The Navajo blanket is one of the world's most expensive rugs, having been sold for $1.5 million (£1152410,07) in California in 2017. This wool rug was made in the 1880’s and passed from one generation to the next in the Krytzer family until it was sold out of desperation at auction. Woven in the traditional Navajo style featuring geometric shapes and lines, the rug maintained its quality for over two centuries. This goes to show the value of well-made luxury rugs. The right wool rug can offer you many benefits including comfort, luxury and durability. A good quality wool rug provides the kind of quiet luxury that prioritises comfort, quality and timeless elegance over flashy trends.
Some styles and materials are given up over time for better discoveries, but wool is not one of them. Wool rugs are still among the most durable, versatile, and stylish rug choices. Wool rugs are perfect for the growing trend of truly personalised home decor. Now more than ever, people are styling their homes according to their individual tastes, rather than following trends. This shift has led to greater diversity in what we consider beautiful home design, particularly in how we choose and style our rugs. Its versatility, durability and ability to keep up in even high-traffic areas of your home make wool rugs a great choice for contemporary interiors.
Part of wool's versatility comes in how it is woven to produce different patterns and textures. These methods were developed across the globe, some dating back hundreds of years. Although these methods have been modernised and are done in most cases by machine and not by hand, the quality of the wool and the method used to weave the wool can define the characteristics of your rug highlighting different benefits based on your needs.
A good rug can give your space the perfect finishing touch, tying in decor elements and transforming your floors. Rugs also provide insulation, making your home and floors warmer while providing the highest level of comfort and softness underfoot. The feeling of a quality wool rug underfoot just cannot be replicated. Although some synthetic fibre can come close to replicating the appearance of wool; its distinct feeling and the insulation that comes naturally with wool are unmistakable.
Lanolin is the primary natural benefit of wool, and allows wool to shrink back even after a reasonable amount of stretching. This is the source of much of its durability. Where other fibres may stay stretched after washing leading to misshapen rugs, wool will usually return back to its original shape and size.
The perfect woolen rug for your home is one that caters to your distinct style, fulfils your needs and fits perfectly into your lifestyle whether your concern is comfort and insulation or aesthetics and durability. Here are some popular types to consider:
The Wilton method of weaving rugs weaves a strand continuously through the rug. This differentiates it from the Axminster rug. Although these may appear similar, the weaving technique used in making Wilton rugs restricts its design to simple patterns with limited design accuracy.
The main difference between nylon and wool is the origin of the fibres. While wool is a natural fibre, nylon is synthetic and is thus more readily available and cheaper.
Although nylon is durable and in some cases even more durable than wool, its availability, price point and commonality make it disposable and overall less valuable than wool which has the advantage of being seen as "the genuine article.”
Aside from perceptions, another obvious difference between wool and nylon (which can sometimes look very similar) is how they feel. Wool is much softer underfoot, its naturally oiled and supple fibres provide more cushioning naturally than even the highest pile nylon rug. Over time this softness is evident even in appearance.
The comfort brought by wool extends to its naturally hypo-allergenic fibres that repel dust and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers or use in high-traffic areas and homes with pets.
A good quality wool rug meets your aesthetic requirements and the standard of durability you are looking for. This can be different from one wool rug to another which doesn’t necessarily make one rug better than the other.
When buying a rug the first thing you need to determine is if it is actually made of the material you want. You can tell the difference between wool and most synthetic fibres just by feel. Wool is soft and smooth whereas synthetic fibres like nylon have a bristly feel to them even with the best processing and weaving.
Independent of your desired pile, weaving or tufting method, a good quality wool rug does not shed. A shedding rug can become a nuisance and will not last very long developing unsightly thinning and balding patches. Check whether your rug sheds at the touch or gentle pulling and also check the trim of the rug. A well-trimmed rug is less likely to run and unravel.
Although wool rugs are reasonably durable, they can still be irretrievably damaged by a lack of regular rotation, cleaning or improper care. Rotating your rug is a simple way to make sure your rug is evenly worn especially in high-traffic areas. Turning your rug every three to six months allows it to be used evenly so it ages well and does not look older in some parts than others. Although this does not prevent substantial damage, it does maintain the aesthetic appeal of your rug for longer.
Two of the worst things that can happen to your wool rug are oil and heat. Oil stains are difficult if not impossible to remove from wool because wool is naturally oily and the fibres tend to hold on to oil and repel water-based liquids. Attempts to remove the oil stain may remove the wool's natural lanolin which, outside of nature and away from the sheep's skin, cannot replenish on its own. Gentle cleaning and regular vacuuming is recommended to keep your wool rugs clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage your rug or collect in its fibres changing its texture.
FCI London is home to designer rug brands from all over the world offering a variety of styles, designs and weaves at a quality you can trust. Visit us and get a comprehensive complimentary tour of our showroom from our interior decorators letting you get a feel for the rugs we have on offer and answering all your questions to help you make the best decision for your space.
Our collection of rugs spans from antique-inspired woollen rugs with traditional sophistication and grace, to modern-styled designer rugs to elegantly elevate your space.
Visit our 30,000 sq. ft.showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional coffee tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
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If you need any advice on selecting, designing or layering bespoke rugs, take advantage of our free design consultation. Simply make an appointment to visit our award-winning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options, ensuring that you end up with an aesthetic you love.
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