Almost all rugs or Cut-Pile rugs (plush or Saxony) will show footprints and void tracks. It is the inherent nature of this type of carpet. This style of rug has fiber bundles that almost stand upright, and you basically walk on top of the twisted bundles. Cut-Pile rugs in solid colors will tend to show more than multi-color, but they will all show up to some degree. I am always aware of this when consulting with a client, and I usually ask if fingerprints and fingerprints bother him. If so, I will show you another style of rug or rug.
Textured styles are a bit better as each fiber bundle has a kink in the pile that makes it less likely to show, but even this style will still show some markings, mostly in solid colors. If you absolutely hate vacuum marks, choose a different style of rug. Available in solid colors and some multi-color.
Cut-Berber, or Frieze, a modern (and shorter) cousin of Shag, is a great option due to the fact that the fiber bundles are tilted to one side. When walking along the sides of the fiber bundles rather than the top of the bundles, the bundles will barely show empty and traffic markings. If they start to flatten out in traffic areas, a regular vacuum will bring the fibers to life. This style of rug is available in solid and multi-colored colors.
The high-low style rug or rug (sculpted or cut) was the most popular style from the 1970s to the 1990s. The construction of these rugs leaves traces or patterns of rolled rug along the cut pile. This style of rug (or rug) usually comes in multiple colors. Although this style of carpet does not usually show void marks or fingerprints, it is no longer in fashion. Therefore, the options are quite limited for this style. In recent years, most of my clients who choose this style will choose it for a rental property.
Berber is a loop-style rug or rug. Since the construction of this style of rug consists of loops in continuous lines, there is very little chance that it will show void marks and fingerprints. Loop-style rugs and rugs are generally preferred in high-traffic areas, and no matter what fiber they are made of, they will generally be cleaned very easily. The only fallibility of continuous loops is their tendency to run (like pantyhose) if a loop becomes snagged and a pet or vacuum cleaner pulls on it. If your Berber rug gets snagged, be sure to trim it down to the pile or apply some latex adhesive and glue the bow in place. If you buy a rug with low, narrow loops, you will have less trouble with snags.
Although cut pile rugs and rugs will show fingerprints and void tracks, they reflect light in such a way as to give the floor a very luxurious effect. You can recognize a real plush by the matte sheen on the top of the fibers. This luxurious look comes at the cost of empty footprints and trails. The most affordable area rugs are machine-made, cut pile, or plush. You can lessen the appearance of vacuum traces and footprints by choosing a patterned or multi-colored rug. Most of the high-end rugs are made by hand. Hand-woven rugs will show fewer traces than hand-knotted rugs. Since the average person usually buys a machine-made rug, I’ll save the virtues of hand-made rugs for another time.
Choosing your rug by style rather than just color and pattern can ensure that you will minimize the appearance of fingerprints and void marks. However, this small drawback is a small price to pay for the luxury and beauty of a true Saxon rug.
