carpets for interiors (part 2)

Written By Nina Ost

carpets By Construction (How it Is Made)

Loop Pile

Examples: Berber, Level loop

consider durable carpet for high traffic areas

Characteristics:

  • Loops of fiber form the surface

  • Durable and low-profile

  • Good at hiding footprints and vacuum marks

Best for: High-traffic areas (living room, hallway)

Pros: Hard-wearing, Often budget-friendly

Cons: Can snag on pet claws

My take: Great in family areas, less ideal with active pets.

Cut Pile

Types:

  • Plush

  • Saxony

  • Textured

  • Frieze (twist)

Characteristics:

  • Fibers are cut at the top

  • Softer feel underfoot

  • Varies from smooth to twisted

Best for: Bedrooms, formal living rooms

Pros: Soft and luxurious, Available in lots of styles

Cons: Shows vacuum tracks more easily

always use ethically sourced wool

My take: A go-to for cozy bedrooms and rooms where touch matters.

Cut & Loop Pile

Characteristics:

  • Mixture of cut and loop fibers

  • Creates patterns and texture

Best for: Spaces where you want visual interest without bold colors

Pros: Camouflages dirt and wear, Adds subtle design

Cons: Slightly more challenging to clean grooves

My take: Excellent choice for elegant yet practical spaces.

By Fiber Type (What It’s Made Of)

Wool (Natural Fiber) = Luxury classic.

characteristics: Soft, Naturally flame resistant, Excellent sound absorption, Ages beautifully

Considerations: costly, Can stain without treatment

Best for: Bedrooms, studies, elegant living rooms

My recommendation: Top choice for a classic, timeless interior.

Nylon (Synthetic) = Most common modern carpet fiber.

characteristics: Very durable, Resilient (holds pile shape), Good stain resistance with treatments

Considerations: Not as luxurious as wool, Can feel a bit synthetic

Best for: High-traffic areas, families

My recommendation: Best balance of durability and cost.

Polyester

characteristics: Good color and sheen, Soft feeling, Eco options exist (recycled bottles)

Considerations: Less resilient than nylon, Oil-based stains can be tricky to clean

Best for: Low to moderate traffic, cozy spaces

use water resistant materials for outdoor carpets

My recommendation: Great if softness and color depth matter most.

Olefin / Polypropylene

characteristics: Water-resistant, Affordable, Good for stain protection

Considerations: Less resilient under heavy tread, Can mat over time

Best for: Basements, playrooms, rental spaces

By Style & Look

Berber

  • Loop pile with flecked color

  • Rustic, classic, casual

  • Great for traditional or transitional interiors

Plush / Velvet

use level loop carefully with pets

  • Dense cut pile

  • Silky, formal look

  • Shows footprints

Textured

  • Slight variation in fiber height

  • Hides vacuum marks

  • Friendly and adaptable

Frieze / Twist

  • Tightly twisted yarn

  • Casual, hides footprints well

  • Soft underfoot without formal look

Patterned / Cut & Loop

  • Creates visual motifs without bold color

  • Sophisticated and modern

Nina Ost
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carpets for interiors (part 1)