Color, Texture, Construction

Other important factors in the selection process.

The big thing to remember when selecting a color is the size of the room. A small room with a rich color may be overpowering. To be safe, take a large sample of the carpet color and lay it on the floor for several days. Live with it in natural light and at night under a few lamps. The color will change depending on light.

If at all possible, check the color against the furniture, drapes and wall covering you intend to use in the finished room. This will help you determine the right choice.

Feel the Texture
You can see it too!

Texture in any room (in any element) will add both tactile and visual depth to a room. There are several types of textures available in carpet construction:

• Cut Pile
  
  Cut pile carpet is made of loops that are attached to a backing. The loops are cut to show the fiber ends. There are several types of cut pile carpets:
  
  Saxony
  
  This type features a smooth and level finish with a twist. The pile yarns are actually twisted for a less formal look.
  
  Velvet or Plush
  
  This is the formal carpet we have all seen with a cut loop that is smoothly finished and level. The pile yarns are straight and soft. They also come in various lengths for a greater degree of softness and smoothness. This is a formal look.
  
  Frieze
  
  This is also a cut pile look, but it is far from being straight. The yarns are severely twisted to the point of being curly. This is an informal look that hides foot traffic and other soil.
  
  
• Level Loops
  
  These textures are the same as the cut pile...only they aren't cut. The loops stay intact for a more durable finish. This is definitely a more informal look than cut pile. The loops come in either the same height or a multiple height configuration for a patterned effect.
  
  
• Combination Platter
  
  There is also the combination of the two. You can find carpet that has both loops and cut pile together for a richer textured effect.

A Note About Fibers
They do matter.

Nearly all (97%) of carpets are made from synthetic fibers for durability. You can choose from:

• Nylon
  
  The most popular choice in the U.S. Nylon is highly resistant to stains and wear, and is colorfast.
  
  
• Polypropylene
  
  Also called Olefin, this carpet fiber is also extremely durable and colorfast. It is used in both inside and outside installation because of its durability.
  
  
• Acrylic
  
  This feels more like wool than the others, but it doesn't come with the hefty price tag.
  
  
• Polyester
  
  Can be extremely soft, but still durable. It is easily cleaned and stain resistant.
  
  
• Wool
  
  The best of the best...and with a price tag to match. Wool is soft and durable. It is also available in a wide variety of colors.
  
  
• Blends
  
  As always, there are ways to get the best of two worlds. You can find a host of synthetic/natural or synthetic/synthetic blends on the market to suit your particular needs.

Underfoot...
It's Not All on the Surface

Let's take a quick look at the padding issue.

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