Are Velvet Carpets Durable? (How Much Do You Know About Its Durability?)

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Taher Sabahi

I used to think velvet carpets were just for looks- you know for those fancy occasions. Then I inherited a stunning wool/nylon blend velvet carpet from my grandma.

I was super surprised when it held up in my living room, even with all the playful running and tumbling from my kids!

Now I’m curious- what’s this magic trick of these velvet carpets? Are velvet carpets durable?

Well, yes, velvet carpets can be very durable and soft at the same time, especially when you use quality carpets made from wool/nylon blend.

So, they are constructed with a dense pile that protects the carpet from heavy foot traffic. Regular maintenance, proper furniture placement, and quick spill cleaning can enhance their lifespan.

Are Velvet Carpets Durable

Hold on, there’s more!

I’ll also share how you can identify the durability level of a velvet carpet, different types of velvet carpets, and their characteristics!

At a glance: Spoiler alert: Velvet carpets can be durable superheroes but in a silky smooth cape.

Are Velvet Carpets Durable?

Yes, velvet carpets are very durable. These provide you with more durability and softness underfoot.

Velvet carpet is a type of luxurious carpet that can enhance the elegance of any room.

Durability and Softness Underfoot

There’s a rumor that velvet carpets need constant pampering. But the truth is, velvet carpet can be a surprisingly resilient fabric.

How Durable Velvet Carpet Is?

Your velvet carpets can be durable for up to 10-12 years or more(with proper care). The secret lies in their unique construction. 

Velvet pile carpet is made from dense, short piles (pile height ranges from 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches) that are uniformed together. Its dense pile construction creates a natural barrier against your everyday traffic.

Velvet carpet pile height ranges from 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches

This dense structure helps velvet carpets achieve higher durability ratings than you might expect.

Key Carpet shared that most carpets get rated for durability.

“To understand carpet durability ratings better, The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has a standardized test. Carpets face around 20,000 times foot traffic and are then evaluated. The rating of 0 means that it’s completely worn out. Rating 5 signifies brand new.” 

And guess what? Velvet carpets often score highly on these tests.

How To Identify The Durability Of A Velvet Carpet?

If you want to tell carpet material durability or velvet, there are 4 things to consider-

1. Dense pile

2. Tighter twists

3. Backing

4. Traffic consideration

How To Identify The Durability Of A Velvet Carpet

Dense Pile For Strong Defense

A denser pile acts like a built-in bodyguard for the carpet. It creates a barrier that protects the individual fibers from getting crushed or matted down underfoot. A velvet carpet pile level is from .2 to .39 inches. The denser the pile, the more durable and luxurious your velvet experience will be!

A denser pile acts like a built-in bodyguard for the carpet

Tighter Twists For Better Performance

The twist per inch (TPI)  for most velvet carpets ranges from 3 to 6 TPI ( for most carpets, the ideal range is 3 to 9 TPI).

Velvet Carpet Twist Per Inch (TPI) Guide

Twisting a single strand of yarn vs a tightly bundled group- the bundled group is stronger, right? The same principle applies to velvet pile density.

Just like quality carpet types in general, the tighter and denser the tufts in a velvet pile are, the better it performs.

Backing Up The Beauty

The type of backing can affect how well the carpet stays in place and resists tears. A good quality anti-slip or latex backing will be more durable than a glued backing.

Traffic Consideration

Traffic volume is a key factor in velvet carpet durability. For high-traffic areas, I recommend prioritizing practicality over plushness. Velvet carpet shines in low-traffic areas where it can maintain its luxurious look for longer.

Different Type Of Velvet Carpets With Their Durability

Velvet Carpets can be made from a wide range of different carpet material types.

From virgin wool to synthetic materials, there are plenty. Don’t be fooled by the word ‘velvet’-it refers to the weaving style, not the material itself.

Are velvet carpets durable? Sure! But not all velvet carpet types are created equal. There are many types of velvet carpets-

1. Wool velvet carpet

2. Wool/ nylon blend velvet carpet

3. Synthetic velvet carpet

Different Type Of Velvet Carpets With Their Durability

Here’s a breakdown to help you match your perfect carpet material-

Wool Velvet Carpet

With proper care, wool velvet carpets can last 7 to 10 years. Also, wool carpets naturally resist stains. But, they aren’t the best choice for muddy paw prints or spilled drinks. These are made with the fine grade wool from sheep. It is suitable for low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms.

Wool velvet carpet durability

It’s like red carpet royalty of floor coverings. Nothing beats the feeling of sinking your toes into with these carpets. 

Wool/Nylon Blend Velvet Carpet

Wool/nylon blend velvet carpets last between 8 to 15 years. I recently learned something interesting about carpets that I wanted to share. You can ask a carpet expert, ‘What type of carpet is the most durable?’

They probably say nylon. Synthetic fiber of this carpet is incredible for resisting stains, wear and tear. 

Wool Nylon Blend Velvet Carpet durability

It happens when you combine these two materials. 80% of wool and 20% of nylon is a perfect combination. It provides you better performance and longevity of velvet carpets.

You can use it in high-traffic areas. But, keep in mind that velvet carpet is not suitable for stairs due to slippery accidents.

Synthetic Velvet Carpet

Synthetic velvets represent a modern take on a classic style.  Synthetic velvet carpet can last 8 to 12 years. 

Its a budget-friendly option for achieving the luxurious look and feel of velvet carpets without compromising durability. Also, these are easy tomaintenance.

Synthetic Velvet Carpet durability

“Synthetic velvet or modern velvet is made from synthetic fibers like polyamide, polyester, or Tencel which increase the carpet’s durability,” says Tapi.

You can use synthetic velvet carpet for living room.

At A Glance: Durability chart for types of velvet carpet 

Types Of Velvet CarpetDurability LevelApproximated Lifespan
Wool Velvet CarpetHigh7-10 years, or more with intense care
Wool/Nylon Blend Velvet CarpetMost Durable10-15 years
Synthetic Velvet CarpetModerate8-12 years

Feedback

I prefer wool/nylon blend velvet carpet. It’s the most durable option and still offers a plush feel.

So, which type of velvet carpet do you prefer for your home? Put your vote in comment-

  1. Wool velvet carpet
  2. Wool/nylon Blend Velvet Carpet
  3. Synthetic Velvet

How Can Durability Be Increased In Velvet Carpets?

Velvet carpets are the popular carpet fiber type for plushness. Can they handle the daily hustle and bustle of your home?

The answer is yes, with a few tricks!

There are 4 effective ways to boost the durability of your velvet beauties-

1. Regular vacuuming 

2. Quick spill response

3. Furniture placement

4. Professional cleaning

How Can Durability Be Increased In Velvet Carpets

Regularly vacuum with a soft nozzle or bristle to prevent dirt build-up and avoid vacuum marks. Blot up spills immediately and avoid harsh chemicals. Heavy furniture may be harmful to these carpets. They can leave permanent indentations on velvet.

So, always use lighter furniture or coasters for protection. Also, you can schedule professional cleanings every 12-18 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Type Of Carpet Is Velvet?

Velvet carpet is a luxurious, soft, and smooth type of carpet. These are often made from densely woven fibers.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Velvet Carpet?

Velvet carpet has lifespan generally 10-12 years. Regular care, like vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning, can stay beautiful and plush for a long time.

Do Velvet Carpets Show Footprints?

Yes, velvet carpets can show footprints more easily than some other types. This is due to the smooth, dense pile. Regular vacuuming helps minimize these marks and keeps your velvet carpet looking its best.

Do Velvet Carpets Flatten?

Yes. All carpets flatten over time. Velvet carpets also flatten over time in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture. Choosing high-quality options and using furniture coasters can minimize this issue.

In Short Summary

It’s clear now, are velvet carpets durable or not.

Velvet carpet gives your room a luxurious feel. Regular cleaning and careful maintenance are key to keeping these carpets looking good.

If you’re ready to put in a little extra effort, velvet carpets are a perfect choice for your home. 

About the author

Writen By

Taher Sabahi

Taher Sabahi is a certified flooring consultant with over 15 years of industry experience. He holds a master’s degree in Interior Design from the New York School of Interior Design. The Taher Sabahi has a deep passion for helping clients find the perfect floor coverings for their spaces.

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