Moquette vs. Carpet — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
"Moquette" refers to a type of durable, piled fabric commonly used for upholstery, especially in public transport seating, while "carpet" is a general term for floor coverings made from woven fabric or fibers.
Difference Between Moquette and Carpet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
At its essence, "moquette" is a durable, woven fabric characterized by its dense pile. It's commonly associated with the upholstery of public transportation seating. In contrast, "carpet" is a broader term encompassing a variety of woven floor coverings found in homes, businesses, and other settings.
The term "moquette" has French origins, hinting at its luxurious texture and rich pile. Predominantly, it's used for upholstery due to its resilience and comfort. "Carpet," on the other hand, has been a staple of interior design for centuries, serving both decorative and functional purposes as a floor covering.
When you touch "moquette," you'll notice its distinctive dense pile, crafted to endure high traffic, especially in transport settings. "Carpet" exhibits a broader range of textures and piles, from the plush luxury of bedroom carpets to the short, tight weave of industrial varieties.
In today's interior design landscape, "moquette" remains popular in specific sectors, especially where durability meets comfort, like in buses or trains. "Carpet" enjoys wider popularity, enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of numerous spaces, from homes to offices.
Given "moquette" often graces public transportation, it's designed for easy cleaning and resistance to wear. "Carpet" demands more varied care, contingent on its material and setting, ranging from regular vacuuming to professional cleaning.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A durable, piled fabric for upholstery.
A woven floor covering made of fabric or fibers.
Primary Usage
Commonly used in public transport seating.
Used as floor covering in homes, offices, etc.
Texture
Characteristically dense pile.
Varies from plush to tight weave.
Origins
French, referring to a luxurious weave.
Middle English, referring to table or bed coverings.
Maintenance
Designed for easy cleaning and wear resistance.
Can range from regular vacuuming to professional care.
Compare with Definitions
Moquette
A textile popular in public transport seating.
The train's moquette seats were both comfortable and sturdy.
Carpet
A broad term for various woven or tufted materials for floors.
The office chose a low-pile carpet for easy maintenance.
Moquette
A durable, piled fabric used for upholstery.
The city buses have seats covered in moquette for added durability.
Carpet
A textile floor treatment enhancing aesthetics and comfort.
The red carpet was rolled out for the celebrities.
Moquette
A textile associated with luxury and comfort in transport settings.
The premium buses boasted moquette seats for a plush ride.
Carpet
A piece of fabric or fiber enhancing insulation and décor.
A colorful carpet can instantly brighten a room.
Moquette
A fabric with a dense weave and pile.
Moquette, with its dense texture, is ideal for heavy-duty upholstery.
Carpet
A traditional floor covering in homes and businesses.
The historic mansion boasts original carpets from the 19th century.
Moquette
A resilient material for high-traffic seating areas.
The theater chose moquette for its longevity.
Carpet
A carpet 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 fibers such as polypropylene, nylon or polyester are often used, as these fibers are less expensive than wool.
Moquette
Moquette, derived from the French word for carpet, is a type of woven pile fabric in which cut or uncut threads form a short dense cut or loop pile. As well as giving it a distinctive velvet-like feel, the pile construction is particularly durable, and ideally suited to applications such as public transport.
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
A woven floor covering for interior spaces.
We replaced the old tiles with a new plush carpet.
Common Curiosities
Is moquette exclusive to transportation upholstery?
While common in transport, moquette can also be used elsewhere, like in some furniture pieces.
Can I use carpet on walls for insulation?
Yes, carpets can be used as wall hangings for insulation and aesthetics.
What makes moquette suitable for public transport?
Its durability, dense pile, and ease of cleaning make it ideal.
Can moquette be used in home furniture?
Yes, some home furniture may utilize moquette for its durability.
Is moquette only available in specific colors?
No, moquette can be found in various patterns and colors.
Is moquette more expensive than other upholstery?
Often, due to its durability and specific manufacturing.
How often should I clean my carpet?
Regular vacuuming is recommended, with deep cleaning every 12-18 months.
What's the difference between carpet tiles and roll carpet?
Carpet tiles are modular and replaceable, while roll carpet is a continuous piece.
What's the lifespan of a typical carpet?
With proper care, carpets can last 10-15 years or more.
Can I install carpet in wet areas like bathrooms?
It's not recommended due to mold/mildew concerns.
Are all carpets made of the same material?
No, carpets can be made from various materials, including wool, nylon, and polyester.
Can moquette be recycled?
Depending on its composition, it can be recyclable or repurposed.
Do moquette and carpet have similar textures?
While both can be plush, moquette typically has a denser pile suited for heavy-duty use.
Are there eco-friendly carpet options?
Yes, there are carpets made from sustainable materials or recycled fibers.
Why is moquette popular in buses and trains?
It offers a balance of comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
