DESIGN LINE: 10 Tips for Choosing Carpets and Rugs
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
1. Choose Natural Fibers
If you’re bringing something into your home, remember that whatever chemicals it’s been made with can potentially release toxic air into your interior environment. Use natural fibers, like cotton, wool, jute, hemp, sisal, etc. Wool, the most durable fiber for carpeting, is naturally resistant to water (thanks to the lanolin it houses), is crush-resistant, and resists staining better than any of the other natural fibers.
2. Not All Wool is Created Equal
New Zealand and Tibetan wools are some of the highest quality wools, which makes sense given the climate and grazing allowed these sheep. Beware of “all wool” carpets made from inferior wools—the wool is likely to be lower in quality and strength or have been chemically treated.
3. Hand Made vs. Machine Made?
Typically, like anything hand-crafted, rugs cost more and last longer if they are hand-made. Machine-tufted carpets are very popular, and may last 5-10 years if well-cared for, so if the budget is tight, this is the best way to go. Hand-knotted rugs are given the most care, and can eventually actually be considered antiques, whereas tufted, hooked and woven rugs are not usually valued by rug dealers.
4. The Backing
Most carpets are tufted, meaning the fibers are punched through a backing. A second backing is then applied to hold all the fibers in place. Adhering these backings can be done well—or not—causing a carpet to stay together or fall apart, depending on that glue process. Also, beware of the types of adhesives that are used to bind the backings together and look for adhesives that are not only strong, but environmentally friendly.
5. Density
The closer the fibers are together at the base of the carpet, the more dense the rug. The more dense the carpeting is, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. Ask about face weight (measured in ounces) and know that for a given weight (say 30 ounces), a lower pile height and a higher yarn density will give you the most performance for the price.
6. Loop Pile
When carpet is constructed, thousands of yarn loops are created. When the loops are left uncut, a loop pile is created. Patterned and textured loops can be created by varying loop sizes and heights. Tight, small loops can create a very durable carpet. Larger loops can be prone to snagging, so won’t be as great for a family with animals or kids. I prefer the look of loops in wall-to-wall carpeting since they add texture to the surface.
7. Cut Pile
When the loops are cut, a plush or cut-pile carpet is created. While better for families with animals and kids, cut pile carpets can “blossom,” meaning they can look frayed as they get worn. Also, with a cut pile carpet, footprints and other imprints can be noticed more easily. When some loops are cut, and some are left alone, different patterns can be created.
8. Choosing a Feel
Don’t forget to throw the carpet sample on the floor, take off your socks and walk on it barefoot. Some carpets are fine if they are a little prickly, but you might not want a sisal weave right under your bed. Make sure that the feel of the carpet suits the application and your lifestyle.
9. Watch out for Stain Guards
Stain-resistant sounds great until you realize what those chemicals leach into the air of your house. Make sure that the stain-resistance on the carpet you buy is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Easier said than done, but really important. The best thing to do is buy your carpet without a stain-resistor and add an environmentally friendly one later. Micro-seal is a great choice and is offered locally from Rustigian Rugs on Governor.
10. Don’t Forget the Pad!
Most people think carpet pads protect the floor, and they definitely do, but they also protect the carpet. If the backing of a carpet wears against a wood floor, it will eventually rub through and weaken the carpet, so always have a pad. Make sure you buy the more expensive felt pad. It is worth the money, and don’t be surprised if that means $150-$250, depending on the size. The thin, latex pads are worthless!
Kelly Taylor has 15 plus years of experience in the field of interior design. She is the 2012 recipient of New England Home magazine’s “5 Under 40” award for excellence in design as well as Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s 2012 Gold Award for residential interior design. She practices residential and commercial interior design in Providence, Rhode Island. Please find her on twitter at @ktidnet, visit her website at www.ktid.net or check her out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KellyTaylorInteriorDesign.
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