Today’s carpet offers a wide variety of choices in style, fiber composition and color. Gone are the days of having to select only conventional loop pile, a carpet style consisting of yarn in uncut loops. New technology can produce multilevel loop and cut-loop patterns allowing diamond, bow, pin dot or fleur-de-lis designs that “pop out” in sculptured effects.

The texture, colors and pattern of the carpet can complement or contrast with patterns of your furniture and window treatments. Using a solid color, textured carpet is a great way to provide interest and pizzazz, without going to a multicolor, overall pattern. Textured styles also fit well with today’s active and casual lifestyles.

The Carpet and Rug Institute suggest home owners select the best carpet for your home and lifestyle by considering:

• Manufacturing Method (Construction) and Fiber Content

Types of carpet

Understanding a few simple basics about carpet will help you make the right choices for your lifestyle and budget.

Cut pile: Still one of today’s most popular constructions, cut pile achieves its durability through the type of fiber used, density of tufts and the amount of twist in the yarn. Highly twisted yarn will hold its shape longer, making it a smart choice for high-traffic areas.

• Textured Plush — Most decoratively versatile. Textured surfaces help hide footprints and vacuum marks. Add causal beauty to any room. Preferred style for busy households. A great “whole-house” carpet.

• Saxony — Refined surface. Works will with traditional interiors. Ideal for living and dining rooms

• Friezé — Forms a “curly” textured surface because yarns are extremely twisted. Has an informal look. Helps minimize footprints and vacuum marks.

• Plush (Velvet) — Has a dense luxurious feel. Shows footprints and vacuum marks easily. Best for low traffic areas and formal rooms.
Level loop pile: Here loops are the same height, creating an informal look. This style generally lasts a long time in high-traffic areas. Many of today’s popular Berber styles are level loop styles with flecks of a darker color on a lighter background. This is a good choice for contemporary to cottage furnishings.
Multi-level loop pile: This style usually has two to three different loop heights to create pattern effects, providing good durability and a more casual look.

Cut-loop pile: This carpet style combines cut and looped yarns. It provides variety of surface textures, including sculptured effects of squares, chevrons and swirls. The multicolor effects hide soil and stains.

Facts on fiber

The type of fiber used and the way the carpet is constructed determine how well the carpet will stand up to spills, pets and daily traffic. The better the fiber and the denser it is packed, the better the carpet will perform.

Approximately 97 percent of all carpet uses synthetic fibers designed to feature style, easy maintenance and outstanding value. There are five basic types of carpet pile fibers.

Nylon: Nylon is the most popular and represents two-thirds of the pile fibers used in the United States. Nylon fibers are wear-resistant, resilient and provide brilliant color. Nylon fibers withstand the weight and movement of furniture and are generally good for all traffic areas. Nylon is also a great choice for the home because it resists soils and stains.

Olefin (polypropylene): Olefin fibers are strong, resist wear and permanent stains and are easily cleaned. These fibers are colorfast. Olefin resists static electricity and is often used in both indoor and outdoor installations because of its resistance to moisture and mildew.

Olefin is used in synthetic turf for sports surfaces and in the home for patios and game rooms. Many Berbers are made of olefin.
Polyester: Polyester is noted for luxurious, soft “hand” when used in thick, cut-pile textures. It has excellent color clarity and retention, cleans easily and is inherently stain resistant.

Wool: Wool is noted for its luxury and performance. It is soft, has high bulk and is available in many colors and patterns. Generally, wool is somewhat more expensive than synthetic fibers.