The Pros & Cons of a Wool Rug
Wool has been used in rug making for centuries.
Along with jute, it is the most popular natural-rug material used and well-loved for its comfort, durability, and versatility in rug making. For our own artisan-made wool rugs, production starts with the fibers, with artisans that collect, clean, and card the wool before spinning it into threads and dyeing it. Which means that your wool rug is in experienced hands from start to finish.
The Pros
There’s a lot to love about a wool rug, beyond just good looks.
A Dimensional Foundation
A wool rug adds undeniable depth to a space, offering a soft and textural feel and a dimensional weave. A room with a wool-rug foundation is warm and inviting, creating a grounded, substantial feel. Even if the rug is low-profile, the dimension is in the natural fiber and the weave of the rug.
Stain-Resistant & Resilient
Wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant, thanks to its lanolin coating. Initially meant to keep a sheep warm and dry, lanolin creates a dirt-resistant barrier that makes your wool rug stain-resistant and water-wicking. And, because of wool’s naturally high elasticity, your rug will keep its shape throughout the years, which means it’ll last.
Sustainability
Because wool is a renewable fiber, a wool rug is the naturally sustainable choice.
Hypoallergenic
If allergies are a concern, worry not: Wool is hypoallergenic. The lanolin also repels dust mites and prevents them from burrowing and resists mold and mildew, too.
Insulation
Much like a sweater made of the same material, wool rugs are excellent natural insulators, trapping air in countless little pockets in its fibers. A wool rug will also help regulate the temperature in your home by absorbing and releasing indoor moisture. The thicker the pile, the more effective the thermal insulation.
An Investment in Craft
Crafted with natural fibers, often by artisans, these rugs are an investment in your home and—with proper care—are made to last, backed by centuries of rug-making tradition. Their higher price point is a reflection of their quality, craftsmanship, and longevity: a true investment piece that’s made to love for years to come.
Design inspiration
Wool Rugs at Home
Pictured: Elmwood Rug in Granite/Smoke.
Pictured: Amal Rug in Ivory.
Pictured: Fabien Rug in Olive/Green.
Pictured: Clara Rug in Natural/Ivory.
Pictured: Byram Rug in Natural/Bark.
Pictured: Janus Rug in Coffee/Taupe.
Pictured: Lilette Rug in Sage/Blush.
Pictured: Lute Rug in Pebble.
The Cons
Affordability
Wool rugs come at a higher price point than their synthetic counterparts (like polyester), on average. We consider them true investment pieces, for all of the reasons stated above. We believe in different rugs for different phases of life: If a wool rug isn’t the right fit for your budget, a synthetic or jute alternative will deliver quality design, durability, stain-resistance, and many more advantages at a fraction of the cost.
Weight
Because of its density, a wool rug is heavier than a synthetic option and might cost more to ship.
Susceptibility to UV Fading
A wool rug is more easily affected by exposure to sunlight, fading more quickly than its synthetic counterparts.
Shedding
Shedding is a natural occurrence with wool rugs. It can look like small fibers coming loose when you swipe your hand back and forth across a rug’s surface or coming away with fibers on your clothing after you’ve sat on the rug. With proper care, shedding will abate over time.
Maintenance
Overall, wool rugs are durable and long-lasting but require a gentler approach than a synthetic rug when it comes to care. If you expect your space to see a lot of wear, tear, and more than the occasional spill, we might suggest a synthetic or washable rug. Should your rug require a deeper cleaning—even if it’s years down the line, to encourage longevity—we would recommend bringing it to a professional cleaner.
rug maintenance
A Note on Shedding
Shedding is natural for wool (and jute) rugs. To manage it, be sure to vacuum regularly, without the beater bar, to remove the loose surface fibers—especially for the first 6 months of your rug’s life. During this time, you should vacuum 2-3 times per week; after the first 6 months, you can reduce frequency to once per week. With continued care, shedding will abate over time.
Sound like too much time spent vacuuming? You might want to opt for a synthetic rug, which won’t shed (though still requires vacuuming, to avoid regular dirt and dust buildup).