Carpets are increasingly popular in Bali, both for homes and businesses. While they may not be the most traditional flooring choice on the island, carpets offer a unique blend of style, comfort, and practicality. Understanding the types of carpets available, how they’re made, and how to care for them can help you make informed decisions for your space.

Why Choose Carpet?

Carpets offer a range of benefits, including:

• Aesthetics: They can significantly enhance the look and feel of a room.
• Comfort: They provide a soft and warm surface underfoot, making spaces feel more inviting.
• Durability: High-quality carpets are very hard-wearing and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Ease of Maintenance: With the right tools and methods, carpets can be surprisingly easy to keep clean.

Understanding Carpet Types

The world of carpets is vast, but knowing the basics will help you navigate the options.

Traditional Hand-Made Carpets

• Persian Carpets: These are renowned for their beauty and craftsmanship. Traditionally made with hand-dyed goat wool, each tuft is hand-knotted into a strong backing. Persian carpets often feature traditional designs and are considered works of art.
• Chinese Carpets: Like Persian carpets, these have a long history. They use a finer pile, typically softer than the wool used in Persian carpets, often featuring picture-style motifs and hand-cut sculpturing.

Machine-Woven Carpets

• Axminster Carpets: These are known for their ornate patterns and durability. They’re made by machine-weaving tufts of sheep’s wool into a strong backing.
• Wilton Carpets: Similar to Axminster, but are typically plain, single-color carpets. Both Axminster and Wilton are cut-pile carpets, meaning the tufts are cut to create a level surface.

Modern Carpet Manufacturing

• Needled Carpets: Developed to be more affordable, these carpets are made using needles to stitch threads into a rubberized or plasticized backing. This allows for a lower density of pile and faster production.
• Sculptured Pile Carpets: By varying the length of the pile, these carpets can have patterns and textures. Some sculptured carpets combine cut and loop piles for added dimension.
• Loop Pile Carpets: In contrast to cut pile, loop pile carpets leave the loops of the pile intact.
• Cut Pile Carpets: The loops of the pile are cut creating a more upright and denser appearance.

Materials:

• Wool: A traditional, high-quality material for carpets, known for its durability and natural look.
• Man-made fibers: Modern carpets often incorporate man-made fibers, such as nylon, which can be more affordable. However, some may be prone to collecting static electricity.

Installation Techniques

Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and appearance of your carpet.

• Stretching and Pinning: The best method involves securing the carpet to pinned strips around the edge of the room, ensuring the carpet doesn’t move, bunch up, or lift.
• Gluing: In Bali, carpets are often glued directly to the floor tiles. While this method is faster, it may not provide the same long-term stability as pinning.
• Underlay: Using an underlay beneath the carpet gives a softer feel underfoot and reduces wear. High-quality carpets use a separate underlay, while some low-cost carpets have underlay attached.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance will keep your carpet looking its best.

• Vacuuming: Use a high-quality upright vacuum cleaner with a beater roller to effectively remove dirt from the base of the pile. Avoid “snake” vacuums which are less efficient on carpets.
• Grit Removal: Grit is the main enemy of carpets as it can cut the threads at the base of the pile. Frequent and thorough vacuuming can combat this.
• Stain Prevention: Avoid getting oily substances on man-made fiber carpets, as they can cause chemical changes and permanent stains.

Carpet Tiles: A Versatile Option

Carpet tiles are square pieces of carpet with a heavy rubberized backing. They’re hard-wearing, easy to install and remove, and allow for individual tile replacement if damaged, making them a practical choice for commercial spaces.

Inspecting Carpet Quality

When assessing a carpet, keep the following in mind:

• Pile Density: A denser pile is preferable.
• Pile Length: A short pile may wear quickly.
• Materials: Look for natural materials like wool or silk for high quality.
• Dye Quality: The color in a good carpet goes to the root of the pile rather than just being printed on the top.
• Construction: Examine how the pile is attached to the backing.

By understanding these aspects of carpets, you can make informed choices that suit your needs and enjoy beautiful, durable, and comfortable flooring for years to come.