Carpets
Twist Pile
These are probably the most popular and practical choice. They are cut-pile and are available in plain, flecked or patterned styles in either 80% wool and 20% synthetic fibre, 50% wool and 50% synthetic fibre or all synthetic pile. Twists often come in different pile weights from 30oz upwards and, generally, the higher the weight the heavier wear the carpet will take.
In practice the same style and colour of carpet can be fitted throughout the house, using heavier weights for high-traffic areas and lighter weights for less busy areas. There can be a slight difference in the appearance of same colour/different weight carpets due to the different pile density. Twist pile carpets are easier to clean than loop pile carpets and some are treated with a stain protector. Those that aren’t can be treated at the manufacturers or this can be done by a reputable carpet cleaner.
See examples from suppliers: Adams, Brockway, Kingsmead, Penthouse, Pownall, Ryalux, Ulster, Victoria, Westex.
Velvets
Cut pile, double sheared, luxurious and usually single colour. This style of carpet is very plush and now used throughout the home rather than just being used for Bedrooms and Bathrooms as in the past. Velvet pile carpet, like velvet fabrics, have a nap and this can become apparent after vacuuming where you will be able to see the light and shade of the pile as it falls in different directions.
See examples from suppliers: Louis de Poortere, Ryalux, Westex, Victoria, Georgian
Loop Piles
These are very popular and work in both modern and traditional homes. There are many different styles of this type of carpet – rib, boucle, chunky or fine loop. The colours tend to be “natural” too. Beiges, browns, taupes, ivories, etc. Some have flecks, some are plain and some have either a strong or subtle stripe running through the pile. They can be fitted anywhere in the home although some are not suitable for stairs as a tight weave can make the carpet slippery. The drawbacks with this style of carpet are that they don’t join as successfully as a cut pile and are harder to clean. The pile of these carpets is usually 100% wool (which is slightly softer than the standard 80/20 mix) or they can be synthetic with a small amount of wool.
See examples from suppliers:Alternative, Telenzo, Kersaint Cobb, Louis de Poortere
Naturals
These come in many different styles and pile content. Coir, Jute, Seagrass, Sisal and mixtures of all these. These have the same cleaning drawbacks as the Loop Pile carpets (see above) but can be treated with a stain inhibitor. It is not recommended that they be used on stairs as they can be slippery and should also not be used in Bathrooms as they can watermark.
See examples from suppliers: Alternative, Kersaint Cobb
Saxony
These are extra-thick, 100% wool or all synthetic luxurious carpets which can be used throughout the home but some are not suitable for stairs.
See examples from suppliers: Ryalux
Bespoke
These are custom-made carpets and rugs which can be manufactured in any size*, design, colour and style, carved or inlaid with the choice only limited by imagination. Our suppliers offer a home visit service where a designer will visit you and discuss your ideas, give advice and inspiration where needed and finally provide designs with price quotations.
See examples from suppliers: Bizspoke, Custom Carpets, Jacaranda, Ryalux
*up to 7 metres wide
