Woven Wonders: Your guide to flatweave carpets

Lusting after a beautiful staircase? Bold stripes, fresh vibrant colours or classic herringbone? You can inject that WOW factor with a flatweave stair runner. 

Flat weaves are types of floor coverings woven on a loom rather than knotted like traditional pile rugs. They are characterised by their flat, thin profile and tight weave, resulting in a smooth surface without a pile. They are typically lightweight, durable, and reversible, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, landings and stairways.

Two brands that we love and stock here in our showroom are Roger Oates and Hartley Tissier. Their stair runner collections boast colourful and contemporary designs that look stunning on staircases.

Flatweaves are not like your regular carpets, although they are woven from wool, they do not have a hard backing to them, and are designed to be upholstered rather than fitted. They can bend and be manipulated perfectly up stairs, and round winders on staircases – making them the perfect choice for a staircase and in some cases the landing too.

Flatweaves can also be mitred. This means that should you have a quarter staircase, the material can be hand sewn to suit this, whilst maintaining the continuity of the woven pattern. Mitres allow flatweave runners to change direction on stairs and landings where a turn is required. Some of the Roger Oates striped designs look beautiful when mitred.

It takes a very skilful fitter to ‘upholster’ the flatweave, someone that has been specifically trained to work with these materials. As part of our excellent team of fitters, we have 3 accredited Roger Oates fitters, that have been expertly trained to fit these luxury flat weaves to perfection, ensuring that the pattern is manipulated to continue seamlessly and give that perfect clean finish.

Why choose a flat weave?

Flat weave rugs and runners are popular choices for their versatility, affordability, and easy maintenance, not to mention the WOW factor, making them suitable for various interior design styles and preferences.

Other than looking stunning and adding a slice of pure luxury, or a flash of colour to your house, flat weaves can offer other benefits too over other carpets.

Durability: Flat weave carpets are often more durable than other types of carpets because they lack a pile that can wear down over time. This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas in homes such as staircases and landings.

Easy to Clean: The flat surface of these carpets makes them easier to clean compared to carpets with a higher pile. Dirt and debris are less likely to get trapped, and they can often be vacuumed or spot-cleaned more effectively.

Low Profile: Their low profile makes them ideal for areas where doors need to open and close over the carpet without catching. This can be particularly advantageous in tight spaces or rooms with low-clearance doors.

Less Prone to Allergens: Since flat weave carpets have a tight construction without a pile, they are less likely to trap allergens such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. This can be beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Suitable for Layering: Flat weave carpets can be easily layered with other rugs or carpets to create visual interest and add warmth to a space without adding excessive bulk.

Environmentally Friendly: Many flat weave carpets are made from natural fibres such as wool, cotton, or jute, which are renewable and biodegradable. Additionally, their construction often requires less energy and resources compared to other types of carpets. Roger Oates latest collection boasts 100% traceable British wool, sourced through ‘The Woolkeepers^®’. The Woolkeepers^®  seeks to establish a flourishing ecosystem that benefits all participants in the wool supply chain, from land stewards to fibre caretakers.

Overall, flat weave carpets offer a combination of durability, easy maintenance, versatility, and aesthetic appeal that make them a popular choice for many homeowners and designers.

If you would like to take a look at our full selection we look forward to seeing you in our showroom.  We are open Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm or give us a call on 01223 233233 to get your FREE measure and quote booked in through our website.