| Choosing Between Area Rugs and Broadloom Carpet Choosing between area rugs and broadloom carpet depends on what your objectives are: What do you want to show off?
What do you want to hide?
In other words, what is the condition of the floor below?
Broadloom CarpetAn unfinished or damaged floor surface is a good candidate for broadloom or wall-to-wall carpet. The continuous surface hides whatever is beneath it. Even if your floor is in fine shape, you may opt for broadloom because the unbroken plane of color and texture has the effect of making your room appear larger. "Broadloom" refers to the machine used to make large carpets. Broadlooms are commonly used for large applications, such as wall-to-wall and office carpeting. Most broadlooms are now computer-operated, which means that a computer controls the colors, patterns, and even the height of the pile. Choosing broadloom carpeting can be perplexing, given the almost unlimited choice of colors, texture, pile height and thickness. So how do you know which will work the best for you? Think about the use and traffic of the room. A heavily used family room or hallway calls for a shorter and denser carpet pile for practicality sake. Looped weave carpet is even more durable. A longer plush pile, though luxurious, will track every busy footprint. Save that look for a bedroom or another room that is seen but not used as much. Broadloom Carpeting Pros and ConsPros No Shifting
Most broadloom carpets are nailed or tacked to the floor, so they don't shift around. If you like the lightweight feel of bamboo or cotton area rugs, you can get it in wall-to-wall and you won't have to kick it back into place all the time. Noise Absorption
Broadloom carpets are a great choice for soundproof rooms, such as studios and home theaters. Carpets absorb sound and keep it from escaping the room, so you get complete privacy when you need it. Insulation
Wool rugs may be warm, but they only work on the parts they cover. Broadloom carpets insulate your entire floor, so there's none of that "cold foot shock" you feel on winter mornings. No Seams
Because it's a single piece, a broadloom carpet leaves no space for dust and dirt to get in. While you'll still get some dust over the years, it won't accumulate as fast or get kicked up from underneath. |
Cons Costly Maintenance
You can grab your favorite rug and throw it on your floor, but a broadloom carpet calls for professional installation. And when it needs to be cleaned you'll have to call for home service, which adds to the maintenance costs. Semi-permanent Installation
Broadloom carpets are more or less permanent - the time and effort it takes to replace them is hardly worth it. If you're the type that changes your tastes frequently, area rugs may be a better choice. Faster Wear
Most people rotate area rugs from time ... |
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