A type of machine-made carpet with a cut pile surface, known for intricate patterns and durability. Named after the town of Axminster in England where it was first produced.
A style of carpet characterized by loops of the same height, often flecked with color. Originally referred to handmade North African carpets but now commonly refers to loop pile carpets with a distinctive speckled appearance.
A carpet with a design created by cutting pile to different heights, creating a three-dimensional, sculptured effect. Often used to add visual interest and texture to solid-colored carpets.
A measure of how tightly packed carpet fibers are within the pile. Higher density generally indicates better durability and performance. Calculated by multiplying the face weight by 36 and dividing by the pile height.
The modern method behind most woven Wilton carpet: two carpets are woven simultaneously as a sandwich, connected by shared pile yarns, then a traveling blade slices the sandwich apart into two identical cut-pile carpets. The technique doubles loom output and explains why the pile of a face-to-face Wilton is always cut — the loops never existed as loops, but as bridges between the two carpets.
A type of carpet constructed without pile, where the warp and weft threads are woven together to create a flat surface. Examples include kilims, dhurries, and soumaks. Flatweaves are typically reversible, lightweight, and easier to clean than pile carpets, making them popular for casual spaces and warmer climates.
A traditional handmade Greek rug characterized by its long, shaggy pile made from 100% wool. Authentic Flokati rugs are woven in Greece, then washed in the cold waters of the Pindus mountains, causing the wool to fluff and create their distinctive fluffy texture. Originally used by shepherds for warmth, they are now popular decorative pieces known for their luxurious softness and natural cream color.
A type of cut pile carpet with tightly twisted fibers that curl in different directions, creating a textured, casual appearance with excellent durability and ability to hide footprints.
Handcrafted carpets from Jaipur, India, known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. Traditional Jaipuri rugs feature distinctive floral patterns, geometric motifs, and sometimes incorporate block-printing techniques. These rugs often use a cotton foundation with wool pile and are renowned for their craftsmanship, with techniques passed down through generations of artisans in Rajasthan.
A flat-woven rug without pile, traditionally made in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. Known for geometric patterns and created by interweaving colored weft threads with warp threads.
A carpet construction where yarn loops are all the same height, creating a uniform, textured surface with excellent durability and soil hiding capabilities.
A carpet construction where the yarn forms loops that remain uncut on the surface. Available in level loop (all loops the same height) or multi-level loop (varying heights to create patterns or texture). Generally more durable and less prone to crushing than cut pile carpets.
The direction of the pile fibers in a carpet. When viewed from different angles, the carpet may appear lighter or darker depending on the nap direction.
The oldest known pile carpet in the world, woven around the 5th century BC and discovered in 1949 in the frozen tomb of a Scythian noble in Siberia's Altai Mountains. Preserved for some 2,500 years in a lens of ice, it displays a sophisticated symmetrical knotting technique and a density of around 36 knots per square centimeter — proof that carpet weaving was already a mature art form in antiquity. It is displayed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
The surface of the carpet consisting of upright fibers, either in loops or cut tufts. Pile height refers to the length of these fibers from the backing.
The flattening of carpet fibers in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture, resulting in a worn appearance. Can be minimized by selecting carpets with higher density, proper padding, and regular maintenance including vacuuming and professional cleaning.
A condition where areas of carpet appear lighter or darker than surrounding areas due to light reflecting differently off pile fibers that have changed direction. Not a manufacturing defect but a physical characteristic of cut pile carpets. Also known as watermarking or pooling.
A laboratory measure of the force needed to pull a single tuft out of a carpet's backing, usually expressed in pounds or newtons. It is one of the most revealing specs on a carpet datasheet: low tuft bind is what turns a snag into a run, especially in loop pile where one pulled loop can unzip a whole row. Good latexing or thermal bonding raises it dramatically.
The capillary action by which a spill absorbed deep in the backing climbs back up the pile as the carpet dries — the reason a "removed" stain can reappear a day after cleaning. Professionals defeat wicking by extracting moisture thoroughly and drying fast, or by placing weighted absorbent pads over the spot overnight. If a stain keeps returning, the residue below the pile, not the fiber, is the culprit.
A specialized tufting technique where the needles create an X-pattern in the carpet backing rather than straight rows. This method increases tuft bind strength and creates a more stable, durable carpet construction that resists pile distortion in high-traffic areas.
The number of turns per inch in carpet yarn. Higher twist levels generally provide better durability and appearance retention, particularly in cut pile carpets.
A category of carpets with extremely low or non-existent pile height, including flat-weaves and certain low-profile commercial carpets. These floor coverings offer durability, easy maintenance, and accessibility benefits while providing sound absorption and comfort underfoot. Popular in high-traffic commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, and modern residential interiors where a minimal profile is desired.