Brussels and Wilton carpets are today just a small percentage of the overall  production of the town of  Kidderminster, in the early 19th century  they were the major product of the town. 

Brussels carpets are a level loop carpet  where the wool not exposed as pile  is carried in a dense backing - colors are  drawn to the surface as needed for the pattern,  and up to five colors can be used in a single row. 

By alternating colors, or 'planting the colors' in  the rows, many more accent colors can be  skillfully introduced into the pattern.  Brussels carpets were first woven in  the early 18th century, and by the late 18th century  Kidderminster was the main center of  production for Brussels. 

Wilton carpets have the same structure  as Brussels but the pile is cut open  and sheared, producing a velvet-like quality.  Although increased mechanization has  equalized the pricing, in the 18th and 19th century  the velvet pile of Wilton was roughly double  the cost of Brussels. During the Regency  (in the U.S. the Federal period)  Brussels carpets   were the height of luxury for all but the  wealthiest homeowners, and Wilton carpets  were an extra luxury that few could afford. 

By the mid-nineteenth century it became  common to make the best showing with  a Wilton carpet in the best parlor or  drawing room , and to use the less expensive  Brussels carpet in the lesser rooms of a dwelling.  The choice was a personal one, of taste and  economy, and every visitor would know  instantly the the type of expense laid out  in the decorating by the quality of carpet.