Whether you’re in the market for area rugs or carpeting to muffle foot traffic, protect flooring or visually enhance a living space, you have multiple choices. Wool is one material known for its durability, wear and stain resistance and hypoallergenic properties.
Wool rugs come in two general varieties: tufted and hand knotted. A tufted wool rug offers patterns ranging from traditional to contemporary and, due to their construction, can appear to have a thicker feel. Tufted rugs are machine tufted into a bed of latex for stability. A telltale sign of a tufted rug is a plain fabric covering the back of the rug. Although tufted rugs are priced attractively, they are a bit harder to clean and offer limited durability.
Hand-knotted wool rugs have a front-to-back texture with visible knots that are hand tied. The patterns of a handmade rug are seen clearly on the backside of the rug as well. Hand knotted rugs are exceptional in terms of easy cleaning and are also very durable.
Explore the benefits of wool area rugs and carpet for long-term home improvement.
Natural, Sustainable Composition
Fully synthetic rugs and carpeting can hold onto allergens and show wear sooner. Synthetic materials are very serviceable and durable, but tend to “flatten” over time. By contrast, wool is a much more resilient fiber that’s less likely to shed, helps control allergens and experiences wear at a much slower rate.
Wool and wool/cotton blends contain no synthetic fibers so at the end of their lifespan, the fibers will degrade once in soil. Fibers also come from sheep who regrow their wool to be shorn, which is a more renewable process compared to synthetics.
Antimicrobial and Hypoallergenic
Wool is known for its natural antimicrobial properties. In turn, the material helps control the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, won’t harbor allergens and is less likely to become a home for dust mites. Additionally, wool can act like an air filter for the rooms in your home, improving indoor air quality.
Durability
Like sweaters and coats, wool brings a longer lifespan to your carpeting. The material is more likely to bounce back due to the coil-like structure of the fibers, resulting in rugs that take years to develop dents and worn patches.
The material’s natural properties also help uphold its appearance. Wool is:
- Water Repellent: Due to its waxy, scale-covered exterior, wool carpet dries sooner and is less likely to develop mildew. In terms of maintenance, wool rugs and carpet need to be vacuumed regularly to get rid of any dust and debris, so deep cleans become less frequent.
- Flame Retardant: In the event of a fire, wool can prevent the flames from spreading across the floor due to the moisture it naturally holds. Instead, the flame will burn out and leave minimal remnants.
- Dirt Control: Wool also repels most dirt, holding it toward the top of the rug or carpet pile where it can easily be vacuumed up. A darker shade and decreased light refraction also mean that any dirt present is less likely to be noticed.
This combination makes wool ideal for high-traffic areas like the front door, entryways, hallways, living rooms and dining rooms.
Warm & Cozy Feeling
Wool’s natural insulating properties help keep your home at the desired temperature, keeping the interior cooler in summer and holding onto heat in winter.
Less Static Electricity
Since wool absorbs moisture, any carpeting or area rug is less likely to conduct static electricity. This property also prevents it from holding onto significant amounts of dirt, making wool easier to clean.
Kaoud Rugs offers wool area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting and runners. To explore your options, visit our Guilford or Orange showroom today.