There’s nothing quite like the soft, luxurious touch of a carpet, but is it a good choice for your property? If there’s a chance it is, you’ll need to pick the right carpet type, material, and style to ensure long-term satisfaction and a good return on your investment. You’ll need to consider installation and maintenance.

 

But don’t let that overwhelm you because we’re here to guide you.

What Exactly Is Carpet?

According to the Oxford Learners Dictionary, a carpet is “a piece of thick woven material made of wool, etc., used to cover the floor of a room or stairs; the material used for carpets.”

 

A carpet’s function is to increase comfort and warmth. We can classify carpets broadly into natural and synthetic carpets, and we’ll get into their materials and their unique features. They also come in different cuts, colours, densities, weights, and designs.

Is Carpet a Popular Flooring Option?

Yes, carpets are popular for many homeowners. This comes as no surprise, as they add comfort, warmth, safety, and luxury to your space. With numerous tones, prints, materials, and styles available, there’s a carpet for everyone. Still, hardwood, LVT, and other flooring types are more trendy.

How Do You Choose the Best Carpet?

There’s no one-size-fits-all carpet for everyone. Instead, you must consider several factors to determine the right pick for your property. The wrong carpet can wear out fast. Its colours may fade, and its stains might not come out. But understanding your lifestyle and needs can help you decide on the right type, colour, and style.

What Are the Many Carpet Types?

We’ll get into the various types of carpets, which fall under two categories: woven and tufted. Woven carpets involve intense labour and higher expenses, whereas tufted carpets are easier to make. The latter classification is more common in the UK. Each carpet type has its unique features, usage, pros, and cons, so understanding them is key.

Twist

A twist carpet is a hardwearing carpet whose yarn has been twisted tightly together to create a one-way pile direction. Twist carpets are the most popular type! They’re perfect for stairs, hallways, high-traffic areas, and households with pets because they hide pet hair.

Pros:

• Smooth
• Hardwearing and long-lasting
• Hide footprints, furniture marks, vacuum marks, and dirt
• Aesthetically pleasing, thanks to its rustic, textured appearance

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

Saxony

Saxony is a deep pile carpet whose cut pile has long tufts. We recommend it for bedrooms and living rooms (not heavy-traffic areas).

Pros:

• Has a soft underfoot
• Adds a luxurious touch

Cons:

• Easy to flatten, showing furniture and vacuum cleaner marks

Berber

Named after the African tribe Berber, it’s a carpet manufactured from uncut continuous loops on the surface with a unique knot look. It’s a good idea for high-traffic areas and households with kids.

Pros:

• Available in diverse textures
• Sturdy
• Affordable
• Stain-resistant
• Doesn’t show tracks

Cons:

• Pets might pull at its loops with their claws

Frieze

Frieze carpets are firmly twisted cut-pile carpets, which gives them a bumpy texture and a funky look. It’s a casual-looking carpet, perfect for staircases, hallways, and family rooms.

Pros:

• Durable
• Soft
• Hides dirt and footprints, thanks to its fuzzy finish

Cons:

• Not as formal as plush carpets

Cut and Loop

As expected, this carpet combines cut and looped fibres, creating geometric and abstract patterns. Add them to your bedroom, den, or basement.

Pros:

• Durable
• Versatile, so you can fit it anywhere that gets tons of activity
• Features beautiful, subtle patterns

Cons:

• Isn’t as popular as it was in the 1970s

Patterned

Patterned carpets depict everything from traditional themes to contemporary styles. You can use them to make an impression or add a classic touch to your space.

Pros:

• Available in countless patterns, such as waves, stripes, vines, blocks, and swirls
• Fits every budget

Cons:

• May show footprint marks

Loop Pile

A loop pile carpet has yarn that loops over the carpet surface, imitating the look of natural flooring. You can fit loop pile carpets in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and stairs.

Pros:

• Hardwearing
• Stain-resistant
• Hides footprint marks

Cons:

• Not recommended if you have pets with claws

Velvet

Velvet carpets feature dense, short pile with a smooth finish and are found in solid colours. They’re common in living rooms and bedrooms.

Pros:

• Soft to the touch
• Luxurious
• Hardwearing
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Likely to indent
• Water might stain it

Wilton

A type of woven carpets, Wilton carpets are woven on a loom of the same name and feature a continuous loop. They’re mostly used in hotels, passenger trains, and airlines rather than in residential settings.

Pros:

• Has a smooth texture
• Is a luxury, quality carpet

Cons:

• Relatively pricey
• Only available in plain or limited colours

Axminster

The other type of woven carpets, Axminster carpets, feature individual tufts that manufacturers weave in and out of the backing material on an Axminster machine. Their durability makes them a good fit for luxury hotels, country homes, and train carriages.

Pros:

• Available in intricate, versatile patterns
• Comes in diverse colour options
• High-quality and durable

Cons:

• Expensive

Carpet Tiles

These are individual square tiles of carpet that you can fit together to create diverse patterns. They’re good choices for commercial use and public areas.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Long-lasting
• Replaceable
• Easy to maintain
• Easy to install
• Can be fitted in alternative patterns

Cons:

• Have a non-uniform appearance

What Are the Various Carpet Materials?

The fabrics constituting a carpet are varied. The yarn fibre type plays into its look, feel, quality, lifespan, and even appropriate setting. So, let’s get into carpet materials, synthetic and natural, and their pros and cons to help you choose.

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre with a crimped structure. You might want wool carpet on your stairs.

Pros:

• Has unmatched insulation, retaining heat and reducing energy costs
• Highly durable
• Easy to clean
• Environmentally friendly
• Has a soft underfoot
• Repels dirt and debris

Cons:

• Expensive compared to manufactured fibres

Nylon

Nylon or polyamide carpets can stretch and spring back to shape. They’re excellent for family homes, especially rooms where you move furniture around frequently (like dining rooms).

Pros:

• As durable as wool
• Easy to clean and stain-resistant
• Budget-friendly
• Super soft

Cons:

• Not as luxurious as wool

Polyester

Polyester carpets have the appearance and texture of wool because manufacturers tend to mix polyester with real wool. You can fit them in bedrooms, offices, or TV rooms.

Pros:

• Highly durable
• Has a soft underfoot
• Easy to clean and stain-resistant
• Can be eco-friendly if it’s made from recycled plastic bottles
• Incredibly soft

Cons:

• Sensitive to direct sunlight, so it may fade

Polypropylene (Olefin)

Polypropylene carpets are synthetic, and they offer great value for money. You can lay them in any room, even playrooms and children’s bedrooms.

Pros:

• Stain-resistant
• Soft
• Hardwearing
• Easy to maintain
• Cheap

Cons:

• Tough to remove oil-based stains from it
• Can get flat more quickly than wool
• Flammable

Acrylic

Like polyester, acrylic carpets are synthetic carpets with the look and feel of wool. It’s a solid choice for bathrooms.

Pros:

• Less costly than wool
• Mould-resistant
• Dries quickly
• Somewhat stain-resistant

Cons:

• Wears out quickly

Natural Fibres

Natural fibres (like wool and sisal) are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibres. They’re one way to give your place a luxurious feel.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly
• Has resilient fibres, lasting longer than synthetic carpets

Cons:

• Pricey
• Prone to staining
• Attracts insects

Blends

Blends are carpets made of more than one material (such as 80% wool and 20% nylon or polyester). Their usage will depend on which materials they contain.

Pros:

• Combines the pros of both materials
• Not as expensive as a 100% natural carpet

Cons:

• Combines the cons of both materials

What Are the Various Carpet Styles?

The various styles of carpets are made to accommodate different lifestyles, preferences, and rooms. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of each style. Combined with types and materials, styles guide you to the right purchasing options.

Plain

Plain carpets feature no designs or patterns. You might want a plain carpet in your office, bedroom, or living room.

Pros:

• Available in diverse shades from neutrals to bold colours
• Add a sophisticated and minimalistic touch
• Give the illusion of space

Cons:

• Could be boring

Patterned

Featuring patterns, this carpet can make a strong impression and fit your preferred style, whether that’s classic, modern, geometric, or abstract. They can add character to your living room, bedroom, and hallway.

Pros:

• Available at various prices
• Masks stains
• Versatile in its designs

Cons:

• Restricts your furnishing options
• Appears worn out gradually

Striped

Carpets that feature stripes are bold and vibrant. We love seeing them on staircases.

Pros:

• Adds personality and colour to your room
• Your area will look bigger if the stripes are vertical

Cons:

• Not suited for classic furniture

Textured

These carpets have wool, loop pile, synthetic, and other fibres that create a textured surface. You can pick one as a centrepiece for your bedroom or living room.

Pros:

• Looks stylish
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Snags may occur

Multi-Level Loop

Called high-low loop pile carpets, multi-level loop carpets feature high and low loops. You can lay them in mid to high-traffic areas.

Pros:

• Highly durable
• The looped yarn gives you a sculptured effect

Cons:

• Not durable enough for hallways

Sisal

Sisal carpets are made of natural fibres that are weaved traditionally to create a unique texture. They’re sturdy enough for steps, hallways, and entryways.

Pros:

• Hardwearing and long-lasting
• Has an organic look
• Available in muted colours

Cons:

• Not stain-resistant
• Difficult to clean
• Pricey compared to synthetic carpets
• Has a rough underfoot

Shag

Shag carpets are deep pile carpet styles featuring very long tufts and twisted in a loose design and boasting a shaggy look. It’s warm and nice for your bedroom.

Pros:

• Luxurious

Cons:

• Not the best for high-traffic areas
• Has a messy look

Plush

A plush carpet is a cut pile carpet known for its smooth and dense weave, having the impression of manicured grass. It’s ideal for bedrooms and formal living spaces.

Pros:

• Has a cushioning effect, so adults and kids can sit comfortably on it
• Stain-resistant

Cons:

• Not durable enough for high-traffic areas
• Shows vacuum cleaner marks and footprints

What Is the Best Carpet Colour?

There’s no universal best colour for all carpets. It depends on your stylistic preferences and the carpet setting.

 

To elaborate, you can incorporate a light colour in the bedroom for a fresh vibe. Neutrals are the most popular shades, as they go with almost anything.

 

Here are some examples of the different colour tones:

 

• Light Tones: White, beige, cream, light pink, and light green
• Mid-Tones: Blue, green, and yellow
• Neutrals: Warm grey and beige

 

Also, you should choose between timeless colours and trendy ones (depending on how often you’ll replace the carpets).

What Are the Different Uses of Carpets?

The benefits of carpet are diverse, ranging from aesthetic to practical ones. Here are the main uses:

 

• Boosting the aesthetic appeal
• Providing a comfortable underfoot
• Insulating your home
• Absorbing sound
• Reducing slip accidents
• Saving costs on flooring

Carpet for the Home

As a homeowner, you want carpet for your house. We’ll go over the main areas in your house to decide which carpet type, material, and style work best.

What Is the Best Stair Carpet?

The recommended types for stairs are twist carpets and loop pile carpets. The material can be wool, and the style can be striped carpets.

What Is the Best Carpet for a Bedroom?

Arguably the best carpet types in the bedroom are Saxony and velvet. As for materials, polyester and wool are ideal. Finally, the appropriate styles are plain, textured, and shag carpets.

What Is the Best Living Room Carpet?

Saxony carpets are suitable types for living rooms. The best materials are wool, nylon, and propylene fibre. Also, the carpet can be plain or textured.

What Is the Best Hallway Carpet?

Twist and loop pile carpets accommodate hallways and their heavy foot traffic. Their materials may be wool, sisal, or polypropylene. Lastly, the preferred styles are striped and patterned carpets.

Carpet for Business Use

If you’re furnishing an office or space for business use, how do you choose the right carpet? As a business expense, you must ensure it’s a smart investment by picking the right carpet type, material, and style.

What Is the Best Office Carpet?

Carpet tiles are the typical type of carpet for an office. The material should be wool if you can afford it. You can also opt for nylon or blends as a more affordable option. The carpet’s style can be plain, giving your office a sophisticated feel and increasing its depth. Otherwise, get a patterned carpet to add character.

What Are the Benefits of Carpets

Let’s look at the reality of carpeted floors to understand how they can benefit you.

 

Feature	Advantage
Aesthetic Appeal	Carpets can add an elegant touch, a cosy feel, or a pop of colour, creating visual interest.
Comfort	Most carpets provide you with a soft underfoot and shock absorption. Without it, you may feel sore and get aches.
Heating	Carpets can help insulate your home so that your heating system doesn’t have to work too hard to heat it.
Acoustics	Carpets absorb sounds, making your property quieter.
Safety	Carpets reduce the risk of slipping and falling. They’re also a soft landing surface for senior citizens and children.
Costs	Less heat loss means lower energy bills. Also, carpet is affordable compared to other flooring options.

What Are the Disadvantages of Carpets?

To make an informed choice, you must consider the following drawbacks of carpets.

 

Feature	Disadvantage
Maintenance	Untreated carpets tend to gather dirt and stains. So, they require a lot of upkeep, such as deep cleaning and vacuuming.
Allergens	Mildew, dust mites, and other allergens attach to carpets, which can trigger allergies or worsen respiratory issues.

What Are the Many Carpet Brands?

We can’t possibly mention all the carpet brands, but we’ll list the big names in the industry so that you aren’t going in blind.

 

• Wilton Carpets
• Tapi
• Axminster Carpets
• ScS
• John Lewis
• Carpetright

What Is the Price of Carpet?

A carpet costs anything from £3.00 to £100.00 and more! If it’s an affordable carpet, it may be up to £9.00; mid-range carpets range from £10.00 to £22.50, and anything higher is a luxury carpet.

What Is the Best Low-Cost Carpet?

Polyester and olefin are two of the most affordable carpet options. This doesn’t necessarily mean they look cheap. Instead, it means that they have average durability and a general home rating.

Which Luxury Carpet Is the Best?

Luxury carpets are at the high-end of prices. After all, they’re made of top-notch materials using the latest technology, which gives them unmatched quality and elegant designs. Wool is an example of luxury carpet.

How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost?

Generally, expect to pay £4 to £6 per square metre to install your carpet. The fitting costs differ according to the scale of the project and the additional services required.

How Carpet Flooring Affects Your Home Value

New carpet can increase your home value if you’re selective about the areas you carpet. To illustrate, you can add comfort and make your property stand out by carpet the bedroom, finished attic, and finished basement. Otherwise, fitting wall-to-wall carpets everywhere but the kitchen and bathroom can decrease your home’s resale value.

How Do You Fit Carpet?

Carpet installation may be a DIY project, so how do you fit a carpet? Each carpet type dictates a particular process, but here’s a general idea:

 

1. Lay the Carpet Loosely: Stand in a corner and put one foot under the carpet and another above it to position it easily
2. Cut the Carpet: Cut it to size, leaving a spare 50 to 75 mm on the sides. Use chalk to mark the position of any seams
3. Trim the Carpet: Cut a vertical line in the excess carpet’s corners, and trim the triangular edges
4. Fit Your Carpet: Start from the biggest wall and move to the doorway
5. Cut Again: Cut along your carpet’s edge, leaving an extra 5 mm of carpet
6. Tuck the Carpet: Use a carpet tucker to get the 5 mm between the gripper and skirting

Is Underlayment Required With Carpet?

It depends on the carpet’s backing (the material at the bottom of the carpet). Textile and latex require it, but felt and foam don’t.

Are Carpet Grippers Required?

Yes, you need them for a professional-looking installation. They give you a good finish, added comfort, and extra durability.

Can You Install a Carpet Yourself?

Yes, you can install a carpet yourself. However, you may not know how to handle the carpet appropriately, damaging it and voiding the warranty. Also, it might have a rough finish.

 

However, you’ll save on labour costs, learn a new skill, and get hands-on experience.

How Do You Keep Your Carpet in Good Condition and Maintain It?

Carpet maintenance refers to the routine measures you implement to keep the carpet in good condition and extend its lifespan, which are the following:

 

• Hire a Cleaning Company: Get the carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months
• Vacuum: Vacuum the carpet two to three times a week
• Address Stains and Spills: Spot-clean them immediately. Remove the liquid or solid part with a blotting motion or a dull knife before applying a stain-removal solution to the residue

What Is the Best Way to Clean Carpet?

Hot water extraction is arguably the best technology for carpet cleaning, which is the mixing of hot water and cleaning agents at high pressure and the removal of lifted dirt via powerful suction. However, we can’t give you a guide to it because it’s conducted by carpet cleaning professionals.

How Long Will a Carpet Last?

It depends on several factors, but 5 to 15 years is the typical range.

How Efficient Is Carpet on Your Property?

To assess its efficiency, we look at how long it’ll be before you need to replace your carpet: 5 to 15 years. The time range tells us that a carpet’s lifespan differs according to different factors, and they’re the following:

 

• Heavy foot traffic
• Carpet type
• Carpet material
• Carpet cushion

Is Carpet Environmentally Friendly?

No, carpet is typically bad for the environment. It reduces indoor air quality, causes health complications, and emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs like formaldehyde) and toxins. You can, however, explore environmentally friendly options, such as carpets made from renewable materials or recyclable ones (like water bottles).

Is Carpet a Good Choice for Flooring?

Yes, it can be if you lay it in your bedroom, finished basement, or finished attic to add warmth and comfort.

Is Carpet Okay for Pets?

Yes, pet owners can install carpets, but they should be highly durable, like nylon carpets. Carpet tiles are a good idea, as you can simply replace a single tile if your pets damage it.

Is Carpet Safe for Children?

Yes, carpet is excellent in terms of safety. It has a soft underfoot, reduces slip accidents, and gives children a soft landing surface if they fall.

Is Carpet Suitable for High-Traffic Areas?

Whether carpet can accommodate high-traffic areas depends on the carpet type and material. Types that are suitable for these areas include loop pile, Berber, and twist carpets.

Conclusion

Ultimately, carpets are incredibly diverse, so you should be mindful of your circumstances and needs when selecting one. If you do that, carpet will serve as an excellent investment in your interior design, safety, and comfort. Get in touch with our experts at Clever Carpets, and we’ll help you with the perfect carpet solution.