Types of Carpet: Guide to Carpet Fibers and Piles

A carpet is a type of upholstery, usually made of durable woven fabric, that is made to cover the floor and stairs of interior spaces. Unlike area rugs, floor carpeting typically runs from wall to wall. Carpets can be highly ornamental or simply functional and made from natural materials or synthetic fibers. In an interior space, whether a home or business, a carpet can make the floor more comfortable, dampen noise, provide temperature insulation, even absorb odors. Aesthetics are equally important, particularly from a designer’s perspective: A carpet can be the foundation of a space’s unique [style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interior-design-basics), based upon color, pattern, or design. Carpet in a variety of materials, each with a particular set of characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. There are two broad categories of carpet fiber: [natural and synthetic](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/natural-vs-synthetic-fibers). Consider the following types of natural and synthetic carpet fibers: 1. __Wool__: Wool carpets are durable, comfortable, and naturally flame retardant. As a natural fiber, [wool](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-wool-fabric) has no unwanted chemical byproducts, and it doesn't require a great deal of upkeep. However, wool does absorb and retain moisture, making it less than ideal for more humid climates, and it requires periodic vacuuming and is prone to stains, including those from non-oil-based liquids. 2. __Cotton__: Cotton is similar to wool in it’s advantages and disadvantages, but is lighter and softer to the touch. [This natural fiber](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cotton) has good heat-resistant properties, and, if tightly spun, can be quite durable. Like wool, it retains moisture and can stain. 3. __Jute__: Jute has similar properties to wool, but jute carpets are more coarse and less plush, limiting their usefulness for interior spaces. 4. __Sisal__: A sisal carpet is made from the fibers of [agave plants](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agave-plant-guide). Sisal is similar to jute in appearance but is more durable for high-traffic areas. 5. __Polyester__: Polyester fibers were the first major synthetic option for carpeting. These fibers are soft, hold color well, are relatively durable, and repel moisture. Drawbacks include the tendency to retain indentations from furniture and color fading over time. 6. __Nylon__: Among the synthetic options, nylon is relatively high-quality. Nylon carpets are durable, soft, and hold color very well, which means they can be dyed a wide variety of vibrant colors and will retain these colors after long use and some degree of sun exposure. If properly treated, they are also resistant to staining, making them a good pet-friendly option. The major drawback for nylon is its tendency to produce static electricity. 7. __Acrylic__: Synthetic acrylic fibers share qualities with wool and nylon. Acrylic carpets are less durable than nylon, but also less prone to producing static. In terms of textures, acrylic carpets can be made to mimic the plushness and softness of wool, without the tendency to stain or grow mildew due to moisture retention. 8. __Olefin__: Synthetic olefin fibers, also known as polypropylene, have similar qualities to both nylon and acrylic, although they don’t stand up as well to soiling and are more prone to sun-fading. Olefin carpets are generally easy to maintain and can make an excellent, lower-cost option. 9. __Triexta__: Triexta is a synthetic fiber with a fine texture that’s stain-resistant and durable. It’s made from corn, not petroleum, as many of the other synthetic fibers are, making it a more eco-friendly option. However, the fineness of the fibers requires more effort to keep it clean. There are two broad categories of carpet construction or weave: cut pile and loop pile. “Pile” refers to the part of the carpet that your feet touch. The fibers are woven together on the carpet backing with their ends facing upward, and the type of pile determines everything from the carpet texture to the look of the carpet. 1. __Cut pile__: The fibers of cut pile carpets are cut at a particular height. Short piles have a more uniform appearance and are often plush and comfortable underfoot, but they require regular maintenance. Carpets with a longer pile—such as a shag carpet or frieze carpet—are more durable and stain-resistant, but the texture cut can appear uneven. 2. __Loop pile__: Loop pile carpets are made with uncut fibers looped at the surface, which can be level loops or multi-level loops. Loop pile carpets are stronger and more durable than cut pile carpets, though they are also less soft and comfortable. Loop pile carpets, also known as Berber carpets, are resistant to heavy foot traffic, furniture indentation, vacuum marks, and other common forms of wear and tear. 3. __Cut-loop pile__: Cut-loop pile carpets, also known as sculpted carpets, are a combination of cut and loop carpets and are good for high-traffic areas. You can customize the appearance and texture of a combined pile carpet based on the particular needs of a space. How and where you plan to use a carpet will determine your choice of pile, fiber, color, and pattern. When selecting carpeting, consider the carpet’s location and purpose: 1. __Interior__: Interior carpets are mostly protected from the weather, save from sun exposure and moisture. Interior carpets are versatile, and the color, patterning, texture, and overall design can be tailored to your preferences. 2. __Exterior__: Exterior carpets, or outdoor carpets, require durability because of exposure to variable conditions of weather and sunlight. Once you are confident that your choice can stand up to the temperature and moisture levels of your climate, you can consider the possibilities in texture, design, and size. 3. __Commercial__: Commercial carpets, such as carpeting for office spaces, will necessitate considerations related to durability and versatility. Design and texture may depend on the type of business. Commercial spaces tend to be more functional than comfort-based, but this can vary depending on the workforce and clientele. 4. __Domestic__: Carpets for domestic use tend to have a wider range of aesthetic and texture-based possibilities since they will be oriented towards an individual or family’s specific desires and tastes. These carpets will tend to focus on comfort, both in the way they feel and how they please the eye, contributing to the overall feel and look of the interior space. There are many different types of fiber, pile, color, and pattern designs. Keep these guidelines in mind as you shop for a new carpet: 1. __Consider the space__. Are you planning on starting with just your living room, or are you feeling ambitious enough to do the entire house? Are you buying for your home or for your workspace? Will you be carpeting hallways and stairs? 2. __Set a budget__. As with any home project, the amount you can spend will be a significant factor in your decision-making process. Consider how much square footage you will need, and whether this may be a DIY project or if you will have the carpet professionally installed. 3. __Think about the wear and tear__. Some fiber and pile choices will stand up better than others to prolonged use. A bedroom is a low-traffic area compared to a living room or foyer, and dining rooms tend to have more furniture, which can leave imprints in certain types of fiber and pile. 4. __Factor in any pets__. Pets can have an outsized impact on your carpeting because of shedding and possible staining, so consider stain resistance and pile height. 5. __Shop in person__. If possible, shop for carpets in person so you can see a swatch and feel its texture. Many retailers offer samples that you can take home and see how they look in your home’s lighting to find the best carpet for your space. Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home. If you are in the market for carpeting, there are many different types of carpets and carpet styles to consider.