The Wonder of Wool

February 18, 2020

We believe that wool carpet is about to have a renaissance. Here’s why…

Although floor covering has been trending towards hard surfaces in recent years, people still love the look and feel of something soft underfoot in certain areas of the home. Whether it be a stair or a hallway runner, a rug in the living or dining room, or wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms, carpet still very much has its place in residential design.

Wool carpet, in particular, has long been a favourite of the interior design community, however; homeowners have been known to shy away from wool as a result of misinformation regarding care and maintenance, stain resistance, shedding, higher price tags etc. We hope and believe that these misconceptions are beginning to change the more we all learn about the damaging effects of plastics in our environment, which is what most synthetic carpets are made from.

At Colin Campbell, we are committed to changing the conversation surrounding such negative wool carpet myths and focusing on the many amazing benefits of choosing wool carpet. Please join us as we spread the word about this magical fiber!

When a client asks you, “why wool?” here is what you can tell them with confidence…

Wool is a natural fiber that brings softness and warmth to your floors. Wool sets the bar for all other carpets and has advantages that synthetics cannot match. Nothing compares to the luxury of a soft wool carpet under your feet.

Wool is naturally stain resistant. The surface of a wool fiber is covered by a thin protective membrane that prevents water from readily penetrating into your carpet. This same membrane which is also waterproof still allows the fiber to absorb moisture in vapor form and as a result, makes it resistant to static electricity.

Wool is easy to clean. Wool is a naturally soil and stain resistant fiber. Its fundamental structure is that of overlapping scales which keep dust and dirt near the surface of the pile, where it can easily be released by vacuuming.

Wool is durable and naturally resilient. The natural crimp of wool allows it to spring back quickly after compression and retain its original shape. This characteristic ensures woolen carpets look good for longer, even in high traffic areas.

Wool is earth friendly. Wool is sustainable, biodegradable and a rapidly renewable resource that has the least environmental impact of all the carpet fibers. It is the only carpet fiber made without petroleum.

Wool is naturally flame retardant. The high moisture content of the fiber will not support combustion, making it difficult to ignite and self-extinguishable. Charring can easily be brushed away. In addition to being extremely safe, wool carpets can retain their appearance even after minor burn damage.

Wool is anti-allergenic. Wool fibers are too long and coarse to be inhaled and, being a natural fiber, won’t give off harmful emissions. Wool has a breathable fiber structure that does not promote the growth of bacteria or dust mites.

Wool is an ideal insulator. The natural crimp of wool creates millions of tiny pockets that trap air and act as the perfect insulator for your home.

Not only is wool carpet a safe and healthy choice for your clients’ homes, but with so many environmental concerns on the horizon, we can all do our part by making an educated and globally responsible decision by opting to incorporate wool carpet in all of our home designs. As well, wool is an incredibly worthy investment as it will outlast any synthetic carpet by at least twice in terms of wear and durability. Last but not least, let’s not forget the stunning beauty of wool carpet! It is hands down the most luxurious and top-notch choice any designer, builder, or homeowner can make in terms of soft floor covering for the home.