Pre Carpet
Rugs have always been popular; even ancient history shows signs of people wanting more comfortable flooring. In our very early days, animal hides and furs were used as ground coverings. As far back as 6000 B.C., there was also evidence of goats and sheep being sheared to make wool that would be woven into rugs to cover the floor. Over time, rugs would evolve and become incredibly elaborate through the process of weaving and knotting, an art that has spread across the planet.
The Early Days of the Carpet Industry
While rugs have been created and used for centuries, carpet as we know it is relatively new. Back in the day, the words “carpet” and “rug” were used interchangeably. Today, we know carpet as a textile flooring with cushioned backing that is attached to the floor, while a rug is a loose textile that can be moved freely to any room in your house.
The Industrial Revolution played a big role in developing the carpet industry. In 1839, Erastus Bigelow invented the power loom which significantly improved the carpet manufacturing process. In the 1930s, the mechanized tufting machine was invented in Dalton, Georgia. This led to larger rugs being created that would fill a room. Around this time, manufacturers began using synthetic materials which were then used to create fluffy, carpet-filled homes.
Today
Today, the US carpet industry provides about 45% of the world’s carpet production. Carpets now come in a large variety of shapes, colors, and patterns. You’ll typically find carpets made from different combinations of natural and synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, or polyester.
To this day, carpet still dominates the flooring industry. If you’re looking for a carpet update in your home, come into FloorQuest. We have hundreds of options to choose from so you can create the perfect look and feel for your home.
