Moquette vs. Carpet: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Moquette" is a type of durable, velvety pile fabric often used for upholstery, while "Carpet" is a floor covering made from various materials, extending across an entire room.
Key Differences
"Moquette" and "Carpet" both refer to materials used in interior decoration and furnishing, but with distinct purposes and characteristics. "Moquette" specifically describes a heavy fabric with a short, dense pile that's commonly utilized in upholstery, especially in transportation seating such as on buses or trains. Its design focuses on durability and resilience to wear, given the frequent and varied use it endures.
On the other hand, "Carpet" refers to a larger floor covering, which can span the dimensions of a room. Crafted from materials ranging from wool to synthetic fibers, "Carpet" is designed for comfort, aesthetic appeal, and sometimes insulation. Unlike the specific application of "Moquette" in upholstery, "Carpet" serves as both a functional and decorative element for floors in homes, offices, and many other establishments.
Further, while "Moquette" is distinctively recognized for its velvety texture, "Carpet" offers varied textures, including loop, cut, and twist piles. The distinction in texture and design between "Moquette" and "Carpet" often results from their intended uses, with "Moquette" needing to be robust and "Carpet" prioritizing comfort.
In terms of care and maintenance, both "Moquette" and "Carpet" require regular cleaning to maintain appearance and longevity. However, due to the difference in their placements and uses, "Carpet" may often demand more frequent cleaning and can be more prone to staining than "Moquette."
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A heavy, durable fabric with a velvety pile.
A floor covering that spans an entire room.
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Primary Use
Commonly used in upholstery, especially transportation seating.
Used as flooring in homes, offices, etc.
Texture
Velvety and dense.
Varies: can be loop, cut, twist pile, etc.
Durability
Designed for resilience and wear resistance.
Durability can vary based on material and type.
Grammatical Use
Less commonly used in daily language; specific to upholstery contexts.
Commonly used and recognized in general terms.
Moquette and Carpet Definitions
Moquette
A fabric with a dense, velvety pile.
The bus seats were upholstered with a deep blue moquette.
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Carpet
A textile floor covering.
The entire house was outfitted with wall-to-wall carpet.
Moquette
A robust fabric choice for heavy use.
For commercial seating, moquette is a popular choice due to its resilience.
Carpet
The living room featured a green shag carpet.
Flooring made from various materials.
Moquette
Material often used in transportation upholstery.
The train features red moquette on all its seats.
Carpet
She spilled wine on the white carpet.
A large rug that can cover entire floors.
Moquette
Textile with a rich, plush texture.
The moquette on the vintage chair felt soft yet sturdy.
Carpet
A decorative and functional home element.
They decided to replace the old carpet with hardwood floors.
Moquette
Durable upholstery fabric.
She chose moquette for the dining chairs due to its durability.
Carpet
A thick heavy covering for a floor, usually made of woven wool or synthetic fibers, especially one covering the entire surface of the floor.
Moquette
A heavy fabric with a thick nap, used for upholstery.
Carpet
The fabric used for this floor covering.
Moquette
A carpet with a deep tufted pile.
Carpet
A surface or surface covering that is similar to a rug
A carpet of leaves and pine needles on the forest floor.
Moquette
A kind of fabric with a thick pile used for carpeting or to upholster seating, etc.
Carpet
To cover with or as if with a carpet
Carpet the stairs.
Snow that carpeted the sidewalks.
Moquette
An article covered in such material.
Carpet
A fabric used as a complete floor covering.
Moquette
A kind of carpet having a short velvety pile.
Carpet
(figuratively) Any surface or cover resembling a carpet or fulfilling its function.
Moquette
A thick velvety synthetic fabric used for carpets and soft upholstery
Carpet
Any of a number of moths in the geometrid subfamily Larentiinae
Carpet
(obsolete) A wrought cover for tables.
Carpet
A woman's pubic hair.
Carpet
To lay carpet, or to have carpet installed, in an area.
After the fire, they carpeted over the blackened hardwood flooring.
The builders were carpeting in the living room when Zadie inspected her new house.
Carpet
(transitive) To substantially cover something, as a carpet does; to blanket something.
Popcorn and candy wrappers carpeted the floor of the cinema.
Carpet
(UK) To reprimand.
Carpet
A heavy woven or felted fabric, usually of wool, but also of cotton, hemp, straw, etc.; esp. a floor covering made in breadths to be sewed together and nailed to the floor, as distinguished from a rug or mat; originally, also, a wrought cover for tables.
Tables and beds covered with copes instead of carpets and coverlets.
Carpet
A smooth soft covering resembling or suggesting a carpet.
Carpet
To cover with, or as with, a carpet; to spread with carpets; to furnish with a carpet or carpets.
Carpeted temples in fashionable squares.
Carpet
Floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
Carpet
Form a carpet-like cover (over)
Carpet
Cover completely, as if with a carpet;
Flowers carpeted the meadows
Carpet
Cover with a carpet;
Carpet the floors of the house
Carpet
Material spanning the width of a room.
The woolen carpet felt soft underfoot.
FAQs
What's the primary purpose of a carpet?
Carpet serves as both a decorative and functional floor covering.
Are all carpets made of the same material?
No, carpets can be made from various materials like wool, nylon, or polyester.
Can moquette be used as a carpet?
Typically, moquette is for upholstery, but technically it could be used as a unique carpeting material.
Can I use moquette for home furniture upholstery?
Yes, moquette can be used for home furniture, especially if durability is desired.
Are carpets only used in homes?
No, carpets are used in homes, offices, commercial establishments, and more.
How often should carpets be cleaned?
Regularly, depending on usage and environment, with professional cleaning recommended annually.
How should I care for a moquette-upholstered item?
Regularly vacuum and occasionally deep clean, while following any manufacturer's guidelines.
Is moquette resistant to staining?
Moquette is designed for durability and can be more resistant to staining than some carpets.
How is the texture of moquette different from other upholstery fabrics?
Moquette has a distinctively dense, velvety pile.
Where did the term "moquette" originate?
It's derived from the French word for carpet, indicating its plush, dense nature.
Is moquette only used in transportation seating?
No, while common in transportation, moquette can be used in various upholstery applications.
Why might someone choose carpet over hardwood floors?
Carpets offer warmth, insulation, sound dampening, and a soft underfoot feel.
Which is more durable, moquette or carpet?
Moquette is specifically designed for durability, while carpet durability can vary based on type and material.
Do all carpets feel the same?
No, carpets have varied textures based on their construction, such as loop, cut, or twist pile.
Can carpets improve indoor air quality?
Yes, carpets can trap dust and allergens, but regular cleaning is essential to maintain air quality.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
