If you’re currently looking to upgrade the style of your home with a new carpet, there are many choices you need to make about the style of your carpet – the height of the pile is one of these choices. Each pile height is beautiful in its own right, which is why we think you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. That being said, different pile heights have different advantages that make them better suited to different homes and areas in your home. So, if you’re thinking about choosing a high pile carpet, we recommend you read on to find out the pros and cons to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

What Makes a Carpet High Pile?

If you’re not yet in the know, let us explain the difference between high pile and low pile carpets. When a carpet is high pile, the fibres used in the carpet are tall and (if they are looped) the loops are looser than shorter pile carpets. Low pile carpets are the exact opposite: the fibres are short and the loops are tight.

The Pros of High Pile Carpets

There’s a reason high pile carpets are a favourite for many families, the pros are amazing!

Warmth and Comfort

The higher pile provides a great layer of insulation, helping you keep your home warmer during those cooler months. This will make your home feel more comfortable without needing to turn on the heater.

Luxurious Look and Feel

High pile carpets are super soft, giving them a luxurious underfoot feel – so soft you’d feel comfortable laying on them! The luxury underfoot is matched by the luxury of the look, the high pile making the carpet look expensive and elegant.

Style Over Time

You may think high pile carpets would get more indented than low pile carpet over time due to heavy furniture, but the opposite is actually true. The higher pile helps prevent indents from forming, and when there is an indent it’s easier fix. This means your carpet will stay looking stylish and new for longer, even if you rearrange furniture.

The Cons of High Pile Carpets, and How to Fix Them

While high pile carpets are great, they are not perfect – nothing is! There are some disadvantages that come with having a high pile carpet, but there’s also ways to help remedy these problems so no all is lost.

Allergens

High pile carpet can sometimes trigger allergies, as the longer fibres of the carpet can trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen more easily than low pile carpet.

The Fix:

Regular cleaning will help remove allergens before they can bury themselves too deeply in the
pile, and periodic deep cleanings will also be necessary to keep everything fresh and allergen

free

Dirt

Just like how it traps allergens, the fibres in high pile carpets will also more easily trap dirt and dust. Over time, this can damage the carpet as dirt particles can degrade the fibres.

The Fix:

The fix is the same as if you’re worried about allergens – regular cleaning!

Tripping Hazard

If you regularly have people in your home with mobility issues, whether this be elderly people who struggle to pick up their feet with each step or people with disabilities who require mobility aids, high pile carpet may become a tripping hazard. You also want to be aware that high pile carpet can be difficult for people with wheelchairs to navigate through, as it makes moving and turning more difficult.

The Fix

Putting some accommodations in your home to assist people with mobility issues can help ease

Any difficulties that arise due to having a high pile carpet – this can include having non-slip mats

for when loved ones visit, and ensuring walkways are clear of any furniture or other tripping

hazard.

Carpet Call, the Experts in the Trade

We’re so excited for you as you continue your journey of making your home your haven – as the experts in the trade, we will happily assist you with all things carpet, hard flooring, rugs, and more. As you look around for your dream high pile carpet, make sure to browse our full range online and visit us instore to have a closer look at our samples. Want more home build, renovation, and style advice? Read our blog.