The Ultimate Guide to Carpet Textures: Choosing the Best Carpet for Every Room
At our Supafit Flooring Showroom, in Horsham, West Sussex we often find our customers feel the carpet with their hands. It’s often the key selling point to purchasing your dream carpet, carpet texture that truly determines how it feels underfoot, how well it wears, and how easy it is to maintain. Do you really know much about carpet textures, and which is right for you?
We’ll walk you through the most popular carpet textures, their benefits, ideal use cases, and how to choose the best one for your lifestyle. Let’s explore:
What is Carpet Texture?
Carpet texture refers to the surface structure of the carpet—how the fibres (also known as yarns or piles) are cut, twisted, or looped. The texture affects how a carpet looks, feels, and performs over time.
There are two primary categories:
- Cut pile carpet – fibres are cut at the ends for a soft, smooth feel
- Loop pile carpet – fibres are looped and uncut, offering a more textured, durable surface
Let’s explore the most common carpet textures and where they work best.
Victoria carpets, Habberley, Herringbone, 70/30 wool blend, Loop
Plush Carpet (Saxony): Classic Comfort
Abingdon’s Hidden Depth, Labour 02, 100% Polyester
Keywords: plush carpet, soft carpet for bedrooms, best carpet for low-traffic rooms
Plush or Saxony carpet is known for its ultra-soft, velvety feel and elegant, uniform appearance. It’s a popular choice for bedrooms and formal living rooms.
Pros:
- Extremely soft underfoot
- Luxurious look
- Cons:
- Shows footprints and vacuum marks
- Less ideal for high-traffic areas
Best for: Master bedrooms, guest rooms, formal areas
Textured Carpet: Everyday Softness
Brinton’s Bell Twist, Amaretto, 80/20 wool blend
Keywords: textured carpet, best carpet for families, durable carpet options
Textured carpet is a cut pile carpet with slightly twisted fibres that create a two-tone appearance. It’s more casual than plush but hides dirt and wear better.
Pros:
- Hides footprints and vacuum lines
- Softer than loop pile, but more durable than plush
Cons:
- Slightly less soft than plush
- May wear down over time in busy areas
Best for: Family rooms, kids’ bedrooms, everyday spaces
Loop Pile Carpet (Berber): High-Traffic Hero
Victoria Carpet, Strathmore Berber Twist, Standing Stone 80/20 wool blend
Keywords: Berber carpet, loop pile carpet, commercial carpet texture
Loop pile carpet, often referred to as Berber, has tightly looped fibres that make it strong and resistant to wear. While it’s not as soft as cut pile, it’s one of the most durable carpet types.
Pros:
- Great stain resistance
- Withstands heavy foot traffic
Cons:
- Not as soft
- Can snag easily (not ideal for pets with claws)
Best for: Basements, stairs, offices, commercial spaces
Frieze Carpet (Twist): Durable and Stylish
Made in Heaven, Magical feeling, White Ivory, 100% Pes
Keywords: frieze carpet, best carpet for high-traffic areas, pet-friendly carpet
Frieze carpets have long, twisted fibres that curl slightly, giving a modern, relaxed texture. It’s excellent for high-traffic zones due to its resilience.
Pros:
- Excellent at hiding dirt and footprints
- Durable and stylish
Cons:
- Informal look
- Longer fibres can trap debris
Best for: Living rooms, hallways, stairs, homes with pets or kids
Cut and Loop Carpet: Patterned and Practical
Keywords: patterned carpet, cut and loop carpet, stylish carpet for living room
Cut and loop carpets blend both cut fibres and looped fibres to create textured patterns and designs. They combine softness and durability with added visual appeal.
Pros:
- Stylish designs and patterns
- Hides dirt and wear
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- May not feel as soft as plush or frieze
Best for: Dining rooms, offices, designer living spaces
Cut Pile vs Loop Pile: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Cut Pile | Loop Pile |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Softer, coszier | Firmer, more textured |
| Durability | Varies in style | Highly durablity |
| Appearance | Smooth or twisted | Textured or patterned |
| Best Use | Bedrooms, living rooms | Stairs, basements, hallways |
How to Choose the Best Carpet Texture for Your Home
When selecting carpet texture, consider:
Foot traffic – High-traffic areas need more durable textures like loop or frieze
Comfort – Bedrooms and lounges benefit from softer options like plush or textured
Maintenance – If you have pets or kids, opt for frieze or textured to hide stains and wear
Style – For a design-forward space, try cut and loop for a unique, patterned finish
Alternative Flooring, Sisal Kayal, Tirur, 100% Jute
Victoria Carpets, Easi Sisal, Chevron, Loop, 100% Poly
Alternative Flooring, Plush Velvet, White Jasper, 100% Poly
Alternative Flooring, Jute, Natural, Herringbone
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Carpet Texture
Choosing the right carpet texture goes beyond aesthetics—it impacts comfort, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Whether you want the luxurious feel of plush carpet, the practical strength of Berber carpet, or the family-friendly durability of frieze, there’s a perfect fit for every room.
Take time to explore the best carpet textures for your lifestyle, and your home will thank you for years to come.
Artisan Luxury Flooring, Lasso, Fabiana, 100% Nylon
Image: Abingdon’s Royal Sovereign, Oatcake, 100% Wool
Need help picking the perfect carpet?
Explore our full range of carpet styles and textures. At Supafit Flooring in Horsham, we offer expert advice, professional installation, and a curated selection of premium sisal carpets from trusted brands like Alternative Flooring.
Visit our showroom – let’s bring the natural beauty of sisal into your home.
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