If you’ve noticed that your carpet looks a little flatter than when it was first fitted, you’re not alone. Carpet flattening is one of the most common concerns we hear at Hereward Carpets — especially in busy areas like halls, stairs, and living rooms. It’s completely normal but impossible to fully revive. Unfortunately, manufacturers will not consider this as a fault because the carpet usually hasn’t worn out – but just gone flat. Our biggest piece of advice is to avoid it by choosing a carpet that is less prone to flattening.
What Causes Carpet Flattening?
Flattening happens when the carpet fibres become compressed under repeated foot traffic or heavy furniture. A few factors can make it more noticeable:
- Pile type: Softer, longer piles (like saxony or plush carpets) naturally flatten more quickly than short, dense piles such as twist or loop carpets.
- Traffic levels: Busy households with children, pets, or frequent visitors will see more wear.
- Furniture weight: Sofas, tables, and beds can leave dents that compress the pile.
- Maintenance: Dirt and grit can work their way into fibres, acting like sandpaper over time if not vacuumed regularly.
READ MORE ABOUT CARPET TYPES
Can You Prevent It?
While no carpet is completely immune to flattening, there are steps you can take to minimise it:
- Choose the right carpet for the area.
In high-traffic spaces, opt for a shorter, denser pile that bounces back more easily. We often advise customers on this during selection — it really makes a difference long-term. - Use a good quality underlay.
A dense underlay not only improves comfort but also helps support the carpet pile, reducing flattening and extending its life. (Find out about our CARPET UNDERLAY) - Move furniture occasionally.
Rotating or repositioning heavy items every few months can help spread wear evenly. - Vacuum regularly (and correctly).
Use a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush on most carpets to lift flattened fibres. For loop piles, stick to suction only to avoid damage.
Can a Flattened Carpet Be Revived?
Slightly. Light flattening usually responds well to thorough vacuuming. For furniture dents, try placing an ice cube on the mark, allowing it to melt, then gently teasing the fibres back up with your fingers or a spoon.
However, once fibres are permanently crushed, they won’t fully return to their original shape. That’s why choosing the right carpet for the right area is so important.
Our Advice
At Hereward Carpets, we always guide customers to the most suitable type of carpet for their home and lifestyle. For example, we wouldn’t recommend a deep, soft saxony — it may look and feel luxurious at first, but it will flatten quickly in those high-traffic areas.
If you’re not sure which carpet will best hold its shape, pop into our Peterborough showroom. Our friendly team will help you find a style that looks great and lasts beautifully for years to come.
CONTACT US discuss further
