So you've finally decided on carpet for that room you're decorating – maybe it's your living room, or perhaps your bedroom, or maybe it's your entire house – but now what? Once you have decided on carpet for your bedroom, living room, or any room for your home, the decision-making has only begun! You have to decide where you're going to put the carpet, what color matches your lifestyle, and what style to purchase.
What to consider prior to making a carpet purchase:
- How many people live in the house?
- Will this room receive heavy or light traffic?
- Are there any pets living in the house?
- Will this area be exposed to food and beverages?
- What about style? Do you want a formal look or a more casual look?
This is important information you will want to share with your sales associate when you are shopping for your new carpet.
Color is the very basis of the room's décor and it must make a statement that reflects your style and personal taste. Don't worry, carpet comes in almost any color, pattern, and texture you can imagine.
- Beige, one of carpet's most popular colors, can make a room appear more spacious.
- Warm colors heat up a room that is lacking light.
- Cool colors create a sense of calm
- Medium and darker-colored carpet can hide soil
- If you want to make a bold statement, choose a carpet that has a color in common with your furniture and draperies.
There are many different types of carpet to choose from including Plush, Textured, Frieze, Berber, Level Loop and Pattern. To be able to select which one is right for your home you should understand the basic differences between them. Keep in mind that one thing all of these varieties of carpet have in common is that their performance is a function of their density and amount of twist in the yarns. The density of the carpet refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the tufts. The twist refers to the winding system of the yarn itself. A tighter twist enhances the durability of the carpet.
Carpeting is divided into two basic categories based on the pile: cut pile and uncut or loop pile.
Plush
Plush has a smooth, even surface which gives it a formal appearance. It is favored in a traditional setting.
Textured
Textured carpet is the most popular of the cut pile styles. It is quite versatile in performance and appearance. Because of how the fibers are tufted, footprints and sweeper marks are less noticeable than in plush carpet.
Frieze (Casual)
Frieze is the fastest growing cut pile carpet category. Tightly twisted yarns create a casual, textured surface, which has become a popular style for use throughout the entire house. One of the looks in Frieze called Cut Pile Berber comes in natural shades with accent flecks.
Berber
Berber carpet is a bulky loop construction. This style most often comes in natural colors, which can be flecked with color accents. This loop carpet works well in an informal setting.
Level Loop
With pulled down loops of the same height, level loop carpets are often found in commercial settings. A good choice for an office or in the home and in lower levels. In our stores, these carpets can be found in our Home and Office Collection.
Pattern
Pattern carpets made possible by new manufacturing techniques are the newest fashion direction. Tufted as either cut-and-loop or high-and-low loop the choices include trellis, pin dot, and botanical patterns.
As you can see what type of carpeting you go with is not a simple decision. But don't worry, with the guides on this carpet section of the website and our helpful, friendly, knowledgeable sales staff at the stores, we'll help you pick the perfect carpet for your home or office!