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Stylish and Functional: All the Different Types of Wool Rugs

There is no reason to be sheepish about using a wool rug in your home. This durable, natural fiber material is as functional as it is stylish. Plus, it comes in a variety of weaves, patterns, and colors to fit your design.

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Types of wool rugs swatches and colors Types of wool rugs swatches and colors

There are many types of wool rugs to choose from. In this post, we’ll review the benefits of using a wool rug, plus the most popular styles to help you find the perfect choice for your interior decor.

Benefits of wool rugs

If you are on the fence about using wool rugs, you shouldn’t be. There are so many advantages to using wool. First of all, wool is one of the softest natural fibers there is. These rugs provide excellent padding underfoot and can instantly make any room feel cozier. But don’t let that soft exterior fool you. Wool rugs are also incredibly strong. With the right care, a wool rug can last multiple lifetimes. 

Wool rugs are also a renewable resource, making them a great option for any eco-friendly home designer. In addition, wool also has the unique characteristic of being flame-resistant. If you have a room with a fireplace, wool rugs offer safety and peace of mind. Wool is also a natural humidifier. The fibers absorb moisture when the air is humid and then release that moisture when the air is dry. 

Different types of wool rugs

Now that you know how amazing wool rugs are, it’s time to discover all the different types of wool rugs there are to choose from. Here are seven of the most popular wool rug styles and what you need to know about each.

Hand knotted

Perhaps the crème de la crème of wool rugs. Hand knotted rugs are completely artisanal, made by tying individual knots of wool to a loom. This type of wool rug is the most labor-intensive and thus, sells at a higher price point. However, the attention to detail in these rugs makes them truly special. Hand knotted rugs often come in ornate styles, patterns, and colors. If you are a fan of oriental rugs, then you are a fan of hand knotted wool rugs.

Hand tufted

If you see that a wool rug is hand tufted it means that the rug was made by hand with a tufting gun. The act of tufting means that wool is being punched through a backing material — kind of like a canvas. The wool is then secured to the back, typically using a form of glue. After the strands are secured, they can be sheared down to create a plush surface. Hand tufted rugs tend to be less expensive than hand knotted rugs.

Camila Wool Sisal Rug swatch in the color Blossom Camila Wool Sisal Rug swatch in the color Blossom

Wool rugs can come in fun colors and patterns like this Camila Wool Rug.

Flat weave

Where hand knotted and hand tufted rugs both have a pile — the visible surface of the wool fibers sticking up — flat weave rugs do not. Instead, the wool is woven flat with interlacing threads that cross each other, making a flat surface. Due to this style of weaving, flat weave wool rugs are extremely durable and easy to clean. They also tend to be lighter-weight since they are not plush and can be displayed like a tapestry.

Nubby weave

If you're looking for extra texture in your wool rug, consider a nubby weave rug. Unlike cut pile rugs or flat weave rugs that have a homogenous surface, nubby weaves display a bumpy-like surface that varies from strand to strand. Nubby weave rugs can be made by hand or machine-made. They are excellent for rooms that have more of a rustic feel.

Amesbury Wool Jute Blend Rug Sample Amesbury Wool Jute Blend Rug Sample

The Amesbury Wool Jute Blend Rug is both a nubby weave and a wool blend.

Loop pile

Sometimes wool rugs are made with loops of fabric that are not sheared at the top. Instead, the loops remain in place, creating tiny arches that form a soft surface. This style of rug is called loop pile. Due to their weave, loop pile rugs are stain-resistant and work well in high foot traffic areas or places prone to spills.

Wool blend

Woven rugs can feature more than one material. This is the case when you see a rug labeled as a wool blend. The contrasting fibers offer different colors and textures within the same rug. Sisal, jute, and even leather are just some of the natural materials that can be woven together with wool to make it more durable, affordable, and stylish. Wool can also be blended with synthetic fibers like nylon or polysilk to make the rugs more stain and water-resistant. 

chester beech sisal wool blend weave sample chester beech sisal wool blend weave sample

The Chester Wool Sisal Blend Rug collection combines the softness of wool with the durability of sisal.

Machine made

While many wool rugs are hand-made, there are also machine made wool rugs. Mechanical looms can mimic the same techniques used in hand knotted or hand tufted rugs. While machine made wool rugs can often be more affordable, they are often less durable. They will also lack the one-of-a-kind variations that are characteristic of handcrafted rugs. 

Pull the wool over your floors

Whether you’re decorating living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways, wool rugs are always going to be a good choice. Soft, durable, and available in a multitude of patterns, textures, and colors, there is a wool rug out there that fits your aesthetic desires. Start your search by looking through our catalogue of high-quality wool rugs. Made with the finest New Zealand wool and customizable to any size, these rugs are a great fit for a variety of needs and preferences!

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