Carpets are often used for comfort in a room as well as decoration. They can also be functional, such as when they are used to reduce the noise in high-traffic areas or provide insulation from outside temperatures. Carpeting is based on woven fibers and tufted throughout the backing material. Although cotton and wool are common fibers, synthetic fibers have become popular because they offer a wide range of benefits that typically include stain resistance, longevity, affordability and performance that mimics natural fibers over time.