Low-Pile vs High-Pile Carpet: Which is Best for You?

Choosing a carpet is a big commitment. The right carpet can complement your home perfectly, while the wrong carpet can be high maintenance and even cause health issues. It's easy to underestimate the importance of pile length when making decisions about your carpet, but it's a key aspect of any carpet. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between low-pile vs high-pile carpet.

The difference between low and high pile

Carpet fibres come in different lengths and the word “pile” is used to describe this length. High-pile carpet is characterised by tall, loose fibres, while low-pile carpet has tighter and shorter fibres. The different pile lengths come with different advantages.

Benefits of high-pile carpet

High-pile carpet is strongly associated with luxury, due to its full, fluffy texture. This helps give rooms a warm, comfortable feel, and is soft underfoot.

Carpets with a higher pile tend to be less easily flattened than other carpets. They hold their shape well, keeping that new-carpet feel for longer. This is great for entertaining, creating an inviting environment to be envious of.

Due to their thickness, high-pile carpets help maintain warmth and reduce heating bills. They also prevent noise such as footsteps from spreading through your house, making them ideal for upstairs rooms. This thickness means that the floor is slightly padded, helpful for homes with children prone to tumbles.

For a luxurious carpet to elevate a living room or bedroom, high-pile carpet is the best choice. The luscious texture adds interest to a room, both visually and tactilely. This also makes it a popular choice for rugs, as they can complement a room with a splash of extravagance.

Benefits of low-pile carpet

On the other hand, there are some benefits of low-pile vs high-pile carpet. If you're looking for a low-maintenance carpet for a high-traffic area, you may prefer low-pile carpet. It's typically a cheaper option, with a smooth feel.

For rooms with chairs, low pile is the best choice – it's easier to slide chairs back and forth across. This includes studies, dining rooms and anywhere that children are likely to be moving toys around on the floor. It's also durable even when faced with high traffic, so it works well in hallways.

If you have pets, low-pile carpet is less likely to get caught in their claws. Treatments for fleas – and other pests that your pet might bring in – are easier on low-pile carpets, as the roots of the fibres are easier to access.

In terms of cleaning, low pile is the easiest option. The shorter fibres are easier to vacuum for day-to-day maintenance, and easier to remove stains from. Low-pile carpet is also less likely to collect allergens, due to the reduced density of fibres.

Hire an expert carpet cleaner

If you're worried about the best way to clean your carpet, a professional carpet cleaner can help. Members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association are trained to handle all kinds of carpet, ensuring your carpet remains in top-notch condition. Every cleaner in our UK-wide directory is insured and accredited for the best possible experience.

Browse our directory now for someone to clean low-pile or high-pile carpets.