Carpet Texture and Why Wool is a Better Choice

Although hardwood floors look beautiful and work well with so many interior decor styles, carpet still has its place in the home. Carpets offer a plush, soft environment underfoot for living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, and more.

But what to choose? Natural products are generally your best bet for most things in, well... in life, really. Sheepskin and woolen products for homeware are a practical, luxurious option, and wool has many superstar qualities to boot.

How do carpet textures differ?

Carpet texture is largely based on the construction of the yarn and also the materials it's made from.

Softer, higher piles, such as shag or sheepskin style, are nicer for bare feet and go well in bedrooms, whereas low profile options tend to be more durable and are better placed in high-traffic areas.

Other natural fibres, like jute, for example, are incredibly durable and resilient but are also scratchy underfoot. Perhaps save these for high-traffic areas where durability is paramount, but lounging and relaxing at ground level is not.

For a smooth and lush texture along with insurmountable durability, we recommend woolen-based rugs and carpets.

Matuki Sexto Sheepskin Rug

Wool vs. Synthetic:

Sometimes deciding what to choose can be tricky. Textures, colours, durability, and many other factors come into play when determining flooring for your home. We also recommend talking to your flooring professional in-store when making decisions.

Things to know about synthetic carpet:

Synthetic carpet is prone to more static given its nylon content and is more likely to pill, shed, and show signs of wear and tear faster. They typically don't last as long as woolen carpet products. However - synthetics are:

• Plush and comfortable

• Available in multiple colours and patterns

• Resistant to abrasion

• Easily cleaned and stain resistant when treated

• Resistant to fading

Why choose wool for my floor coverings?

It's really quite simple. The benefits and advantages of natural woolen-based products of any kind are second to none:

• Natural insulator

• Available in looped, twist or pile weaves

• Made without chemicals

• Environmentally friendly

• Stain resistant and repels dust and dirt

• Non-allergenic

• Flame resistant

• Robust, durable, and elastic

• Longlasting

Can I place an area rug on carpet flooring?

Dublin Bay Sheepskin Stone Set

Absolutely! There is no reason why you can't layer rugs over carpet for a luxurious and plush look and feel. This works well for fairly low-traffic areas where tripping hazards are low.

Layering rugs over carpet offers flexibility of style and can anchor a space nicely. A coffee table and small sitting area can be a well-defined area of your living area with the use of a rug.

Sheepskin also has a place anywhere, including on top of carpeted spaces. Create the perfect balance of luxury and practicality with wood or carpeted floors and use sheepskin area rugs.

Tips to maintain your sheepskin:

Wilson and Dorset has an incredibly helpful care guide for all things sheepskin. Retain the uniquely soft and plush textures of sheepskin rugs with a little maintenance - click here to download our care guide.

The five golden rules we recommend for your sheepskin rugs and other products are noted here:

1. Avoid direct sunlight. This stops UV damage or fading of darker shaded products.

2. Shake rugs, cushions, bean bags regularly, if it can handle a shake, liven it up!

3. Dry vacuum rugs regularly with a plain suction unit. No revolving/rotating/ turbo/ beater bar attachments.

4. Blot up spills and stains as promptly as possible, do not rub the wool pile.

5. Dyed product should be dry-cleaned only.

What is a level loop pile carpet texture?

Pisa Short Wool Sheepskin Designer Floor Rug

Carpet is constructed with loops of yarn over and under the backing material. A cut pile is when yarn loops are cut and a level loop carpet offers an even and uniform look across the surface of the carpet. A looped weave is often described as 'Berber carpet'.

A tight or dense weave will invariably offer more durability and will be easier to keep clean. Woolen carpets in a short pile are particularly hard-wearing, soft underfoot, and offer a practical, good-looking flooring solution.

To conclude:

Whether you're installing carpet in a selected room within your house or throughout your home, it's worth spending a little more for a quality product that will last the distance.

Carpet texture varies by product and weave, however, your flooring is a big deal and it's important to get it right for your home.

Who doesn't love fresh vacuum marks in an exceptionally tidy, clean living area?!