecting the correct carpet is a combination of the practical and the aesthetic. The choice is practical in that for high-traffic areas, some carpets are more suitable than others. The choice is aesthetic in that the choice comes down to what you like, especially in terms of color selection.

The six types of carpet are textured, plush, frieze, cable, Berber, and cut-and-loop. Each type has its own look and performance conditions.

1. Textured Carpet features alternating twists of yarn that create a two-tone appearance. This type of carpet isdurable, hides vacuum marks and footprints, and is suitable for anywhere in the home.
2. Plush Carpet has the same twist and finish, which creates a velvety look. It shows vacuum marks and footprints and can become crushed down with heavy traffic. Consequently, it is better in low-traffic areas, such as a bedroom, living room, or dining room.
3. Frieze Carpet is a cut pile with a very high twist level that actually curls over at the end. It’s very durable, doesn’t show footprints or vacuum marks, and is suitable for high-traffic areas.
4. Cable Carpet features long, thick yarn. It’s very beautiful and comfortable. However, like plush carpet,itcan matte or become crushed in high-traffic areas. Select this type of carpet for bedrooms or for the living room.
5. Berber Carpet is made of bulky yarns that are looped. Because the tips aren’t cut, this carpet is very durable. Berber is ideal for casual living areas. The carpet comes in solid colors, flecks, and patterns formed by various levels of loops. Berber is a very popular carpet these days.
6. Cut-and-Loop Carpets feature both cut and looped yarns. The combination of cut and loop makes it possible to create a wide variety of patterns in the carpet, particularly geometric patterns as well as floral patterns. They’re used in both casual and formal rooms. The patterns and multiple colors used with this type of carpet result in a carpet that is good at hiding colors and holding up in high-traffic areas.

Hopefully this gives you a starting point for choosing the correct carpet for your home. And if you eed more help? Feel free to contact us at CincinnatiEast.FloorCoveringsInternational.com.