Types of Carpet: Which One is Right for Your Home?

A Quick Word Before We Dive In

There's no single "best" carpet. Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably trying to sell you whatever they have too much of in stock. The right carpet depends on where it's going, who's walking on it, and what you're comfortable spending.

We've installed carpet in thousands of Metro Detroit homes over the years, and we've seen what holds up and what doesn't. This guide comes from that experience — not from a marketing department.

Plush Carpet (Also Called Saxony)

Plush is what most people picture when they think of carpet. It has a smooth, even surface with fibers that stand straight up. Run your hand across it and it feels soft and uniform.

Where Plush Works Well

Bedrooms are the sweet spot for plush carpet. It feels amazing under bare feet, and bedrooms don't get the heavy traffic that wears plush down quickly. If you want that luxurious, sink-your-toes-in feeling, plush delivers.

Where Plush Doesn't Work So Well

Here's the thing about plush — it shows everything. Vacuum lines. Footprints. That path from the door to the couch. For living rooms and hallways, this can drive some homeowners crazy. We've had customers rip out plush from their family room within a year because they couldn't stand seeing every footprint.

It's not that plush can't handle traffic — it's that it shows the traffic more visibly than other styles.

Cost Range

Plush typically falls in the mid-range, though premium options with higher face weights can cost more. The price varies quite a bit depending on the fiber type and density.

Berber Carpet (Loop Pile)

Berber has loops of yarn instead of cut fibers. The loops can be tight and small or larger and more textured. Traditional Berber has a flecked appearance with multiple colors woven together.

Where Berber Works Well

Berber is popular for good reason — it's practical. The looped construction hides footprints and vacuum marks. The flecked patterns help mask minor stains and dirt between cleanings. Many homeowners put Berber in family rooms, basements, home offices, and rental properties.

If you have kids running around or pets that come inside with dirty paws, Berber handles that chaos better than plush visually.

The Pet Consideration

One thing to know: if you have cats that like to scratch, or dogs with longer nails, the loops can snag. Once a loop pulls, it can run like a pulled thread in a sweater. We always mention this to pet owners. It doesn't mean you can't have Berber with pets — plenty of people do — but it's worth knowing.

Cost Range

Berber covers a wide price range. Basic Berber can be quite affordable, while premium wool Berber sits at the higher end. Many landlords choose mid-grade Berber for rentals because it balances durability and cost.

Frieze Carpet (Also Called Twist)

Frieze has tightly twisted fibers that curl in different directions. This gives it a textured, almost shaggy appearance. Some people call it "twist" carpet because of how the fibers are made.

Where Frieze Works Well

Frieze is probably the most forgiving carpet style. The twisted fibers bounce back from foot traffic. It hides dirt, footprints, and vacuum marks better than almost anything else. For high-traffic areas where you don't want to see wear patterns, frieze is a solid choice.

We see frieze in a lot of family rooms, playrooms, and apartments. It's also popular for people who want a more casual, relaxed look rather than the formal appearance of plush.

The Texture Trade-off

Frieze doesn't have that smooth, uniform look. Some homeowners love the casual texture. Others want something more polished and find frieze too informal for their taste. It's really a personal preference.

Cost Range

Frieze usually costs a bit more than basic plush because of the additional processing to twist the fibers. But the durability often makes it worth the investment for high-traffic areas.

Patterned and Textured Carpet

Patterned carpet combines different pile heights, loop and cut combinations, or multiple colors to create visual interest. Textured carpet uses cut fibers of varying heights to create dimension.

Where Patterned and Textured Carpet Works Well

These styles give you more design options. A subtle pattern can add visual interest to a room without overwhelming it. They're popular for living rooms and dining rooms where you want something with a bit more character than solid-color carpet.

Patterns also do a good job of hiding wear and stains — the busy visual means small imperfections don't stand out.

The Selection Challenge

The main downside is that bold patterns can limit your decorating options. That trendy geometric pattern might feel dated in five years. Many homeowners stick with subtle patterns or textures that won't clash with future furniture choices.

Cost Range

Patterned carpet varies widely. Simple textures can be affordable, while complex woven patterns with multiple colors tend to cost more.

Room-by-Room Recommendations

Based on what we've seen hold up over the years in Metro Detroit homes, here's what tends to work:

Bedrooms

Plush or frieze both work well. Bedrooms typically have lower traffic, so you can prioritize comfort over durability. Many homeowners go with plush here for that soft, cozy feeling.

Living Rooms and Family Rooms

Frieze, Berber, or textured carpet tends to hold up better. These areas get more traffic from daily life — kids playing, people walking back and forth, moving around furniture. A style that hides footprints will look better longer.

Hallways and Stairs

This is where durability really matters. Berber and frieze are popular choices. Stairs especially take a beating, so a denser, more resilient carpet makes sense.

Basements

For basements, moisture resistance is often the bigger concern. Many homeowners opt for Berber with synthetic fibers that won't absorb moisture as readily. That said, if you have any moisture issues, addressing those before carpet installation is important.

Rental Properties

Most landlords we work with choose Berber in neutral colors. It's durable, hides wear reasonably well, and neutral colors work for a wide range of tenant preferences. Some go with commercial-grade carpet for even more durability.

What About Carpet Fiber?

The carpet style is one piece of the puzzle. The fiber — nylon, polyester, olefin, or wool — also affects performance. We won't go deep into fibers here, but as a quick overview:

• Nylon is generally considered the most durable for residential use
• Polyester offers good stain resistance and often costs less
• Olefin (Polypropylene) handles moisture well but may show wear faster
• Wool is natural and luxurious but requires more care and costs more

Your installer can walk you through fiber options based on your specific situation.

Don't Forget About Padding

Good carpet padding makes a bigger difference than most people realize. It affects how the carpet feels underfoot, how well it holds up over time, and even noise reduction between floors. Skimping on padding to save a few dollars often isn't worth it in the long run.

When we bring samples to your home, we can show you padding options and explain what works for different situations.

The Best Way to Choose

Reading about carpet types is helpful for understanding your options, but there's no substitute for seeing and feeling samples in your actual space. Colors look different under your home's lighting. Textures feel different in person.

That's why we bring hundreds of samples directly to you during a free in-home estimate. You can see how different styles look against your walls, flooring in adjacent rooms, and furniture. It takes the guesswork out of the decision.