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1. SELECTING CARPETS：
Carpet - nothing looks like it, feels like it or performs
like it. It enhances the peace and quiet of your home by absorbing
sound. It insulates against the cold, cushions your feet with
comfort, and adds safety—helping to prevent slips and falls
and protecting dropped objects from being damaged. And because
carpet is a key decorative element in the home and a major
purchase, you must keep several factors in mind during your
selection process. Perhaps the most important things to consider
are these: Does it fit your taste, and does it match your
lifestyle? This informative section was created to help you
make a selection that best suits your home and your budget.
(1).Fibers
Fiber is carpet’s basic ingredient. The type of fiber used
and the way the carpet is constructed determine how well the
carpet will stand up to spills, pets, and daily traffic. Approximately
97 percent of all carpet is produced using synthetic fibers
that are designed to feature style, easy maintenance, and
outstanding value. There are five basic types of carpet pile
fibers.
Nylon: It is the most popular and represents two-thirds of
the pile fibers. Wear-resistant, resilient, withstands the
weight and movement of furniture, and provides brilliant color.
Ability to conceal and resist soils and stains. Generally
good for all traffic areas. Solution-dyed nylon is colorfast
because color is added in the fiber production.
(polypropylene): Strong, resists wear and permanent stains,
and is easily cleaned. Notably colorfast because color is
added during fiber production. Resists static electricity
and is often used in both indoor and outdoor installations
because of its resistance to moisture and mildew. Used in
synthetic turf for sports surfaces, and in the home for patios
and game rooms. Many Berbers are made of olefin.
Polyester: Noted for luxurious, soft "hand" when
used in thick, cut-pile textures. Has excellent color clarity
and retention. Easily cleaned, and resistant to water-soluble
stains.
Acrylic: Offers the appearance and feel of wool without the
cost. Has low static level and is moisture and mildew-resistant.
Commonly used in velvet and level-loop constructions, and
often in bath and scatter rugs.
Wool: Noted for its luxury and performance, wool is soft,
has high bulk, and is available in many colors. Generally,
wool is somewhat more expensive than synthetic fibers.
Blends: A wool/nylon blend combines the superior look and
comfort of wool with the durability of nylon. Acrylic/olefin
and nylon/olefin are other popular blends, offering good characteristics
of each fiber.
(2).Construction: Textures
and Patterns
Today’s carpet offers much more than a conventional loop pile.
To add to a room’s sophistication and interest, consider choosing
a textured pattern. New technology can produce multilevel
loop and cut/loop patterns. Choose diamonds, bows, pin dots,
or fleurs-de-lis designs that "pop out" in sculptured
effects. The texture, colors, and pattern of the carpet can
be made to complement or contrast with patterns of your furniture
and window treatments. Using a solid color, textured carpet
is a great way to provide interest and pizzazz, without going
to a multicolor, overall pattern.
Textured styles also fit well with today’s active and casual
lifestyles. Textured carpet can be created through the use
of several construction techniques. Many of these styles are
known for their soil-hiding ability.
Cut pile: Loops are cut, leaving individual
yarn tufts. Still one of today's most popular constructions,
its durability is achieved with factors including the type
of fiber, density of tufts, and the amount of twist in the
yarn.
Plush
/ Velvet ---Smooth, level surfaces; formal atmosphere,
"velvet."
（Picture1）
Saxony --Smooth, level finish,
but pile yarns have more twist so that the
yarn ends are visible and create a less formal look.
Minimizes foot prints.
（Picture2）
Friezé --- In this cut pile,
the yarns are extremely twisted, forming a
"curly" textured surface. This informal look
also minimizes foot prints and
vacuum marks. （Picture3）
Level loop pile:Loops are
the same height, creating an informal look. It
generally lasts a long time in high-traffic areas. Many
of today’s popular
Berber styles are level loop styles with flecks of a
darker color on a
lighter background.（Picture4）
Multi-level loop pile:Usually
has two to three different loop heights to
create pattern effects, providing good durability and
a more casual look.
（Picture5）
Cut and loop pile:Combination
of cut and looped yarns. Provides variety of
surface textures, including
sculptured effects of squares, chevrons,swirls,
etc. |
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(3).Color
Because it covers so much living space, carpet is the foundation
of your room’s décor. It can be a neutral color, blending in
with fabrics and other surfaces; or it can be a vibrant focal
point of the room, making a statement that reflects your style.
The selection of carpet color is a very personal choice. Carpet
comes in almost every color, pattern, and texture you can imagine.
You will want to select a color that unites your decorative
elements and creates the atmosphere you desire. Ever-popular
beige carpet can make a room look spacious; but for a bolder
statement, look for a common color in your furniture and draperies.
Choose a carpet with a similar hue. Environmental colors, like
blues, deep greens, rosy quartz, and stony neutrals are becoming
increasingly popular.
Warm colors can turn up the heat in a room that lacks light,
while cool greens and blues have a calming effect. Lighter colors
make the room seem larger; darker colors provide coziness. There
are also practical considerations in color selection. New stain
and soil resistant technology makes today's lighter color carpet
much easier to clean, allowing more decorating options. Medium
and darker colors, tweeds, and textures will help disguise common
soil in your home's high traffic areas.
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