Carpet is the term used for any kind of textile floor covering that uses an upper layers that is attached to a backing. While the terms carpet and rug are used interchangeably in many countries, the word carpet normally refers to a floor covering that stretches from wall to wall. In some places, a covering will also only be called a carpet if it is fixed in some manner to the floor.

However, there are many carpets that are not fixed to the floor, such as the many different styles of long carpet runners that are often installed in hallways and long interior spaces.

The word carpet comes from the Old Italian word carpita, which means to pluck. Carpets are rugs play an important role in a number of traditional cultures around the world, with many countries famous for their carpet designs. Some of the countries that are most well known for their carpets include Pakistan, Morocco, Turkey, China, Persia, and Spain. Many of these cultures are involved in the production of specific sizes and styles of carpets, such as round carpets, long carpet runners, and large carpets made to fill entire rooms.

Modern carpet production uses a number of methods and materials, depending on the nature of the carpet and where it will be installed. Some of the most common fibres that are used in carpet runners and other styles include nylon, polypropylene, wool, wool blends, and polyester. Carpet runners are used to fill thin and hard to access floor spaces, such as on stairways, hallways, and long passages. They are used most often in Europe, and are relatively common in English and French homes.