Carpet Styles and Where to Use Them

STYLE DESCRIPTION USE

LEVEL LOOP
A simple loop pile with tufts of equal height. Great for high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, kitchens, family rooms, and kids' rooms.

MULTILEVEL LOOP
A loop pile with several levels of tufts forming a sculptured surface. Berbers made from wool or synthetic yarn are a type of multilevel loop. Good for busy rooms. The sculpted surface gives it a more formal look than level loops. Flecked styles help hide dirt.

RANDOM SHEAR
Also called tip shear. Features cut and uncut loops, creating a textured look. Can be either formal or informal. Not for kitchens.

CUT LOOP
Similar to random shear, except the cut and uncut loops are at varying heights. The sculptured look suits informal dining or living rooms.

SAXONY PLUSH
Dense, level-cut pile of one-half inch or less; closely packed yarn tufts. Smooth and luxurious. Perfect for formal settings such as living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

TEXURED PLUSH
Level-cut pile with heights of more than one-half inch. Not as dense as saxony plush. (Remember shag carpeting?) Not a good choice for stairs -- a heel may catch in the long yarn. Use in any informal setting except the kitchen.

TWIST
Also called frieze or trackless. Features curled or twisted tufts, with a texture that truly masks footprints. Great for hallways, stairs, kids' rooms, and any informal setting.

STYLE	DESCRIPTION	USE
LEVEL LOOP	A simple loop pile with tufts of equal height.	Great for high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairs, kitchens, family rooms, and kids' rooms.
MULTILEVEL LOOP	A loop pile with several levels of tufts forming a sculptured surface. Berbers made from wool or synthetic yarn are a type of multilevel loop.	Good for busy rooms. The sculpted surface gives it a more formal look than level loops. Flecked styles help hide dirt.
RANDOM SHEAR	Also called tip shear. Features cut and uncut loops, creating a textured look.	Can be either formal or informal. Not for kitchens.
CUT LOOP	Similar to random shear, except the cut and uncut loops are at varying heights.	The sculptured look suits informal dining or living rooms.
SAXONY PLUSH	Dense, level-cut pile of one-half inch or less; closely packed yarn tufts.	Smooth and luxurious. Perfect for formal settings such as living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
TEXURED PLUSH	Level-cut pile with heights of more than one-half inch. Not as dense as saxony plush. (Remember shag carpeting?)	Not a good choice for stairs -- a heel may catch in the long yarn. Use in any informal setting except the kitchen.
TWIST	Also called frieze or trackless. Features curled or twisted tufts, with a texture that truly masks footprints.	Great for hallways, stairs, kids' rooms, and any informal setting.