The Ultimate Guide to Carpet Types: Finding Your Perfect Match in Western Michigan

When you think of new flooring, new carpet often comes to mind as the ultimate choice for comfort and warmth. But carpet is not a one-size-fits-all product. It comes in a vast array of styles, materials, and textures, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding the different types of carpet is the first and most important step in finding the perfect match for your home. For homeowners in Western Michigan, where cozy comfort is a top priority, the right carpet can make all the difference. At DeGraaf Interiors, we believe that an educated consumer is a happy one, so we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you find the ideal carpet for your specific needs and lifestyle.

The Two Main Categories: Cut Pile and Loop Pile

All carpets fall into one of two main categories: cut pile or loop pile. Understanding the difference between these two will help you narrow down your options.

Cut Pile Carpet: Softness and Elegance

Cut pile carpet is made from yarn loops that are cut at the top, creating a soft, upright fiber. This style is known for its luxurious feel and is often a top choice for bedrooms and living rooms where comfort is key.

• Plush: Plush carpet has a very dense, smooth, and velvety surface. It’s a very formal and elegant look, but it can show footprints and vacuum marks.
• Saxony: Similar to plush but with a slightly longer, more twisted yarn. It’s a very popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms due to its soft feel and classic look.
• Frieze: Frieze carpet is made from highly twisted, longer yarns that curl in different directions. This creates a casual, textured look that is excellent at hiding footprints and vacuum marks, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
• Textured: This is a popular and versatile style where the yarn is cut at different heights and angles, creating a textured surface. It’s very durable and great at hiding marks and stains.

Loop Pile Carpet: Durability and Texture

Loop pile carpet is made from uncut yarn loops. This style is known for its durability and is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs.

• Berber: Berber carpet is characterized by large, bulky yarn loops, often with a subtle, random color variation. It’s very durable, affordable, and easy to clean.
• Level Loop: This style has loops of a uniform height, creating a smooth, low-profile surface. It’s incredibly durable and often used in commercial settings, but it can also be a great choice for a home office or basement.
• Multi-Level Loop: This style uses loops of different heights to create a pattern or texture. It offers a more dynamic look than a level loop and is also very durable and good at hiding dirt.

The Best of Both Worlds: Cut-and-Loop Pile

Cut-and-loop pile carpets combine both cut and looped yarns to create a patterned surface. This style offers the best of both worlds: the softness of a cut pile with the durability and unique look of a loop pile. It’s a great way to add visual interest to a room while maintaining a high level of performance.

At DeGraaf Interiors, we understand that finding the perfect carpet is about more than just a quick decision. Our knowledgeable professionals are here to guide you through our extensive collections, helping you explore the different types and find a carpet that not only looks beautiful but also fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a plush, soft carpet for a bedroom in Hudsonville or a durable, textured frieze for a busy family room in Grand Rapids, we have the expertise to help you make the right choice.

At DeGraaf Interiors, our passion is helping you find the perfect flooring to match your home’s vision. We are pleased to carry a wide array of top flooring products from the most trusted brands, showcasing today’s most popular styles and colors. Our professionals continue to help set the standard for providing dedicated assistance, guiding individuals and families through their design decisions. The entire DeGraaf Interiors team—from knowledgeable salespeople who provide the latest ideas and trends, to our trained installation specialists who ensure a beautiful finish—stands ready to lend our expertise to your individual project. To get started, simply contact us or visit our showroom locations in Grand Rapids, MI, or Hudsonville, MI.