Woven Carpet Types: A Guide to Texture and Style
When it comes to carpet, most people think of the standard tufted varieties found in countless homes. However, for those seeking a level of durability, craftsmanship, and unique style, there is another world of flooring to explore: woven carpet flooring. Unlike tufted carpet, which is made by pushing fibers through a backing, woven carpet is created on a loom, where the face fibers and backing yarns are woven together simultaneously.
This intricate process results in a product that is not only beautiful but also incredibly strong and long-lasting. Understanding the different woven carpet types and their unique textures is key to choosing the right floor for your home.
The Benefits of Woven Carpet Flooring
Before we dive into the specific woven carpet types, let's look at why woven carpet is such a popular choice among designers and homeowners:
- Superior Durability: Because the face fibers and backing are woven together, the carpet is incredibly strong and resistant to unraveling and wear.
- Exceptional Craftsmanship: Woven carpets are often seen as a premium product, and their intricate, detailed patterns and textures are a testament to the skill involved in their creation.
- Unique Texture: The weaving process creates a distinct woven carpet texture that can't be replicated with other manufacturing methods.
Popular Woven Carpet Types
Here are some of the most common and beautiful woven carpet types you'll encounter.
Wilton
Wilton carpet is one of the most well-known woven carpets. It is produced on a loom that weaves a single yarn into a continuous loop, which can then be cut to create a plush or velvet pile.
- Characteristics: Wilton carpets are dense, strong, and highly durable. They often feature complex, detailed patterns and a smooth surface.
- Woven Carpet Texture: Wilton carpets can have a smooth, velvety texture from a cut pile or a more textured look from a loop pile.
- Best for: High-traffic areas where durability is key, but you still want an elegant, patterned look.
Axminster
Named after the town in England where it was first produced, Axminster is known for its ability to create intricate, multicolor patterns.
- Characteristics: Axminster carpets are made by individually inserting each tuft of yarn, which allows for a nearly endless number of colors and patterns. They are incredibly strong and a popular choice for commercial spaces and high-end residential projects.
- Woven Carpet Texture: They often have a velvety, cut-pile surface that feels plush underfoot.
- Best for: Creating a bold, patterned statement in a formal living room, dining room, or large entryway.
Flatweave
Flatweave carpets are made on a loom where the horizontal and vertical yarns are interlaced to create a thin, flat pile.
- Characteristics: Flatweave carpets are thin, reversible, and highly durable. They do not have a plush pile and are very easy to clean.
- Woven Carpet Texture: The texture is firm and flat, with a visible weave pattern. Think of a classic Oriental or Southwestern-style rug.
- Best for: High-traffic areas and entryways where durability and a low profile are a priority. They are also a great option for people with allergies, as they don't trap dust as easily.
Velvet
Velvet carpet is a type of woven carpet that has a cut pile with a very short, dense fiber.
- Characteristics: Velvet carpet has a luxurious, smooth surface with a uniform color. It does not show a pattern and has a lustrous sheen.
- Woven Carpet Texture: It is incredibly soft and smooth to the touch, with a sleek and uniform appearance.
- Best for: Creating a sense of luxury and elegance in low-traffic areas like a bedroom or a formal sitting room.
Choose Woven Carpeting for Your Home with Murley’s Floor Covering
Choosing woven carpet flooring is a decision to invest in quality, craftsmanship, and a unique aesthetic. By understanding the different woven carpet types, from the durable Wilton to the elegant Axminster, you can find the perfect floor to add a touch of timeless style and durability to your home.
Call us or Visit Murley's Floor Covering at our showroom. We have a showroom location in Kennewick, WA. We service the Tri Cities, WA areas. We've been serving the Tri-Cities area with beautiful floors and top-notch services since 2005.