What do luxury hotels, restaurants and celebrity homes all have in common? Beautiful carpeting. Carpets add sophistication, style and warmth to any room – and many households today still prefer the plush feel of this flooring beneath their feet. If you love rugs or wall-to-wall carpets, then below are a few fascinating facts about this popular type of flooring.
1.The Name Is of Latin Origin
The term “carpet” is a Middle English phrase that refers to a thick, fabric covering. This word likely originated from the Old French “carpite”, or the medieval Latin phrase “carpita”. Both ancient words are based on “carpere”, a Latin term which means to pluck or pull to pieces – this could be because of how carpeting is made from shredded, “plucked” pieces of fabric.
2.Carpeting Has a Long History
Historical evidence suggests primitive carpets from goat hair and sheep’s wool existed about 9 000 years ago. Historians also believe that people in Western Asia likely developed knotted-pile rugs anywhere between 4 000 to 5 000 years ago. The first woven carpet mill only started running in the United States of America around 1791. Over time, the carpeting industry grew enough to become popular across the globe.
3.Carpets are Good for Allergies
Many modern carpets today are created with hypoallergenic materials that trap dust and allergens. These microparticles no longer circulate in the room, which subsequently improves the quality of the air indoors. Of course, this does mean that carpets should be vacuumed regularly and should receive a professional deep cleaning at least every year.
4.The World’s Largest Carpet Comes from Iran
The Iran Carpet Company holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest hand-woven carpet as of 2007. The carpet measures 5 630 m² and was made for the Abu Dhabi mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
5.Clean Carpets Last Longer
By regularly cleaning your carpets with a high-quality vacuum cleaner and annual professional cleaning, you will help your flooring to last longer. Dirt, stains and dust should not be left to accumulate between the fibres of your carpeting, as this will act as a catalyst for damage and decay.
6.Red Carpets Aren’t Just for Hollywood
The term “red carpet” makes one think of glamorous award ceremonies that see celebrities boasting iconic fashions. The concept of a red walkway is much older, however. Agamemnon, an Aeschylus play in ancient Greece, features crimson tapestries rolled out for a royal welcoming. Renaissance paintings of saints, gods and royalty also included luxurious red rugs gracing the floors.
7.The World’s Oldest Carpet is Over 2 000 Years Old
The oldest carpet ever discovered comes from Siberia’s Pazyryk Valley and was found in the Scythian burial mound of a nobleman in 1949. Radiocarbon dating places the rug at around 2 400 to 2 500 years old (5th century B.C.); it was preserved so well due to the ice in the tomb.
Now that you know more about the flooring solution that has taken the world by storm for the last few decades, why not introduce a new carpeting style to your own home? If you would like to find out more, contact us online today or call your nearest branch.
