What's New in Wall-to-Wall Carpet

SAXONY
The fibers are cut level, creating a smooth, soft surface. Though most often seen in formal rooms, those with tighter twists can be used in more casual settings. Saxonys are more likely to show footprints and vacuum marks.

CUT AND LOOP
Combining cut and looped fibers produces a carved look, often created in a tone-on-tone. These carpets are durable and camouflage stains.

PLUSH/VELVET
This pile is cut, but the tufts are denser and sheared more finely than Saxonys. Plush and velvets are almost always used in formal spaces; they hide vacuum marks and footprints well.

MULTILEVEL LOOP
Loops of different heights create a casual, textured pattern that works well in high-traffic areas.

FRIEZE
(pronounced free-zay)
The cut yarn is tightly and unevenly twisted, giving it a textured surface. Friezes hide dirt well and give a room a laid-back look. Shag is a longer variation of frieze.

LEVEL LOOP
These loops are left uncut and are all the same height. Berbers are level loops made with bulkier yarn. Wilton weaves are made with tight, small loops that look like needlepoint. All are highly durable and ideal for high-traffic rooms.

This sturdy plaid with a short, dense pile is made of velvet and loop nylon, for a three-dimensional look that would work well in a home office or den. Gavin in Shadow, about $58 a square yard,
www.lizclaiborneflooring.com.

Tight, level loops of wool have a corduroylike look that's durable enough for a playroom but elegant enough for a living room. Cabo del Sol in Beach Umbrella, about $100 per square yard, www.karastan.com.

These tufted woolen loops in multicolor stripes create texture and come in five different colorways. Patra in Northern Lights, $40 a square yard, www.couristan.com.

This bright woolen Wilton has a small-scale pattern that can be used in a living room. Country Star in Paprika, $90 a square yard, shown with matching border in Ginger, sold separately; www.stantoncarpet.com.

Soft yet durable, this nylon Saxony lattice design comes with a 10-year warranty. Trilicus in Willow, about $45 per square yard, www.carpet-rugs.com.

Suitable for a formal space, this worsted wool Wilton can be paired with a border. Filippa in beige, $260 a linear yard (36 inches by 27 inches; to the trade only), www.pfmcarpet.com.

A new take on shag, these multisized twists of nylon frieze are soft and durable, and come in 40 colors. Chic to Chic in Candle Glow, $63 a square yard, www.shawfloors.com.

This nylon cut-and-multilevel-loop carpet has a contoured appearance that hides everyday dirt well. Natural Boucle in Silk, $45 a square yard, www.shawfloors.com.

Chunky wool loops will give any room a funky look, but don't try it in the dining room, where chairs (not to mention crumbs) will get tangled in the pile. Chelsea in Furrows, $376 a square yard, www.meridameridian.com.