What Carpet To Choose For Your Home...
With most decorating choices, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But with so many carpeting choices in todays marketplace, its wise to know something about the basics of style and durability before you head for the store.
While many consider wool carpet best overall for sheer luxury and durability, carpets made of nylon or polypropylene are todays two most popular choices and the two best performing fibers, according to Consumer Reports. Polyester, which has great softness, is a good option for bedrooms. But for heavier traffic areas, nylon is perhaps the best option, with polypropylene a close second.
Work with an experienced sales representative to choose the style most practical for your family, your lifestyle and your pets.
Apart from fiber, the carpet style will make a difference in overall look.
Berber: Loop style carpeting features loops of the same height and performs well even in high-traffic areas. Many popular berber styles feature flecks of a darker color on a lighter background.
Cut pile: Loops are cut, leaving individual yarn tufts. Durability depends on the type of fiber, the density of the tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. Cut pile carpet is available in a variety of finishes from plush velvet for a more formal look to Saxony, frieze or textured pile which minimize footprints and vacuum marks..
Cut-and-loop: A combination of cut and looped yarns; provides a variety of surface textures including sculptured effects in squares or swirls.
Multi-level loop: Has two or three different loop heights to create pattern effects and surface texture. Provides a more casual look.
Patterned or print: By using yarns of varying heights and treatments, patterned carpets offer everything from pin dots to floral designs to geometric prints.
When comparing carpets and carpet brands, remember the higher the density (how close the tufts are spaced together), and the tighter the twist, the better the overall performance.