To help you narrow down your choices, we compiled buying tips and recommendations from Martindelcampo, then researched standout options in various styles and price ranges. Our favorite is the Joss & Main Ernst Handmade Wool Rug, which is handmade from 100 percent wool and boasts a plush, nearly 1-inch pile height. These are the best wool rugs on the market today. Not only that, but you won’t have to worry about placing it in a high-traffic area, like your living room, dining room, or kids’ playroom. Just pair it with a grippy rug pad, and you’re good to go. The Ernst Rug comes in 11 sizes and three shapes (rectangular, square, or runner). You can also choose from five neutral, endlessly versatile hues, including cream, ivory, taupe, gray, or dark brown. While it’s reasonably priced for an all-wool design, bear in mind the larger sizes are pretty expensive. This wallet-friendly rug is available in 27 sizes, including rectangles, squares, and runners. And you can choose from seven neutral colors, each with subtle shade variations for added dimension. Available in six sizes, the Willow is among the more expensive options we found, but you can count on Lulu & Georgia for long-lasting quality. And while this rug only comes in one color, the design is versatile enough to go with a wide range of decor schemes. The Capitola has a grippy, flexible backing that helps minimize odors while extending its lifespan, even with heavy use in high-traffic areas. Though the price is a little steep, especially for the larger sizes, it’s not entirely outrageous for a 100 percent wool rug. We wish it came in more colors, but the blue and gray hues are undoubtedly versatile. Unlike high-pile shag rugs, the fibers won’t get caught in your vacuum. Although this rug isn’t 100 percent wool, the rayon-wool blend offers ultimate softness, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking abilities. And while we wish it came in more than one color, the multichromatic design will work with most decor styles. The Teo only comes in one color, but the gray blended into the off-white hue of undyed wool is endlessly versatile. Other than that, we should note this rug is made to order, so it’ll ship a few weeks after you purchase it. Only two sizes are available, and we wish it came in more colors. However, the ivory hue makes the busy print appear more subtle. Though the Kelsey isn’t 100 percent wool, it contains only 5 percent synthetic fibers, so it’ll still be plenty soft and insulating. There are also six hues available, including black, charcoal, navy, gray, blush, and beige. Featuring a flat weave and a half-inch pile height, you can vacuum or spot-clean this hand-knotted rug as needed. Since it’s made of 100 percent natural wool, you might notice a strong smell out of the box, but it should air out quickly. This rug comes in three deep colors (forest green, charcoal, and rich gold) that won’t show stains as much as lighter hues. However, the larger size options require a higher investment. Regardless of the size you choose, the carpet-like pile resists crushing under heavy use, and the mottled finish creates a lived-in aesthetic that helps conceal wear and tear. Since it’s 100 percent wool, the Crowe Rug is also naturally odor-resistant. Hand-loomed in India with a subtle ribbed texture, this pared-down piece is versatile, crush-resistant, and suitable for high-traffic areas. The larger sizes are pricey, but all in all, it’s a pretty good deal for an all-wool area rug. This area rug is available in four neutral colors, including soft brown, medium gray, ivory, and muted navy. It only comes in two sizes, but 5 x 8 feet and 8 x 10 feet are among the most popular sizes for rugs. You can vacuum the Hira Dacite Rug regularly and spot-clean it as needed, but the manufacturer recommends professional cleaning for stubborn stains. You also find wool area rugs blended with other materials, such as cotton, viscose, and rayon. These fibers are often naturally derived and may improve a rug’s softness, though it depends on the composition, thickness, weave, and specific textiles used.
Maintenance
Wool rugs are prone to shedding, but you can remedy this with regular vacuuming. While it depends on the weave and pile height, wool is a relatively low-maintenance material, and you can spot-clean it as needed. “Wool is a hypoallergenic textile and is naturally stain-resistant and flame-resistant, and it can look clean even when it is not,” adds Martindelcampo.
Size
Choosing the right size is crucial when buying an area rug, so measure your space carefully before ordering one. The general rule of thumb is that either all furniture legs should fit on top or just the front two legs of each piece of furniture. For dining rooms, make sure all chair legs fit entirely on the rug, even when they’re pulled out. In bedrooms, the rug should go about halfway under the bed and extend out a couple of feet on each side and past the foot.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product tester specializing in textiles and home improvement. Theresa covers furniture, decor, and recreational products at The Spruce. For this article, she interviewed interior designer Tina Martindelcampo of Tina Martin Interiors, who offered product recommendations, buying tips, and insight into maintenance. After researching today’s best wool rugs and considering dozens of options from a wide range of brands, she narrowed the list down to high-quality, versatile, aesthetically pleasing rugs. Depending on the weave, you might be able to gently scrub the surface with a sponge and a mild soapy solution. Professional cleaning may be necessary in some cases. But luckily, Martindelcampo says, “You only need to deep-clean a wool rug once a year.” Beater brushes can also damage the surface depending on the weave and pile height. Though it’s inconvenient, you might want to use a handheld vacuum or an upholstery attachment to be safe. “One way to keep the shedding in check is by brushing your wool rug outside using a stiff brush,” says Martindelcampo. Regular vacuuming with a brush-free, non-rotating head can also help minimize loose fibers during those first few months.
