Stick or twist? What to consider when choosing a carpet
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 7:23 PM
Many people would argue that you can't beat a carpet. It is the softest kind of flooring, the warmest and the most comfortable for the feet. True, it might also need the most maintenance in terms of cleaning and a very concerted response in the event of a spillage, but the comfort and style of a carpet makes it the floor covering most people would enjoy having in their living rooms.
But when it comes to buying a carpet, there is the question of which type to choose. They can come in natural materials like sheep's wool, or synthetic fibres. Often they are a mixture of both. In addition to this, there are different styles, such as pile, twist and Berber, the last of which comes with looped ends.
A natural carpet is the top choice for many. It has the appeal of being organic and coming from a sustainable source, as well as offering the natural warmth from which the sheep that once wore it benefited in a previous winter.
Being green is one thing, but sometimes, it seems, the more ecological option is also the expensive one. Not, however, in this instance, according to Canadian interiors expert Greg Holtz, who told the Times Colonist recently that the "rich man's carpet" image of wool is outdated and that prices are much lower than they used to be.
As well as 100 per cent wool carpets, there is also the option of a mixed-fibre carpet, which tends to offer comparable performance but is also more hard-wearing. It may not be as green, therefore, but it is more durable.
Those considering the style of carpet may go for a wool twist carpet, a wool Berber carpet or a pile carpet. Twisted carpets offer a blend of different fibres, which can help produce a mixed colour effect instead of a monotone. Fine pile carpet can also offer a denser surface for those who like a firmer carpet.
Berber is a very attractive material for some, with plenty of luxury and comfort. However, it also comes with one disadvantage with its looped fibre ends. These can easily snag a cat's claws.
So for those looking for a new carpet, there are a range of ways in which the manufacture, style and materials used can offer advantages of warmth, eco-friendliness, durability and colour. With so much variety, everyone should be able to find one that suits them.
