Home décor has been an area of heightened human interest for a long time. From decorating walls to deciding the size and shape of a house to the design, pattern, and material of carpets used, there have been noticeable trends in each. To be specific, the evolution of carpets has been intriguing. Today, there is a clear distinction between classic and modern carpets, both being available. This article aims to clarify this distinction and how 80s carpets differed from modern ones.
Table of Contents
Difference in texture
There is a significant difference in the texture of these two types of carpets. The 80s carpets were designed to give greater importance to tradition and elegance and used materials and processes that maintained that essence. Although machine-made carpets were slowly getting introduced, handmade ones still dominated. The primary material used in these carpets was wool, and they bore extravagant designs and patterns. They even used tufted fibers.
Modern carpets are focused greater on comfort and durability. The difference here is that housing was not a long-term and costly affair back in the 80s, while today, people aim at long-term housing, and consequently, carpets of choice are durable. They are primarily of cotton and silk and are predominantly machine-made. Modern carpets are much greener due to the rising concern of environmental harm.
Difference in patterns
80s carpets contained patterns classified as ‘old’ or ‘traditional.’ The designs were intricate, had a wide variety, and contained various color combinations. Some of the notable designs were – the Qum design, which had the carpet base divided into boxes, and each box contained intricate design patterns; the Kashan design, which was a traditional Persian design shaped like a drum; the Ardabil design, shaped like a circle in the center of the carpet with tiny motifs.
Modern carpets do not contain any such intricate designs or patterns. They are usually monochromatic or, at most, use two-three colors. They are much more simplistic than 80s carpets while keeping consistent borders. As for design, they mostly use large geometric shapes and border colors to tell them apart, or striped designs, while some don’t even carry a design. Whatever color the carpets are using, they are bright. Due to their lack of design, many feel modern carpets are soulless compared to classic ones.
Difference in style
80s carpets were designed to add a fashion quotient to the owner’s home. They had a style of their own. These carpets were noticeable in themselves due to their glaring patterns. Using these added a sense of warmth and welcome to the house. Besides, earlier, there was a tendency among people to decorate their houses with every material possible. The houses were bigger and more spacious and called for such fancy carpets. As mentioned before, they came in various color combinations.
It is not to mean that modern carpets are duller than ever. These carpets are designed not to add to the house’s fashion quotient but to complement its nature subtly. Today’s homes are increasingly becoming smaller, and such small spaces don’t call for fancy carpets. Modern carpets mostly come monochromatic and in various sizes, and one may use such a carpet whose color and size are suited for a room’s vibe and space, respectively.
Difference in types
80s carpets
The carpets used back in the 1980s were more focused on increasing the house’s elegance and adding to its owner’s social status. These carpets tended to be corner-to-corner ones – covering every inch of the floor and tended to be inspired by some ancient art form.
- Persian carpets were handwoven and made of natural materials. Compared to the other classic carpets, they were costlier and more durable. Their intricate designs didn’t fail to add to the elegance of the room containing them and impress any viewer.
- Turkish carpets used to have more designs than their Persian counterparts, although less elegant than them. They contained materials that made them less costly. Compared to Persian carpets, which had a ‘palace design,’ these had a ‘bohemian-chic’ touch.
- Vintage carpets revealed the carpet’s weave more than the Turkish or Persian alternatives. These carpets comparatively had a lesser complicacy. The color combinations used were less intricate. Nevertheless, they added casual elegance to any space where used.
Modern carpets
With modern carpets, the focus has shifted from design to comfort and durability. People tend to decorate their rooms using the walls and furniture, leaving the rag alone. These carpets are often smaller than the room used in and don’t cover every corner.
- Loop pile carpets are made from loops of yarn put together, creating a tougher base for higher traffic areas – for example, an office room. These carpets are less comfortable than other cut pile carpets but are durable, nevertheless.
- Berber is a variant of the loop pile carpet. These carpets have a distinct neutral look and a reputation for durability. They have a series of looped yarns, typically looped lower and tighter, creating a dense texture that stays together for a long and maintains the ‘new’ look.
- Sisal loop carpets contain textured loop piles arranged in rows to create a striped pattern. The height of these loops differs according to different loops and textures. They aren’t as neutral as Berber, although they can hide stains easily.
- Cut pile carpets are made by looping together yarn and then cutting those loops at their highest point. The yarn loops, therefore, stand upright. Although this gives a more formal look to the carpet, they are much more comfortable than the other types.
- Saxony carpets are made by maintaining each yarn loop at the same level. The yarns are put together densely, giving the carpet a plush and comfortable texture. They give a warm feel to the room, although they shouldn’t be used in rooms with heavy traffic as they show footprints and vacuum marks quickly. They are also called plush pile carpets.
This article provided a brief yet detailed look at how carpets have evolved between the 80s and today. Carpets have long been objects of speculation and innovation, and it only fits one to be aware of their evolution and trend. It might help in future efforts to buy a carpet of choice.