Types of Carpet Texture – What’s the Difference?

Types of Carpet Texture – What’s the Difference?

Shopping for new carpet can feel overwhelming, especially with the wide array of options available. Beyond color and padding, the texture of the carpet—known as its pile—is a critical factor that affects its look, feel, and durability. Knowing the different types of carpet textures can help you choose the perfect fit for your lifestyle and home.

Cut Pile: Soft and Luxurious

Cut-pile carpets are made by cutting the yarn loops to create individual, upright fibers. This gives the carpet a softer, more luxurious feel.

• Plush: Known for its velvety, smooth finish, plush carpet has an even pile height. It’s ideal for formal spaces or bedrooms where comfort is a priority. Keep in mind that it shows footprints and vacuum marks easily and is best suited for low-traffic areas.
• Textured: This is one of the most popular carpet styles today. The fibers are cut to different lengths and angles, creating a textured surface that hides footprints and vacuum marks better than plush pile. It’s durable enough for high-traffic areas like living rooms and family rooms while still providing a soft feel.
• Frieze: Pronounced "frizz-ay," this carpet has long, twisted fibers that curl back on themselves. Frieze carpet is highly durable and excellent at hiding dirt and debris, making it a top choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs. Its textured, "shaggy" look can also add a modern touch to a space.
• Shag: A retro favorite that has made a comeback, modern shag carpet features long, loose fibers for a lush, casual look. It's a great choice for bedrooms or low-traffic areas where you want to add a unique, statement-making texture. Be aware that the long fibers can be difficult to vacuum and are not recommended for homes with pets or in high-traffic zones.

Loop Pile: Durable and Practical

Loop-pile carpets are made from uncut loops of yarn, which makes them incredibly durable.

• Level Loop: This carpet is characterized by loops of the same height, creating a smooth, uniform surface. It's a workhorse, perfect for commercial spaces, offices, stairs, and hallways where durability and easy maintenance are key. Its flat surface is also ideal for rolling carts and wheelchairs.
• Berber: Berber carpets feature loops of varying heights and sizes, often with a subtle pattern or flecked color. They are very durable and excellent at hiding dirt, making them a great option for high-traffic rooms. Note for pet owners: A cat’s claws can get caught in the loops, so this might not be the best option if you have cats.
• Patterned: For a more customized look, patterned loop carpet combines cut and uncut loops to create unique patterns like geometrics or florals. This style adds visual interest and a custom feel to a room while maintaining the durability of a loop-pile carpet.

Natural Fibers: Sustainable and Unique

For a natural, eco-friendly option, consider carpets made from fibers like wool, jute, sisal, or seagrass.

• Wool: Known for its softness, durability, and natural resistance to staining and fire. Wool carpet is a premium, long-lasting choice.
• Sisal & Jute: These plant-based fibers are highly sustainable and add a unique, natural texture to any room. Sisal is very durable but can be rough underfoot, while jute is softer but less durable. Both are more susceptible to staining than synthetic fibers, so they are best used in areas without pets or high-spill risk.

Now that you know the basics of carpet textures, you can make an informed decision that balances your design preferences with the practical needs of your home.

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