Carpet Manufacturers: FAQs and Reviews | FlooringStores

Carpet manufacturers, carpet brands—is there a difference? And if so: what is it?

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Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about!

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about carpet manufacturers, including where they’re located, what kind of production practices they use, as well as a quick breakdown of some of the best carpet brands you can buy from. 

Let’s get right to it!

Are Carpet Manufacturers the Same as Carpet Brands?

Yes—and no. 

Some carpet manufacturers sell products under the same brand name (i.e. Mohawk produces and sells Mohawk carpet).

However, the opposite doesn’t hold up. Plenty of carpet brands only do the selling part; as in, a separate company actually manufactures the carpet. We won’t get into all the reasons for this (because it gets super complicated) but it essentially comes down to money and/or production capacity.

How Many Carpet Manufacturers Are There?

A few decades ago, there were well over 100 different carpet manufacturers in the United States alone. Today, there are only a couple dozen. 

So…what happened?

There Used to Be Over a Hundred Carpet Manufacturers in the US Alone…

Some of the best flooring companies (or the biggest, at least) began buying up smaller companies in the second half of the s. Over time, the number of flooring companies—including carpet manufacturers—plummeted, with only about 20 of the most successful companies left by the early s. 

…But Customers Now Have More Carpet Options Than Ever Before

Despite the relatively small number of carpet manufacturers left, consumers have arguably never had more options when it comes to different flooring styles. 

Modern production practices, increased resources, and larger consumer bases have encouraged carpet manufacturers and brands to widen their catalogs.

Ironically, many of these products are made by only a handful of companies. We’ll go over specific examples later, but if you were to pick 10 carpet brands at random, there’s a good chance that only 3 or 4 companies actually made those products—regardless of the name on the label.

What Carpet Is Made in the USA?

Many of the best carpet brands still make their products in the United States; however, it’s pretty common for companies to outsource production to other areas of the world. 

As for a specific list, it’s hard to say, though. 

Big brands like Mohawk produce some of their carpets in the United States, while other lines might be made in China or elsewhere. These manufacturing practices tend to change with the wind, so keeping an updated list is pretty difficult.

That said, if buying American (or otherwise) is important to you, carpet sellers are required to tell you where a particular product was made.

Where Is Most Carpet Made in the USA?

Georgia is—and always has been—the carpet capital of the United States. However, North and South Carolina are home to many carpet manufacturers too.

Who Is the Largest Carpet Manufacturer?

Mohawk and Shaw are collectively responsible for around 3/4 of all carpet production in the United States, but not every product that leaves their factories carries a Mohawk or Shaw label. 

These 2 carpet manufacturers are among the biggest flooring companies in the world, with their names attached to pretty much every type of flooring there is. You’ll find their names among the best engineered wood flooring brands, the best vinyl plank flooring brands, the best laminate brands, and so on. 

Mohawk 

Mohawk produces its own carpet but also lends its production capabilities to smaller brands. 

On the whole, Mohawk products are similarly well-reviewed, though it’s fair to say that their SmartStrand carpet line may be their most popular carpet. 

SmartStrand is made of DuPont’s hybrid-polyester fabric, triexta, which substitutes a significant amount of petroleum (the main ingredient in most synthetic carpets) with a corn byproduct. 

Triexta carpet is eco-friendlier than other synthetic carpets but performs better than everything except the most resilient nylon products—and Mohawk is the only carpet manufacturer to make it. Mohawk also sells triexta under several different brand names, like Karastan and Lees carpet.

Shaw

Shaw has many lines of in-house carpet, like Caress and PetPerfect. The company also produces flooring for many other brands like Tigressa carpet and Anderson Tuftex. 

Their products are generally well-reviewed and durable, if a little pricey. 

In recent years, Shaw has put a lot of effort into using more sustainable production practices with an increased emphasis on floors that contain fewer harmful emissions.

Do Any Carpet Manufacturers Make Low-VOC or Eco-Friendly Carpet?

Yes! In fact, most carpet manufacturers are making carpets that are friendly to both the environment and our bodies. 

However, there’s a bit of a balancing act here because zero- or low-VOC flooring typically has to be made from virgin plastics. 

This isn’t an either-or situation, though; there are exceptions!

Low-VOC Carpet 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde are commonly found in flooring and many other products. Over time, these chemicals get into the air, potentially causing illness in sensitive groups.

As more research on the harmful effects of VOCs comes out, carpet manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on producing zero- and low-VOC carpeting. 

If you choose not to buy low-VOC flooring, we recommend airing your home out for the first few days after installing normal-VOC floors since this is when the chemicals are most prevalent.

Eco-Friendly Carpet

Sustainability is becoming an ever-important factor in the production of most goods and services. As such, many carpet manufacturers make some sort of eco-friendly flooring.

This can take several forms:

• Natural-fiber carpets made of materials like wool or cotton can be sustainably grown or harvested. They’re also biodegradable and typically contain few, if any VOCs.
• Synthetic carpets made from recycled materials limit what’s sent to landfills, as well as limiting the fossil fuel used to make new plastic. The downside is that these products are harder to make low in VOCs.
• Sustainable production practices (independent of the product itself) like using renewable fuel or power sources, sourcing materials from proper channels, and so on can also limit environmental concerns.

Who Are the Best Commercial Carpet Manufacturers?

If you’re looking for carpet for a commercial space, it makes a lot more sense to buy it from a commercial dealer. Here’s why:

First, What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Carpet Manufacturers?

This isn’t a trick question! There’s more to it than commercial carpet manufacturers sell to offices, and residential carpet manufacturers sell to homes. 

Commercial carpet companies tend to focus on creating low-to-mid cost, high-traffic products that last for decades with normal upkeep. Residential carpet makers, however, produce a much wider array of designs, colors, and styles that fit many different roles (e.g. comfort, durability, pet-proof, etc.). 

Interface

Interface predominantly makes peel-and-stick carpet tiles for offices and like locations. Sustainable production is a big attribute of Interface’s business, and all their products are certified to be carbon neutral throughout their lifecycle. Very few companies, regardless of the industry, can say that right now.

ShawContract

ShawContract is just one of Shaw’s commercial flooring brands, along with Patcraft and Philadelphia Commercial, but it offers the widest selection of flooring types. 

In terms of carpet, they sell traditional broadloom options as well as carpet tiles.

What Other Carpet Brands Are There?

We’ve already established who the biggest carpet manufacturers are, but what about the other big names in carpet? 

Proximity Mills

The versatility of Proximity Mills carpet is probably best illustrated by the fact that it’s among the best carpet for bedrooms and best carpet for stairs. 

For more information, please visit China Carpet Manufacturer.

Explore more:
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What’s the point here? Bedroom carpet is generally built around comfort while stair carpet needs to be super durable: Proximity Mills does both.

Doma

Doma sets itself apart from much of the rest of the flooring world with uber-trendy and fashion-inspired designs options. 

They only sell wool and wool blend carpets, so they’re a little pricier than your average synthetic carpet—but they’re surprisingly reasonable for wool. That said, “price” is the only thing that’s average about Doma flooring products. 

Paradiso

Very few carpet manufacturers make products by hand, but a sizable chunk of Paradiso’s luxury catalog does just that. This brand’s hand-woven carpets are as luxurious as they are gorgeous. 

Paradiso flooring taps into the entry-level luxury market with premium, timeless styles that are sure to wow throughout their lifespan, which is considerable. Their products are not cheap, but they’re not unreasonable either. What they are is exceptional.

Newton

Newton prides itself on selling carpet that performs way better than its direct competition in the budget flooring world. 

Their high-end polyester and nylon products are designed to last despite surprisingly reasonable prices. Our Newton flooring reviews note that few other brands offer such a good value-per-performance ratio.

Bonus: Newton’s solution-dyed polyester carpet is among the best carpet for pets because it’s durable, nearly stain proof, and highly resistant to moisture.

What Do Carpet Manufacturers Say About Carpet Care?

As it turns out, carpet manufacturers say very little about carpet care! However, there are a few things to remember.

It Starts With Selecting the Right Carpet Fibers

Different types of carpet have different maintenance requirements. 

For example, when comparing cut pile vs. loop pile carpet, it’s important to remember that loop carpets are designed for durability and easy maintenance while cut carpets tend to be more comfortable.

Carpet fiber matters too. Natural fiber carpets can be harder to care for because their fibers are less stable. Wool is a hardy material, but it will essentially fall apart if it’s not taken care of for an extended period of time. 

Synthetic-fiber carpets like nylon and polyester are way easier to maintain because they’re super resilient against most sources of trouble (e.g. moisture, general wear and tear, etc.).

Otherwise, Carpet Maintenance Is Easy

Outside of the occasional spill, regular carpet maintenance is super easy. Dirt and grime are easily defeated by regular vacuuming, and spot cleaning rarely requires anything more than some paper towels and a carpet cleaner. 

Professional Carpet Cleanings Can Be Necessary, Though

Eagle-eyed readers will notice that we said “regular” carpet maintenance in the section above, and that’s for good reason. Most carpet manufacturers suggest getting carpet—regardless of the carpet fiber, pile, brand, or style—professionally cleaned every so often. 

A lot of factors can influence the frequency of professional cleanings, though. For example, if we’re talking about bedroom flooring that sees limited foot traffic, professional cleanings aren’t going to be a monthly occurrence. Otherwise, carpet fabric, whether you have pets or kids, your environment (deserts have more dust, for example), and so on are all factors.

Conclusion: Does It Matter if the Carpet Manufacturer and Brand Are the Same? Not Really! 

While it’s true that many of the best carpet brands make their products in-house, there are many more brands that sell fantastic products made by different carpet manufacturers. If a carpet offers fantastic value and performance, what difference does it make if another company built the product? Hardly any! 

No, the real issue comes from where you buy the carpet. 

Local flooring stores offer a much better selection of high-quality carpet products than your run-of-the-mill big box stores like Home Depot. Sure, the latter might offer some decent products but you’ll find better deals, better advice, and better flooring from an actual flooring store.

Nevertheless, we hope this quick guide on carpet manufacturers helps! And if you’re still exploring flooring ideas, check out the articles below!

When I’m asked at the time of purchase, 'Which carpet is better? Machine-made or hand-woven? Turkish or Persian?' I often think of Paula, one of our customers, who was torn between choosing Indian and Persian carpets. After showing her detailed pictures and discussing various factors, she finally chose a hand-woven red carpet. Now, her warm and kind family has an authentic piece that will remain valuable for years to come. Although she had a specific budget, her preferences and tastes were the best guides in her decision. This is a common question for many buyers searching for the perfect living room rugs for their families. Which type of carpet is best? How do I choose carpeting? What carpet is most durable? How can I identify a high-quality carpet? What are the most popular carpet choices? What is the ultimate luxury carpet? Can carpets be cleaned?

A home without flooring feels incomplete, but a home adorned with the right carpet can truly transform a space. I recently had a surprising encounter in a clothing store. A stunning Persian rug caught my eye and instantly elevated the entire shop's ambiance. That's when I realized the profound impact a carpet can have on a space.

Which type of rug is best for the bedroom, living room, or high-traffic family room? To choose the perfect carpet for your living room, children's room, office, bedroom, high-traffic areas, or even as a gift for friends and loved ones, three key filters can guide you to the right choice. We've simplified these filters into three steps to help you find the best flooring.

First, decide between hand-woven and machine-made carpets. Second, among the world's hand-woven carpets, which one stands out as the best? Finally, how do you choose the right handmade carpet for you?

In this easy-to-understand yet detailed article, join us as we explore the best carpet brands based on customer experiences and feedback!

First Step: Which is Better Hand-Made or Machine-Made Rug?

Your home's decor and layout should guide your choice between a machine-made or hand-woven carpet. I often reassure buyers of machine-made carpets about their easy maintenance due to durable polyester fibers that can withstand multiple washes. However, this comparison is misleading.
Luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton produce high-quality, handcrafted items. Unfortunately, the market is flooded with counterfeit products bearing these famous logos.
Let's compare the advantages of each type of rug, machine-made or hand-woven rug.

Feature

Machine-made Carpets

Hand-woven Carpets

Durability and color fastnessDependent on qualityDependent on quality; can last decadesPileCan cause allergies due to synthetic fibersLess pile, generally hypoallergenicAbrasion resistanceDependent on quality and brandDependent on quality and brandStain resistanceSimilar susceptibility to stainsSimilar susceptibility to stainsMoisture resistanceMore resistantLess resistantSunlight resistanceSusceptible to damageSusceptible to damageAesthetic appealMass-produced designsUnique, often handcrafted designsFashionabilityTrends quicklyTimeless appealDesign and color varietyWide rangeWide range, with potential for customizationDimensions and sizesVarious options availableVarious options availableCleaning and maintenanceEasier to clean and maintainRequires specific careCostGenerally more affordableWide price range, from affordable to luxuryValue over timeDecreases in valueCan increase in value, especially for high-quality piecesMaterialsSynthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic...)Natural fibers (wool, silk...)Production processMachine-woven in a short timeHand-woven, time-consuming processHealth considerationsPotential for allergiesGenerally hypoallergenic

Second Step: Finding the Perfect Handwoven Carpet: Which Type of Carpet is Best?

If, like us, you find yourself drawn to the charm of hand-woven art over machine-made alternatives, and you want your home to reflect a piece of your soul, untouched by the industrial world, then a hand-woven carpet is your perfect choice. But with so many options, how can you be sure that the handmade carpet you choose is the best?

Let’s simplify the decision with a few key factors.

First, it’s important to know that the best hand-woven carpets in the world are Persian carpets. The land of Iran, historically known as Persia, has inspired carpet weaving across many nations—from India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to Türkiye and Morocco. But which ones truly stand out? How can you verify authenticity and explore the full range of options?

Let’s delve into the top six countries producing handmade carpets, briefly exploring the history and unique characteristics of each:

1. Iran: The Pinnacle of Handmade Carpets

• Famous Cities: Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Nayin, Qom
• Features:
  • Intricate, unique, and varied designs with motifs of flowers, bushes, animals, and geometric shapes.
  • Use of high-quality wool and silk, combined with stable and attractive natural colors.
• History: Carpet weaving in Iran dates back to the 5th century BC, with organized production beginning in the 16th century. The art of Persian carpets has since inspired many other nations.
• Advantages:
  • Superior quality, long-lasting for generations, and world-renowned.
  • Original and diverse designs, natural dyeing, and a price range from affordable to luxury.
  • Excellent investment value.
• Disadvantages:
  • Requires special care and maintenance, sensitive washing, and comes with a high price in some brands.
  • Complex authenticity verification and a time-consuming weaving process.

2. Türkiye: A Relic of the Ottoman Era

• Famous Cities: Caesarea, Oshak, Harike, Sparta, Girne
• Features:
  • Geometric and floral designs in vivid, contrasting colors, using wool and cotton.
• History: Carpet production in Türkiye began in the 13th century, deeply influenced by Iranian and Ottoman cultures.
• Advantages:
  • Attractive designs, more affordable than Persian carpets, and high durability.
  • Suitable for everyday use, with a faster weaving process.
• Disadvantages:
  • Variable quality, limited designs, and the use of chemical dyes in some cases.
  • Less valuable as an investment, and faster depreciation.

3. India: A Fusion of Cultures

• Famous Cities: Kashmir, Agra, Jaipur, Mirzapur, Varanasi
• Features:
  • Designs inspired by Persian and Turkish carpets, with a mix of natural and chemical colors.
  • Use of wool, cotton, and silk.
• History: Carpet weaving in India began in the 16th century with Mongol support, influenced by Persian, Mongolian, and English cultures. Indian carpets are globally popular for their affordability.
• Advantages:
  • Reasonable prices, diverse designs, and suitable for various decor styles.
  • Skilled craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.
• Disadvantages:
  • Variable quality, lower durability than Persian carpets, and the possibility of staining.
  • Requires more care, and value may decrease over time.

4. Afghanistan: Tradition Woven into Every Thread

• Famous Cities: Herat, Kabul, Balkh, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif
• Features:
  • Traditional and nomadic designs with natural colors, using high-quality local wool.
• History: Afghan carpet weaving began in the 17th century, influenced by Persian and Turkish arts.
• Advantages:
  • Authentic traditional designs, high durability, and the use of natural colors.
  • Reasonably priced with good wool quality.
• Disadvantages:
  • Limited design options, a lengthy weaving process, and restricted access to global markets.
  • Variable quality and the need for special care.

5. Pakistan: A Craft Honed Over Centuries

• Famous Cities: Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Multan, Faisalabad
• Features:
  • Traditional designs inspired by Persian and Turkish carpets, using wool and cotton.
• History: Carpet weaving in Pakistan began in the 18th century, heavily influenced by Iranian and Afghan cultures. Pakistani carpets are well-known for their reasonable prices and acceptable quality.
• Advantages:
  • Affordable, attractive designs, and diverse in size and style.
  • Faster production process.
• Disadvantages:
  • Lower quality compared to Iranian and Turkish carpets, limited design options, and the need for special care.
  • Often considered a less durable copy of Persian and Turkish designs.

6. China: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

• Famous Cities: Beijing, Tianjin, Ningxia, Gansu, Shanxi
• Features:
  • Traditional Chinese designs are inspired by rich cultural and artistic heritage, using wool, cotton, and silk.
• History: Carpet weaving in China started in the 19th century and quickly became a significant craft.
• Advantages:
  • Unique designs, reasonable prices, and high durability.
  • Suitable for modern decor and the use of quality materials.
• Disadvantages:
  • Variable quality, limited design options, and the use of chemical dyes.
  • Lack of originality in some designs, with some stages of production machine-assisted.

Notice: As mentioned in the New York Times article, it's often advisable to purchase branded carpets from their country of origin to ensure authenticity, quality, and potential access to unique designs or materials. Read more.

Third Step: Making the Right Choice: Selecting Your Ideal Persian Carpet

In the third step, we're here to simplify everything! We first considered whether a machine-made or hand-woven carpet is better. In the second step, we explored the best carpets in the world. Now, it's time to choose the right option.

When selecting a Persian carpet for your home, you might feel overwhelmed by the variety in design, quality, and size. Whether you are decorating a modern or traditional space, you can rely on expert guidance to help you choose the best option. We offer free advice on selecting and shipping handmade Persian carpets from Iran, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your home.

Persian carpets come with a broad range of prices and are a solid investment due to their durability and enduring appeal. They are a benchmark for other handwoven carpets globally, admired for their designs, patterns, and craftsmanship. The key questions to consider are how to select the best Persian carpet, where to buy it from Iran, and which carpet will be a worthwhile investment for you.

But the main questions remain: How do you choose the best Persian carpet? Which Persian rug stands out? How can you buy a Persian carpet directly from Iran? How do you know which Persian carpet is worth investing in? And where can you find a Persian rug that meets your needs?

Choosing the Perfect Persian Handwoven Carpet

Selecting a handwoven carpet, especially a genuine Persian one, can be both a delightful and challenging experience. With so many designs, colors, sizes, and prices to choose from, finding the right carpet requires understanding the unique qualities each type offers. This guide is here to help you navigate your options in a simple, friendly way—it's easier than you might think!

Key Factors in Choosing an Iranian Handwoven Carpet

1. What’s Your Budget?

• Luxury Carpets: If you have a higher budget, consider handwoven carpets from Qom, Isfahan, and Nain. These carpets are known for their delicate designs and high knot density. For example, Qom silk carpets with Shah Abbasi patterns or Nain carpets with soft colors and geometric designs are excellent choices.
• Economical Carpets: If you’re looking for something more affordable, urban handwoven carpets like those from Nain, Ardakan, Yazd, and Kashan are good options. Rural or nomadic carpets with simpler designs, such as small fish (Herati), mihrabi, or orange patterns, also offer great value.

2. Do You Have a Specific Weight and Density in Mind?

• Heavy Carpets: Carpets with high knot density, such as those from Kashan and Tabriz, are usually heavier and more durable.
• Light Carpets: Silk carpets or those with fewer knots per square inch tend to be lighter, making them more suitable for smaller spaces.

3. What Design and Color Do You Want?

• Traditional Designs: If you love classic designs, look for motifs like Slimi, Boteh, Lakh, and Teranj, or floral and animal patterns. Isfahan, Kashan, and Nain are renowned for their variety of traditional designs.
• Modern Designs:  For a contemporary look, consider geometric patterns in bright, vibrant colors. Nain and Arak carpets often feature beautiful geometric designs.
• Color: Choose a carpet color that complements your home’s interior. Light colors and simple designs are ideal for small spaces, while darker colors and busier patterns work well in larger rooms.

Notice: Certain Persian carpet brands can feature a wide range of designs. For instance, Isfahan and Nain carpets may include tree patterns, floral and bush motifs, as well as geometric designs.

4. Is Size and Fit Important?

• Carpet Size: The size of your carpet should match the room. Large carpets suit big spaces, while smaller rugs are perfect for cozier areas. For example, Nain carpets come in a wide range of sizes—from 40 cm to nearly 100 square meters!
• Compatibility with Furniture: Your carpet should harmonize with your furniture and other décor. The timeless appeal of Persian carpets means they rarely go out of style.

Notice: Some carpet brands offer a variety of sizes, including specific shapes such as circles, ovals, or octagons.

5. Where Do You Live?

• Humid Areas: In wetter climates, carpets with short piles and high knot density are ideal since they absorb less moisture.
• Cold Areas: In colder regions, wool carpets with high density are perfect for insulation and warmth.

Notice: Persian carpets are typically suitable for all climates and are known for their lasting quality.

6. Are You Looking to Invest?

• Investment Carpets: Persian handwoven carpets are a smart investment. Carpets with original designs and high knot density retain their value over time.
• Everyday Use Carpets: For daily use, opt for carpets that offer good quality at a reasonable price.

Notice: Nearly all Persian carpets appreciate in value over time.

7. Your Personal Taste Matters!

Ultimately, the most important factor is your personal preference. Choose a carpet that resonates with you and makes you feel comfortable in your space.

Notice: The vast variety of handwoven Persian carpets caters to all tastes. Simply share your preferred design and color with an expert guide, and they will help you find the perfect carpet.

Comparing Popular Iranian Carpet Designs and Brands

• Busy Designs: Tabriz, Kerman, and some nomadic carpets are known for their intricate and detailed patterns.
• Simple Designs: Nain, Kashan, and Ardakan carpets often feature simpler, more subdued designs.
• Geometric Designs: Nain, Kashan, and Arak are famous for their geometric patterns.
• Floral and Bird Designs: Isfahan and Qom carpets are celebrated for their beautiful floral and bird motifs.
• Slimi Designs: Tabriz and Isfahan carpets often include complex Slimi designs.

Top 10 Persian Carpet Brands

1. Isfahan Carpets: World-renowned for floral, bird, Boteh, and Shah Abbasi patterns. These carpets are known for their vibrant colors and high knot density.
2. Nain Carpets: Famous for geometric designs, soft colors, and fine rug textures. Nain carpets are highly valued for their elegance and beauty.
3. Kashan Carpets: Known for their wide variety of designs and colors, high knot density, and superior quality.
4. Qom Carpets: Globally recognized for silk floral carpets with delicate and classic designs.
5. Tabriz Carpets: Characterized by intricate designs, natural colors, and high knot density.
6. Kerman Carpets: Renowned for their simple designs and natural colors.
7. Ardakan Carpets: Noted for geometric designs and neutral colors.
8. Yazd Carpets: Typically feature simple, monochromatic designs, ideal for modern spaces.
9. Mashhad Carpets: Known for hunting scenes and floral motifs.
10. Sarouk Carpets: Famous for their geometric designs and vibrant colors.

Last Line:

Handwoven carpets come in many varieties, but Persian carpets have always stood out for their timeless beauty and durability. They effortlessly elevate your decor, adding warmth and character, and making every viewer and guest admire your home. The best part of my job as a carpet lover and seller is receiving that first reaction from customers. When, after a journey of several days, their carpet arrives from the heart of Iran and becomes part of their home decor, and they send me messages filled with gratitude, happiness, and satisfaction—those moments bring me the greatest joy. I hope you'll be next!

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