According to the infamous American poet and writer Edgar Allen Poe, "the soul of the apartment is the carpet."
While that sounds a bit melodramatic, he's right. The look and comfort of the rooms in your home will be hugely impacted by your choice of carpeting.
There are a number of different factors to consider when comparing all of the various kinds of carpet. Things like style, durability, comfort, and care and maintenance are all important parts of the equation.
What are the best kinds of carpet for your home, though? Let's take a look at eight different types of carpets and six different textures to help you make the best carpet decision for your castle.
1. Wool Carpets
Wool is an expensive choice when it comes to carpeting, but there are a number of advantages to going wool. It is a great choice for tropical climates or places where it rains a lot because wool rugs can absorb 30 percent of their weight in moisture before feeling damp.
Wool also feels comfortable and soft under your feet. Relatively easy to clean, wool rugs are hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people who are sensitive to chemicals or allergic to synthetics.
2. Olefin Carpets
This kind of carpet was actually created in order to be used outdoors. This is an awesome choice for outdoor spaces like screened-in porches and also works well in basements. While it isn't the softest material to walk on, it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
3. Nylon Carpets
What kind of carpet is the best? Judging from the numbers, nylon might come in the first place.
This is the most popular out of all of the different kinds of carpeting. That's because it's non-allergenic, resistant to mildew, and durable.
Nylon is great for high traffic areas and is an affordable choice for the home. On the downside, though, this type of carpet can attract static and be prone to pilling.
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4. Polyester Carpets
There are a number of advantages and drawbacks to polyester carpets. It is mildew resistant, stain-resistant, and non-allergenic. However, it is also quite susceptible to pilling and shedding.
5. Acrylic Carpets
This is a great alternative to wool carpeting if you like wool but don't want to pay the hefty price tag. Acrylic is most common in commercial spaces, but it certainly isn't out of place in the home.
Acrylic carpet is incredibly easy to clean and is also mildew and fade resistant.
6.Triexta Carpets
This is a newer type of synthetic carpeting. What sets it apart from different kinds of carpet is the fact that it's hydrophobic. This means that it doesn't absorb water or moisture.
When this type of rug gets stained, it can easily be cleaned with just water. It's also odor-resistant, meaning that it is very suitable for homes with young children and pets. These rugs are also resistant to fading from UV exposure, meaning you don't have to fret about leaving your curtains open in the middle of the day.
7. Cotton Carpets
This natural material made for an incredibly soft rug. However, cotton carpets are prone to fading and stains. They also are a more expensive carpet option.
8. Sisal Carpets
This type of carpet is made of a material that is derived from a cactus plant. Durable and strong, the rough texture makes this type of carpet ideal for outdoor applications.
Carpet Textures
In general, there are two categories of carpet: loop and pile. Loop carpeting is great for high-traffic areas and has a very dense look. Pile carpeting, on the other hand, is quite soft underfoot and has short yarn tips.
Level Loop Carpet
This type of carpet is good for high traffic areas, as its short loops can withstand quite a bit of activity. Spills also don't sink down into this type of carpet because of the construction, meaning it's easy to prevent stains and clean them up.Level loop carpet is well suited for living rooms and hallways.
Multi-Level Loop
There's a lovely look to multi-level loop carpets. This is due to the variety of heights to the carpet's loop, offering a nice patterned texture to the rug.
Saxony Carpet
With twisted, longer fibers, saxony carpets have a velvet-like, soft appearance and a full look. However, this does mean that furniture will leave dents in it. Vacuum marks and footprints are also quite visible in this kind of carpet.
Plush Carpet
Plush carpet is smooth, even, and fluffy. They are great for bedrooms because they are incredibly soft and comfortable to walk on.
Textured Carpet
If you're looking to hide vacuum marks and footprints, consider a textured carpet. This type of carpet has a variety of lengths to its fibers, which offers a casual appearance and rough texture.
Frieze Carpet
This type of rug is best for areas that don't withstand a lot of traffic. The fibers of the carpet are long and soft, and it hides debris and dirt well. This is a good choice for home offices, dens, and bedrooms.
Which of These Kinds of Carpet Is Right For Your Home?
There are so many different kinds of carpet it can be hard to choose which one is right for your home. However, no matter what you're looking for, whether it's a plush carpet for the bedroom or a durable carpet for the hallway, there are options that will suit your needs!
Is it time for you to get new carpeting for your home? If so, contact us to get a free in-home estimate!
