Carpet Designs That Hide Stains

Cut and Loop

• Carpeting with a cut and loop pile is usually the most effective in hiding stains and signs of wear and tear. The carpet features a sculptured design because it contains several layers of high-cut tufts as well as lower-loop tufts. The cuts and loops are usually of different sizes and typically contain several different tones of yarn from the same color family. As a result, the carpeting disguises the appearance of stains, footprints and other marks that might mar its appearance. It is an ideal option for high-traffic areas in the home, including the living room, family room and basement.

Frieze

• A frieze carpet has a cut pile formed by short, twisted fibers. Because the fibers feature a built-in curl, the carpet can easily hide stains, footprints and signs of wear and tear. Frieze carpeting has a springy feel underfoot, but it is usually made from soft fibers for greater comfort. While it works well in high-traffic areas, it has a casual design that makes it an attractive option for a family room or basement.

Textured

• Textured carpeting has a cut pile, but it isn't as dense as other cut carpeting designs. It is usually made with two-toned yarn and fibers that vary in height, so stains and other marks are not apparent on its surface. Textured carpeting has a casual look that works well in a variety of rooms, including the family room, kitchen and basement. It is also extremely durable, so it is one of the most common carpet designs used in homes and businesses.

Berber

• Berber carpeting features layers of uncut loops that vary in size, so it has a very dense pile. As a result, it effectively hides the appearance of stains and other marks on the surface of the carpeting. However, it is also stain-resistant, so there are less likely to be marks on the carpet that require hiding. Berber carpet is extremely durable, so it is an ideal option for areas of the home that see heavy traffic. It is usually made from wool, olefin or nylon, with olefin being the most budget-friendly option.