Why Wool Rugs Are Worth the Added Cost

A rug should satisfy a few criteria before committing to a purchase. Many quality materials, such as wool, first require a considerable investment since they come with a high price point. A wool rug is a favored choice for many homeowners for its high performance, durability, quality, and stunning aesthetic. 

While homeowners value these qualities, longevity is a primary concern as homeowners shop online for the most suitable option. Fortunately, wool rugs are among the strongest, hand-knotted, quality construction. They can last decades, depending on how well they're maintained. 

The extended lifespan is due to the natural fiber being tough enough to withstand abuse without signs of wear. The fibers aren't as quick to break as they do with other natural fibers or synthetic threads.  

The wool fibers are "crimped," making them react like a spring when compressed, bouncing back into shape once the pressure is relieved. 

With adequate care, the wool rug will retain its natural beauty through heavy foot traffic and when passed from one generation to the next. Will a wool rug meet your criteria, and will you find it worth the substantial investment? Let's review the reasons for choosing a wool rug in more depth. 

Reasons To Choose a Wool Rug 

Wool rugs are a favored floor covering for many homeowners primarily because they are robust, durable, and long-lasting. They are not only high-quality but aesthetically intricate and elegant.  

While the rugs require a considerable upfront investment, with adequate care, they won't need to be repaired or replaced. Often, these are passed on from one generation to the next. Each generation can enjoy an appealing, high-performance, and cherished keepsake when well maintained. 

Click here to learn why wool carpets could be suitable for your home. Then follow below for reasons homeowners consider adding a new wool rug to their home and gift it to the next generation. 

Hypoallergenic 

Allergies can make life challenging for those struggling with them. Ensuring the household has the appropriate materials to accommodate sufferers is essential. When shopping for rugs, the recommendation is to choose hypoallergenic materials which are less likely to trigger reactions with exposure.  

Wool is naturally hypoallergenic. The fibers are comprised of small pockets that trap fungal spores, debris, dust, and pollen. These particles remain in these pockets, allowing better air quality for breathing and reducing allergic symptoms. In the hand-knotted wool rugs, the dyes are extracted also from natural resources. 

This relieves the fear of being exposed to chemicals with the potential to trigger an unwanted reaction.  

Flame-resistant 

Because a wool rug is naturally rich in oils and moisture, it's flame resistant without adding synthetic chemicals. While the rug will catch fire when a flame is set to the surface, the flame is not sustained long. The rug's moisture and oils hamper the fire's spread and extinguish the flame. 

Essentially, when the source of the flame is eliminated, the fire smolders and dies. While synthetic rugs melt and adhere to the flooring, wool rugs don't react in the same way. The fibers will sustain minimal damage if sparks from a cigarette land on a wool rug. 

The natural safety features make these rugs an excellent option for the kitchen and also for a kid's bedroom or play area. 

Water repellant 

Lanolin-rich waxy scales coat each wool fiber, providing a protective barrier that renders the rug water-resistant. When spills happen, the liquid is not absorbed into the fibers, nor does the rug become damp. Instead, beads form and roll off the surface. 

Homeowners appreciate the water-repellant quality, which allows placement in every room, including those prone to moisture, like the bathroom or kitchen. 

In the same vein that these waxy coverings protect from moisture, they also help the rug resist staining by preventing spills such as wine from absorbing into the material. The food or drinks that drop onto the rug will create a superficial stain, which can be gently and easily wiped away with a damp cloth. 

Permanent staining is unlikely with wool rugs, and harsh, aggressive cleaning is unnecessary. This type of treatment will actually damage the material instead of refreshing it. 

Sound absorbing 

Because the wool fibers are dense in nature, sound is absorbed such as with footfalls or objects falling to the floor. This is particularly beneficial when others are working or sleeping. 

Sustainable/biodegradable 

Most people prefer an environmentally friendly approach to their lifestyle and their home design. Homeowners choose their furnishings and accessories with careful forethought and planning. Wool rugs are a favored choice for eco-conscious homeowners. 

Sheep are sheared for their wool and will naturally regrow their coats. Compared to the energy consumed for synthetic rug manufacturing, negligible amounts are used with sheep shearing. The naturally renewable resource is recyclable and biodegradable. 

If, after a few years, you choose to move in a different direction with your design and let go of your wool rug, the materials provide valuable nutrients if left in the landfill. The fibers produce carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and Sulphur as they degrade, offering value in the soil. 

When searing for the ideal environmentally friendly rug choice, wool is optimum from its natural resource, the dyeing process, and as it degrades. The wool rug is sustainable and eco-friendly. 

Low maintenance 

Homeowners vigilantly search for ways to reduce the effort needed to maintain their homes. With hectic schedules, there's literally no time for high-maintenance chores, including daily or weekly cleaning tasks. One way to save is to purchase items requiring the least time in care and upkeep.  

A wool rug is intricately designed and beautiful, making it seem that it would require extensive care. In fact, they don't need daily cleaning because the fibers collect dust in pockets instead of sitting on the surface. 

That means people won't disturb the accumulation as they walk over it. The fibers are flame-resistant, water-repellant, and resistant to permanent staining, ideal for a busy household.

The recommendation for keeping a wool rug looking good for a long time is to vacuum once weekly for optimum cleanliness. When spending a little time maintaining it, you'll enjoy the rug for an extended lifespan. 

Hold color 

Wool rugs come in an array of stunning colors and intricate patterns. Because of the fiber's natural properties, the dye is better absorbed than it is with other threads. This ensures more vibrance with less likelihood of fading.  

As with most materials, avoiding keeping the wool rug exposed to direct sunlight is recommended. The color could fade to a degree when in the constant path of the sun's intense rays. The fading will still be minimal in comparison to other fabrics, but it can be avoided with proper placement. 

When searching for a suitable rug to add to their home, homeowners want a material that's environmentally friendly, low maintenance, albeit high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Finding one rug to fit all those qualities can be challenging. 

Often, it's necessary to compromise for a few must-haves and let go of the rest. When investing in a wool rug, there's no need to compromise. You can enjoy a resilient rug for an extended lifespan and gift it to the next generation to also take advantage of its many benefits.  

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