A carpet or rug is a textile floor covering typically consisting of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. The pile was traditionally made from wool, but since the 20th century, synthetic fibres such as polypropylene, nylon, and polyester have often been used as a cheaper alternative. The pile usually consists of twisted tufts that are typically heat-treated to maintain their structure. The terms carpet and rug can be interchangeable, though they have different definitions; rugs are generally loose-laid and of a smaller size, while carpets are cut to fit a room and fixed in place.
Carpet flooring provides cushioning for sitting and kneeling, and it is significantly less cold to the touch than tile or other stone. Walking on carpet does not produce much sound, and carpet dampens ambient noise. Carpet is versatile and is often decorated with patterns and motifs, which can add color and texture to a room. Carpeting has been produced throughout history; today, a wide range of carpets and rugs are available at various prices and quality levels, from inexpensive, mass-produced synthetic carpets to costly hand-knotted wool rugs.