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. Here are some key benefits of wool carpet….
Wool is a natural fiber – Soft and warm
There is no denying that consumer preferences for stylish, quality natural products can be seen in all area of interior design. Wool sets the bar over all other carpets and has advantages that synthetics cannot match. Nothing compares to luxury of a soft wool carpet under your feet. Also, the natural crimp of wool creates millions of tiny pockets that trap air and can act as as an ideal insulator.
Wool is Naturally Stain Resistant
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.
At United Floors we proudly carry the Colin Campbell line of wool broadloam and invite you to come down and view our samples. We will gladly assist you in your selection and any other questions you may have. Please visit the Colin Campbell website for product information and ideas.
