How to Choose Carpet Styles

Determine if the area of your home that you are carpeting will be heavily trafficked. Carpet hallways, stairs and entryways and children's bedrooms with a durable carpet style that will wear well. One of the most durable carpet styles is Frieze--a cut pile carpet that is twisted so tightly that the end curl over to create a textured surface that will not become matted from frequent foot traffic. Looped carpet styles are also very durable, though the carpet backing is more visible when used on stairs, so it is not the best choice for stairways.

Install Saxony, Cable or Cut & Loop carpet styles in formal living rooms or master bedrooms for an elegant appearance. Saxony carpets are very beautiful, but they show stains and footprints easily, so they should only be used in low traffic rooms. Cut & Loop styles, on the other hand, are more durable and are ideal for hiding stains, vacuum marks and footprints, making them appropriate for both low and high traffic areas. Cable-style carpets are incredibly plush and comfortable, but will become matted easily. This makes them most appropriate for formal living rooms and bedrooms that don't get a lot of traffic.

Install the popular texture-style carpeting in family rooms, playrooms and other rooms of the house that are frequented by children or pets. Texture carpets are very common and come in a vast assortment of colors and prices. They hide dirt well, minimize the appearance of footprints and hold up well to everyday family life.