Considering that wool is a natural fibre that has been used for more than two and a half million years, it makes sense that it is still a popular choice for consumers, especially in interior design. However, many of us end up choosing other materials because of price, accessibility or current fast fashion trends. Rather than getting swayed in the wrong direction, find out more about why wool should always be your first choice rather than your last!
Fascinating Facts About Wool
Understanding wool is the first step in understanding why it is a good choice for your interior design needs. Take a look at the following to get an idea of what it can offer your home:
● Eco-friendly design – with the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices, using wool will help you to design a home that is kind to the planet. According to the Guardian, it is both a renewable source of material as well as being part of a sustainable agricultural process with more suppliers changing their methods of production.
● Compostable construction – one of the biggest problems with items bought for the home is that when they have reached the end of their life, they then find their way into landfills. Wool is different as it is made of completely natural fibres and is totally biodegradable. This means that you may even be able to compost it at home, as it releases its nutrients back into the ground and feeds your plants.
● Insulating properties – if you are keen to reduce your energy bills without having a cold house, then woollen items offer insulating properties to help reduce energy loss. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it will help to keep you snug and warm as the colder nights draw in.
● Reducing allergies – if you or your loved ones suffer from allergies, then you could be making it worse when you buy man-made fabrics as they harbour bacteria and encourage its growth. Wool, however, does not encourage the growth of bacteria, making your home environment cleaner and safer for everyone, including allergy sufferers.
● Keeping you safe – safety is one of the most important considerations when you are planning your interior design. Wool is a fire-resistant product that takes a long time to catch fire and will reduce the chance for a fire to spread in your home!
Choosing the Right Wool for Your Home
If you are keen to install some woollen items into your home, then there are a plethora of options available. To get you started, we’ve shared some of the best product categories to start with:
Throws and Blankets
No matter the time of year, it is always good to have a spare blanket or throw to hand for when the weather turns or when you want to snuggle down and get cosy in front of a film or with a good book. The other great thing about woollen throws and blankets is that they come in a wide range of size and colour options, making them a great addition to any room that needs an injection of colour. Choosing a lightweight blanket at around 200gsm like this one from Atkinsonblankets.co.uk will ensure that you have a blanket that you can use all year round.
If you are wary of using woollen blankets and throws because of staining, then you don’t need to, as wool has its own protective layer that works like a stain protector and will help you to keep your items in great condition whilst being able to use them on a regular basis.
Cushions and Pillows
Resting your head after a long day in comfort that many of us look forward to – especially when our pillows and cushions are made from soft and comfy fibres like wool. You can get a wide range of scatter cushions and pillows that are fleecy, warm and soft from major retailers such as Wayfair.co.uk so that you and your family can relax in style.
When you consider that these items will be naturally flame resistant, then you will also sleep better knowing that everyone is just that bit safer at night.
Rugs and Floor Coverings
If your home is covered with wooden or tiled flooring, then adding a woollen rug is a great way to warm up the room. You can match it with the colour choices of the room to create a seamless finish or add a contrasting piece to create a focal point. The great thing about wool rugs is that they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so there will definitely be a solution that works for you.
Aside from the obvious design pluses, woollen rugs and floor covers also stop dust from floating around the room as it traps it and holds it in place until you hoover up, offering you a cleaner environment that is easy to clean.
Woollen Furniture
Wool is not just used for soft furnishings and accessories; it can also be used in furniture design too. Many designers are now using wool in their furniture designs and finding new and innovative ways to make it durable and ready for lots of wear and tear.
From stunning wool sofas to dining chairs and bed frames to headboards, there is more wool in use than ever before, helping you to really think about the areas in which you want to inject wool to brighten up your home.
Woollen Pet Accessories
It’s not just humans that deserve to be spoiled with the best pieces of furniture and accessories – pets do too! The great news is that there is a wide range of woollen beds, toys and other products that will help your animals live a life of luxury.
Opting for wool for your pets is also a great way to ensure that they are not ingesting anything potentially toxic, keeping them safe and happy for many years to come.
Finding the Right Wool
It’s clear that wool is a versatile fibre that is a great addition to any home but making sure you have the right wool is the final step in your journey. Every woollen item that has been rigorously tested, quality checked and designed to the highest standards will come with a Woolmark symbol, giving you the peace of mind you need to know that the item you want is worth investing in.
© Copyright 2021 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
