Ask Ken: When Can Synthetic Carpets Be a Better Choice than Wool?
Ken's Quick Answer:
"Wool is a wonderful fiber in many, many ways. But if you want the most luxurious and softest carpet, look for nylon. The same goes for pure white carpets.”
Ken's In-Depth Answer:
The whitest carpets and the softest carpets are actually not wool. The only way to get a really pure white carpet is to choose synthetic. In the video above, I show off a carpet sample from Couristan called ‘Heavenly.’ It’s not a grayish-white or a warm white, but white as the driven snow.
The other thing about Heavenly is that it is truly heavenly. This is one of a handful of the softest carpets in our showroom. Soft nylon is the softest feeling you can get underfoot. It’s perfect for a bedroom.
”The whitest carpet and the softest carpet is actually not wool. You may be surprised to hear it, but the only way to get a really pure white carpet is to choose synthetic.”
See More Flooring FAQs
Wool is a wonderful fiber in many, many ways. We have another video detailing ‘Why Wool’ if you’re interested. My point is simply that if you want a luxurious, soft carpet, look for nylon. The same goes for pure white carpets.
If you have any questions about soft or white carpets, don't hesitate to give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom."

About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.