Choosing The Right Carpet Material
Synthetic materials such as polypropylene and nylon are cheaper, more stain resistant and less prone to mould and mildew. But they’ll also wear out more quickly. Natural fibres, such as wool and sisal, can be pricey, are more prone to staining and can attract insects, but the fibres are resilient so they’ll last longer.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene This synthetic is a good choice if you’re on a budget, as it’s generally cheap. It feels soft to the touch and is stain resistant. But it attracts oil, so any oil-based stains on these carpets will be tough to remove.
Polyester
Polyester Popular because it looks and feels most like wool, polyester is usually used as part of a blend with real wool. Like other synthetics, its stain resistance is a major benefit. It’s sometimes made from recycled plastic bottles, so can be an eco-friendly option.
Nylon
Nylon, also known as polyamide, is the most durable of the synthetic fibres. It can stretch without losing its shape, making it a good choice for rooms where furniture is often moved around, such as dining rooms.
Wool
Wool carpets are natural, durable and provide good heat and sound insulation. They can also absorb and release moisture in the room, controlling humidity levels. But they do tend to be more expensive than synthetics, the colours can fade over time in areas consistently exposed to sunlight, and they're popular with hungry carpet moths and carpet beetles.
Sisal and other natural fibers
Sisal and other plant-based materials Plant-based carpet materials are growing in popularity, thanks to their stylish and contemporary appearance. But just like wool, they don’t come cheap. Sisal is rough underfoot but is known for being hard-wearing. Its big drawback is that it can easily stain or get watermarks. Jute is less durable than sisal, but also softer, making it a better choice for bedrooms. Seagrass is resistant to stains and watermarks, but also to dye, so you won’t have much choice of colours. Coir is durable and low-maintenance, but feels rough so it’s better suited to areas where you won’t be wandering around barefoot. Which type of carpet should you choose?
Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to complete the look, you’ll find everything you need at Love Carpets.