Wool: The Warm, Eco-Friendly & Natural Fiber

WHAT IS WOOL?

Wool is a natural fiber derived from the fleece of sheep. Sheep's wool is known for its softness, warmth, and versatility, making it a popular choice for clothing, blankets, rugs, upholstery, and various other textiles. Wool fibers have a unique structure that allows them to trap air efficiently, providing excellent insulation and regulating body temperature in both warm and cold conditions. Wool is also naturally resilient, elastic, and moisture-wicking, meaning it can absorb and release moisture without feeling damp. Overall, wool is prized for its warmth, comfort, durability, and natural properties, making it a versatile and sustainable choice. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WOOL RUG?

Why is wool a great choice for rugs?

Wool is an excellent choice for rugs for several reasons. 

1. Softness and Comfort: Wool fibers are naturally soft and luxurious, making wool rugs comfortable to walk barefoot. The softness of wool adds a cozy feel to any room, enhancing the overall comfort of the space.
2. Durability: Wool is a durable and resilient fiber that can withstand heavy foot traffic and regular wear and tear. Wool rugs are known for their long-lasting quality, making them a practical investment for high-traffic areas in the home.
3. Insulation: Wool is an excellent insulator, providing warmth and thermal comfort underfoot. In colder climates, wool rugs help to retain heat and create a cozy environment, while in warmer climates, they can help regulate temperature and maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere.
4. Moisture-Wicking: Wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, meaning it can absorb and release moisture from the air without feeling damp. This makes wool rugs resistant to mould and mildew growth, as well as less prone to odours and allergens.
5. Stain Resistance: Wool fibers have a natural protective coating that repels liquids and stains, making wool rugs easier to clean and maintain compared to synthetic fibers. Spills and stains are less likely to penetrate the fibers, allowing for easier spot cleaning and maintenance.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Wool rugs come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for endless design possibilities. Whether you prefer a traditional, contemporary, or eclectic style, there is a wool rug to suit your aesthetic preferences and complement your decor.
7. Sustainability: Wool is a renewable and biodegradable fiber, making it an environmentally friendly choice for rugs. Wool is sheared from sheep annually without harming the animals, and it naturally decomposes at the end of its lifecycle, reducing environmental impact.

Overall, wool rugs offer a combination of comfort, durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the beauty and functionality of their living spaces.

HOW TO STYLE WOOL RUGS

“If the lounge is the area you want the whole family to congregate and relax, then by choosing something high pile and luxurious like a wool berber will instantly create a zone - a sanctuary - for exactly this.”

Alex Weller, Founder. 

Styling wool rugs can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to help you effectively incorporate wool rugs into your home decor:

1. Consider the Room's Function: Think about the function of the room where the wool rug will be placed. For example, in a living room or family room, you might want a larger rug that anchors the seating area and provides ample space for furniture to sit on. In a bedroom, a smaller rug placed alongside the bed can add warmth and comfort underfoot.
2. Choose the Right Size: Select a wool rug size that fits the proportions of the room and complements the furniture arrangement. A rug that is too small can make the space feel disjointed, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the room. Aim for a size that allows for some floor space to be visible around the edges of the rug. 
3. Layer Rugs for Texture: Experiment with layering rugs to add visual interest and texture to a space. You can layer a smaller wool rug on top of a larger natural fiber rug, such as jute, to create depth and dimension. Alternatively, layering rugs of different patterns and textures can create a bohemian or eclectic vibe.
4. Mix and Match Patterns: Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns and colors when styling wool rugs. Consider pairing a patterned wool rug with solid-colored furniture or vice versa to create contrast and balance in the room. Just be sure to choose patterns and colors that complement each other and the overall aesthetic of the space.
5. Create a Focal Point: Use a wool rug to create a focal point in the room. Choose a rug with a bold pattern or vibrant colors that draw the eye and serve as the centrepiece of the space. Arrange furniture around the rug to highlight its importance and create a cohesive look.
6. Accessorise with Textiles: Incorporate other textiles and soft furnishings, such as throw pillows, blankets, and curtains, that complement the colors and textures of the wool rug. This helps to tie the room together and create a cohesive and harmonious look.
7. Accessorise with Decorative Accents: Add decorative accents, such as artwork, mirrors, lamps, and plants, to further enhance the style of the room. These finishing touches help to add personality and visual interest to the space while complementing the wool rug.

Overall, styling wool rugs involves considering the room's function, choosing the right size and pattern, layering rugs for texture, mixing and matching patterns and colors, creating focal points, and accessorising with textiles and decorative accents. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can effectively style wool rugs to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home.

Want to check out our room-by-room size guides? Click here! 

HOW TO CLEAN A WOOL RUG

EXPLORE OUR FULL COLLECTION OF WOOL RUGS → Click here! 

NEED MORE HELP OR ADVICE?

Did you know we offer a FREE styling service? 

At Miss Amara we have on-hand professionals with interior, styling and architecture backgrounds (call them your Fairy Rug Mothers) to assist with all of your rug queries and provide all the advice you need! 

Simply send us some pictures of your space, and one of our online stylists will get back to you with some personalised rug selections for you and your space… just like magic! 

To get started or find out more about this FREE styling service, click here!