The 10 Best Wool Rugs of 2023
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Naturally soft and long-lasting options
The Spruce / Kevin Liang
Fact checked by Yoona Wagener
When it comes to area rug materials, wool is tough to beat. "It's unyielding in its resilience and durability," says designer Tina Martindelcampo of Tina Martin Interiors. "Even the lowest-quality wool rug will outlast some of the best nylon, acrylic, or polyester rugs," she adds.
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. For additional insight, we also surveyed our editors to evaluate their experiences with ordering from a variety of popular rug retailers, evaluating each retailer’s price point, shopping experience, product quality, catalog size, and return process.
Best Overall: Joss & Main Ernst Handmade Wool Rug
What We Like
Naturally insulating and durable
Thick and plush
Easy to vacuum and spot-clean
What We Don't Like
Larger sizes are expensive
Our number one pick is the Ernst Handmade Wool Rug from Joss & Main. It's handwoven from 100 percent wool, so you can count on maximum insulation, long-lasting durability, and natural odor resistance. With a 0.98-inch pile height, it's also supremely plush and soft underfoot. Unlike many other high-pile designs, this one features intricate loops and braids, making the surface easy to vacuum. You can also spot-clean it as needed with mild soap and water.
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.
What’s more, we’ve had positive experiences ordering from Wayfair in the past, as they have an extensive variety of high-quality rugs at affordable prices. We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the retailer’s value-packed selection, which can cost significantly less than its competitors.
Price at time of publish: $1,500 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular, runner, square | Available Sizes: 11 | Pile Height: 0.98 inches | Material: Wool
Best Budget: Safavieh Natura Collection Gerta Handmade Wool Area Rug
What We Like
Thick and plush
Easy to vacuum
Lots of colors and sizes
What We Don't Like
Not 100 percent wool
For households on a budget, we recommend the Safavieh Gerta Handmade Wool Area Rug. While it's not 100 percent wool, the only other material is cotton, so it's still an all-natural design. Featuring a tight, flat weave and a 1-inch pile height, this rug is thick and plush but still easy to vacuum and suitable for high-traffic areas.
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. It’s also a great pick if you need your rug in a pinch, as Amazon usually boasts quick shipping times as well as easy returns if you don’t like the product. At press time, this specific product is not Prime-eligible, but it should ship in just a few days for free if you’re a member.
Price at time of publish: $162 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular, square, runner | Available Sizes: 27 | Pile Height: 1 inch | Material: Wool, cotton
Best Splurge: Lulu & Georgia Willow Rug
What We Like
Long-lasting quality
Versatile aesthetic
Designer-recommended
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Only one color
This option comes recommended by Martindelcampo, who praises its Moroccan style and "neutral colors will look great in any home design." This splurge-worthy piece is hand-knotted from 100 percent wool, giving it a half-inch pile height that makes vacuuming a piece of cake.
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,288 for 5.5' x 8.5'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 6 | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool
Best Low-Pile: Pottery Barn Capitola Hand-Tufted Wool Rug
With a half-inch pile height, this low-pile rug is easy to clean and ideal for high-traffic areas.
What We Like
Hand-tufted by artisans
Easy to vacuum
Suitable for high-traffic areas
What We Don't Like
Larger sizes are pricey
Limited colors
We also like Pottery Barn's Capitola Wool Rug. Hand-tufted by artisans in India, the all-wool design features a half-inch pile height. Thanks to the relatively flat weave, it's easy to vacuum and shake out from time to time.
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.
Price at time of publish: $399 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 7 | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool
Best Textured: Quince Teo Textured Wool Rug
What We Like
Reasonably priced
Hand-tufted by artisans
Versatile aesthetic
What We Don't Like
Only one color
Takes weeks to ship
Quince's Teo Textured Wool Rug is perfect for adding subtle texture to your space. It features a unique ribbed pattern that makes it look almost striped without appearing overly busy. Hand-tufted by artisans from 100 percent wool yarns, you can bet this piece is durable, insulating, and moisture-wicking. The low-pile weave also makes it easy to vacuum with a brush-free head.
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.
Price at time of publish: $350 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 5 | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool
Best Patterned: World Market Ivory Diamond Tufted Wool Kelsey Area Rug
What We Like
Versatile aesthetic
Plush and soft
Easy to vacuum
What We Don't Like
Limited sizes
Only one color
The Ivory Diamond Tufted Wool Kelsey Area Rug from World Market is another excellent choice if you prefer a distinctive pattern in a wool rug. It's hand-tufted and looped into a low pile height that's easy to vacuum but still plush underfoot. The center features a diamond motif, and the sides have a complementing zigzag pattern.
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.
And if you want to check out this rug in person, you can visit World Market at one of their 242 retail locations nationwide. We’ve found the shopping experience at World Market to be relatively easy and generally pleasant, with a moderate selection, reasonable prices, and high-quality products.
Price at time of publish: $400 for 6' x 9'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Wool, synthetic fibers
Best Options: Jill Zarin English Manor Hand Knotted Wool Rug
What We Like
28 sizes and four shapes
Six colors available
Low-maintenance flat weave
What We Don't Like
Strong smell out of the box
If you want a bit more choice in terms of size, shape, and color, Jill Zarin's English Manor Rug might be your best bet. It comes in a whopping 28 sizes, ranging from small mats to oversized floor-covering solutions. And you can choose from four shapes (rectangular, square, round, or runner).
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.
We’ve purchased rugs from both Wayfair and Rugs.com in the past, and you can’t go wrong with either retailer. If you choose to shop from Rugs.com, however, we’re confident you’ll find that the colors and quality pictured online will exactly align with the product you receive in the mail.
Price at time of publish: $202 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular, square, round, runner | Available Sizes: 28 | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool
Best for High-Traffic Areas: CB2 Henry Green Handloomed Wool Rug
What We Like
Crush-resistant pile
Mottled finish
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Larger sizes are pricey
For high-traffic areas, look for a flat-weave design, like CB2's Henry Green Handloomed Wool Rug. With a pile height of just half an inch, it's easy to keep clean with regular vacuuming. You can also blot up spills with a clean cloth and spot-clean them as needed.
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.
Price at time of publish: $449 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 5 | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool
Best Low-Maintenance: AllModern Crowe Handmade Wool Rug
What We Like
Low-pile, flat surface
Easy to clean
Crush-resistant yet plush
What We Don't Like
Larger sizes are pricey
If a low-maintenance design is a top priority, consider the Crowe Rug from AllModern. It's got a flat surface and a higher pile height of 0.9 inches, making it easy to clean but still plush underfoot. You can vacuum it with a non-rotating brush head, spot-clean it with mild soap and water, and blot up spills with a dry cloth.
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.
AllModern is one of Wayfair’s specialty brands, so you’ll be able to purchase this product on either website. Additionally, you can expect the same quality, affordability, and reliability from AllModern’s rugs as you can from Wayfair.
Price at time of publish: From $247 for rectangular 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular, round, square, runner | Available Sizes: 14 | Pile Height: 0.9 inches | Material: Wool
Best Wool Blend: Article Hira Dacite Rug
What We Like
Naturally sourced materials
Chunky-knit texture
Soft and plush
What We Don't Like
Limited sizes
If you're open to a textile blend, Article's Hira Dacite Rug is a solid choice. It's handwoven from 50 percent wool, 30 percent viscose, and 20 percent cotton, all naturally sourced with inherent softness and odor resistance. The loosely looped piles create a chunky-knit texture, a plush feel, and a welcoming appeal.
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.
Price at time of publish: $399 for 5' x 8'
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 5 x 8 feet, 8 x 10 feet | Pile Height: 0.5 inches | Material: Wool, viscose, cotton
Final Verdict
Our top choice is the Joss & Main Ernst Handmade Wool Rug, a durable, naturally insulating, low-maintenance piece crafted from 100 percent wool. If you're on a budget, consider the thick, plush, and wallet-friendly Safavieh Natural Collection Gerta Handmade Wool Area Rug.
What to Look For in a Wool Rug
Material
Wool is naturally soft, insulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. According to designer Tina Martindelcampo of Tina Martin Interiors, the material is also exceptionally durable and resilient, often outlasting acrylic, nylon, and other synthetic rug fibers. However, wool is more prone to shedding than its synthetic counterpart.
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. If you're looking for a wool-blend rug, we especially recommend Article's Hira Dacite Rug.
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. If low maintenance is a priority for you, you'll definitely want to check out the Crowe Rug from AllModern.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a wool rug?
To loosen up dust and debris, shake out your wool rug outside or run a broom over the surface. Then vacuum it with a non-rotating brush head. You can remove minor stains with a wool-specific cleaning solution and blot spills with a clean cloth.
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."
Can you use a vacuum on a wool rug?
You can vacuum most wool rugs. But since the material is prone to shedding, you'll want to be careful about the fibers getting stuck. Your best bet is to vacuum your area rug on a lower suction setting using a non-rotating head.
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.
Do wool rugs ever stop shedding?
"The downside to owning a wool rug is that it will shed," says Martindelcampo. However, it won't last forever, and most shedding should subside within about six months.
"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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product tester specializing in textiles and home improvement. Holland 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.
This article was updated by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. In addition to our product research, we also surveyed our editors to evaluate their experiences with ordering from a variety of popular rug retailers, including Ruggable, Wayfair, and Amazon. We assessed each retailer’s price point, shopping experience, product quality, catalog size, and return process. We also noted expected delivery windows, shipping fees, and general delivery experience. To compile this list, Bianca consulted these survey results to supplement our existing product research. The Spruce's Lily Sperry conducted additional updates.
