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Over the years, we’ve furnished our homes with the best sustainable, nontoxic furniture we could find — these are our top picks for wool rugs that are thoughtfully made, durable, and stylish.
A wool rug is a piece that can pull a whole room together. Once you’ve considered what type of weave, pile, color, and size fits in your space — you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the highest quality materials that are not treated with harsh chemicals. Wool is one of our favorite high-quality materials for rugs because it’s soft and luxurious, durable, and naturally dirt and water-repellent, too. The wool rugs on this list are not only durable and design-forward, they’re all safe for your family and pets to live with in your space.
Why should you consider a nontoxic wool rug?
Did you know that many rugs are made with harmful chemicals like VOCs, dyes, glues, and flame retardants? Even when safe materials are used in rugs, they are sometimes treated with harsh chemicals that repel water and stains. All of this can be emitting into your home without you even knowing — no, thank you! Luckily, wool rugs repel water naturally since wool is hydrophobic. And these nontoxic wool rugs are all made without the harsh chemicals and toxins, and instead are made from natural and nontoxic materials, from the fiber itself to the glues.
Another bonus of wool rugs: Besides hemp, wool consumes the least amount of energy and has a smaller carbon footprint than other textile fibers. So if you’re looking for a nontoxic and eco-friendly rug option, wool is a great choice.
What should you look for in a wool rug?
When shopping for a nontoxic wool rug, you want to look for certifications like OEKO-TEX Certified, which ensures that it’s been tested for any harmful chemicals, and Fair Trade Certified, which ensures it was handcrafted by artisans that are earning fair wages in safe working conditions.
There are several types of wool that are used in rugs, from New Zealand wool to local wool from wherever it’s made. It’s also good to look for rugs made without synthetic materials. We prefer rugs that are made from 100% wool or a blend of natural wool and cotton or jute — something with all natural materials (read without plastic or polyester). You can easily find this in the product description when you’re looking at a rug online. Sometimes rugs are treated with chemicals to help them last longer, but you want to avoid any chemicals on rugs to ensure they’re nontoxic.
“We prefer rugs that are made from 100% wool or a blend of natural wool and cotton or jute — something with all natural materials (read without plastic or polyester).”
Lastly, wool rugs come in several different styles, including woven, loomed, weaved, flatwoven, and braided. These different styles will have variance in the texture of the rug, from how soft it is to how much it can put up with walking on it. Generally, if it’s going to be in a space where you might sit on it or have kids/pets on it, like your living room or bedroom, you might want to opt for a softer option so it’s comfier to sit on. If you’re planning on placing it in a high-traffic area, you might opt for a sturdier option like a braided rug so it holds up longer. Ultimately, it’s up to your own preference and needs, but know that many of these brands offer samples so you can feel the rug’s texture and durability before purchasing.
How to care for your wool rug:
Wool rugs are generally a low-maintenance option, but stains happen to everyone! With wool rugs, stains sit on the surface, so the best thing to do is dab it quickly, just with a bit of warm water. You don’t want to use soap, especially any soap that is colored because they have bleaching elements that will leave a residual ring on your rug. And especially if your wool rug is naturally dyed, don’t use anything but warm water! Cleaning it wrong can do more damage than good. If there’s one thing you remember about spot-cleaning a stain on a wool rug, it’s that you should try to act quickly to clean it up so it doesn’t set in.
“If there’s one thing you remember about spot-cleaning a stain on a wool rug, it’s that you should try to act quickly to clean it up so it doesn’t set in.”
For general wool rug maintenance, be sure to rotate your rug a couple of times a year to even out wear and vacuum at least every other week. It’s also important to note that when you first purchase a wool rug, it’s normal for it to shed a bit. Just keep your vacuum on standby to suck up those extra fibers and know that it’s just part of getting a new natural wool rug. (Note that until a wool rug has gone through its shedding period, it’s recommended that you avoid placing it in a nursery or young child’s room.)
It’s also best to do an annual deep cleaning of your wool rug. You could hire a professional to do this, or if you do it yourself, make sure to vacuum it first, scrub in small sections using warm water or a wool-safe detergent, rinse out the detergent using a separate sponge and warm water, and towel dry the rug. Then lightly spray with a 1:1 mixture of distilled vinegar and water to deodorize it. Then, let it air dry by putting fans on it. It’s important that you do not hang dry a wool rug!
Our criteria:
Our team has researched each of these rug brands and scoured thousands of customer reviews to finalize our list of the best nontoxic wool rugs for a healthy and sustainable home. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the below criteria.
SUSTAINABLE/NONTOXIC | No toxins in sight! Each of these listed brands refrains from using hazardous chemicals in their production of rugs, and opts for natural and sustainable materials like organic cotton and wool for safety and softness. We also prioritize brands that do not use PFAS in their production.
EASY TO CLEAN | Washing rugs is not on the top of our to-do list, so we’ve made sure to include rugs that are easy to clean with a simple wipe down or machine wash.
WIDE RANGE OF STYLES & SIZES | Whether you’re looking for a runner, playmat, or an area rug, we’ve got you covered in all those areas and more!
Looking for more nontoxic rugs? Check out our guides to the best nontoxic rugs and washable rugs guides. If you’re redesigning your space and need some more sustainable recs, check out our favorite USA-Made furniture and sustainable home decor brands.
1. Revival
Best For | Artistic wool rugs
Price range | $199–$7,000+
Revival was founded in 2017 with a mission to create high-quality, artisan-crafted rugs that are accessible. They do this by cutting out the traditional retail middlemen and instead partnering with skilled artisans around the world — in Turkey, Morocco, and India, for example — to create small-batch rugs. They are also focused on sustainability and safety, from using plastic-free packaging to creating rugs made from natural materials, nontoxic dyes, and low-VOC finishes. There are so many wool rug options from Revial, like this flatweave wool rug, which is made with hand-carded all-natural wool on cotton backing, or this hand-knotted shag rug made from 100% New Zealand wool. They also have rugs that are hand-tufted, hand-knotted, loomed, and even washable wool rug options, all in beautiful artistic designs and styles.
Our Editor’s Review | “Now that we’ve lived with our Revival rug for a couple of months, I can confidently say: I’m officially a fan. The rug is everything I hoped for — beautiful, durable, and refreshingly low-maintenance.” – Kayti Christian (Read her review.)
2. Lorena Canals
Best For | Washable wool rugs
Price range | $180–$1050+
Founded in 1998 by Spanish designer Lorena Canals, this brand creates handcrafted washable wool rugs that are sustainable, hypoallergenic, durable, and practical for your space. The rugs are made from Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) wool, and they’re available in several designs, styles, and sizes. For example, this wool round rug is made from natural undyed New Zealand and Middle Eastern wool. And this wool runner rug is part of RugCycled, their zero waste line that uses leftover textiles from their own productions. All of Lorena Canals rugs include a complimentary anti-slip mat, too, so you don’t have to try to buy one that fits — you’ll already have the perfect size for your rug! Lorena Canals gives back too! She helps create access to education through the Sakûla Project, a nursery school in north India where over 120 children receive food and education.
Our Editor’s Review | “If you’re looking for super high-quality, plush, natural, and nontoxic rugs, Lorena Canals wins hands down. I’m such a fan of the brand’s ethics and creative designs, and can’t wait to add to my rug collection with more pieces from them.” – Emily McGowan (Read her review.)
3. Avocado
Best For | Hand-loomed wool rugs
Price range | $570–$2,000
Avocado is a staple for sustainable and nontoxic mattresses, furniture, and bedding — and they make rugs too! Their wool rugs are hand-loomed in artisan communities in Guatemala and Mexico, and every purchase helps to create sustainable income opportunities for these artisans. Every rug is crafted by hand one at a time, so every piece is slightly different. Like the linear wool rug, for example; it’s made from natural wool and has a plush pile. And the natural wool rug is made without chemical dyes and was individually woven using renewable wool. Avocado gives back, too! As members of 1% for the Planet, they give back to organizations like City Harvest, New York Restoration Project, The Farmlink Project, and more.
4. Quince
Best For | Budget-friendly wool rugs
Price range | $40–$2,000
Quince is known for its direct-to-consumer model and affordable, sustainable products, from clothing to jewelry to home decor. Its wool rugs are no exception! We love how they break down exactly how their products compare to competitors and how much cheaper their products are without losing the quality. With lots of designs, colors, and styles to choose from, Quince offers high-quality handcrafted rugs made from 100% wool. This hand-knotted rug is a cozy neutral that is inspired by vintage Oushak patterns. And this stunning bright blue rug is made from 100% hand-spun wool and cotton for a lighter yet durable feel.
Our Editor’s Review | “Quince has such a wonderful selection of simple, calming, well-made wool rugs from a variety of established makers. I chose the Blush Lennox Hand-Loomed Wool Rug, and I’ve been impressed with the soft underfoot feel, how easy it is to clean, and the sweet touch it adds to my space.” – Ashley D’Arcy, Senior Editor
5. West Elm
Best For | Fair trade wool rugs
Price range | $280–$1500
West Elm features a number of Fair Trade and nontoxic wool rugs, like this Colca flatweave wool rug made from 89% wool, cotton, and a hint of metallic gold fibers to add some shimmer. It was woven in a Fair Trade facility and made from sustainably sourced materials, too. So is this Stone Tile wool rug, which was hand-tufted by artisans in India. When you’re shopping their wool rugs, you’ll see they tag all of the rugs that are Fair Trade, Sustainably Sourced, and Handcrafted, and when you’re looking at the rug itself, you can peek at the product details to see the materials and sustainability details to make sure you’re getting one that’s right for you.
6. Nordic Knots
Best For | Scandinavian wool rugs
Price range | $295–$2,800+
Nordic Knots is a Stockholm-based brand that creates beautiful and accessible Scandinavian designs for your home. Its rugs are handwoven using fine European wool that’s GoodWeave certified, meaning they’re made solely by adult artisans and that the children in those communities are supported and receive education opportunities. As for their rugs, they have lots of styles, from minimal designs like this one to colorful, folky designs like this one. Nordic Knots also lets you order a sample size before you commit and offers free USA shipping.
7. Armadillo
Best For | Undyed wool rugs
Price range | $1,500–$4,800+
Armadillo is an American/Australian brand that creates ethical and natural handwoven rugs. The B Corp uses slow products and works with fairly paid artisans who handcraft their rugs using traditional techniques. The Aspen collection, made with 100% wool, features a one-sided soumak weave with natural undyed wool in neutral tones. The Nimbus collection twists hand-spun New Zealand wool with natural jute for added strength. The Braid collection uses a combination of wool and viscose to carefully braid, coil, and stitch the circular rugs.
8. Sundays
Best For | Colorful wool rugs
Price range | $350–$1,200+
Founded in Vancouver, Canada by four friends with experience in the furniture industry, Sundays designs furniture (and rugs!) that’s made to last a lifetime. Their wool rugs range from colorful to more minimal designs, and they’re all made from natural materials. We especially love the rugs that are handwoven by artisans in India and are GoodWeave Standard certified, a certification that ensures they’re ethically made.
Customer Review | “This rug has become our favourite piece in our home! I really like the different pile height between the checkered pattern. It vacuums well and stays in place without a rug mat underneath. Bonus points that our dogs also love it.” – Christina C. (Read more reviews.)
9. The Citizenry
Best For | Small batch wool rugs
Price range | $195–$4,300+
The Citizenry works with artists and artisans worldwide to create small-bath and timeless rugs using natural materials — including wool, of course! They use high-quality wool, often sourced locally, that makes each rug durable and long-lasting. The Mina Hand-Knotted Beni Ourain area rug, for example, is handcrafted in Morocco by six weavers in a fair trade cooperative using traditional techniques. The Bhakti Handwoven area rug is made from 100% New Zealand wool and crafted by artisans in a fair trade workshop in Bhadohi, India. The Citizenry also pays fair wages that are usually twice the fair trade requirement, creates safe working conditions, and is certified Fair Trade.
Customer Review | “This rug is exactly as it was described. Color is light and bright. Super soft under foot. We are extremely happy and styled perfectly with our living area design” – Lori S. (Read more reviews.)
10. Hook & Loom
Best For | Reversible wool rugs
Price range | $58–$1,345
Hook & Loom’s 100% handwoven wool rugs are reversible — they’re thick-woven on one side and flatweave on the other. Their rugs are completely undyed, latex free, and free from chemicals of any kind. The rugs come in several sizes and designs, all in neutral colors, like the Bellingham Thick Woven wool rug, for example, which is a soft gray color or the Suffolk Natural Wool Woven rug, which has a neutral chevron design. Hook & Loom offers free shipping and $5 test swatches if you want to feel it before you buy.
Customer Review | “Love that I can purchase all natural, non-toxic, and organic rugs, thank you! Please stay this way – no chemicals, 100% natural fibers” – Stacey S. (Read more reviews.)
Brianna Schubert is a writer and editor based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade, an editorial assistant at Motley Bloom, and a freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Since 2023, Brianna has combined her expertise and investigative skills to deliver thoughtful reviews of sustainable products and home goods, helping readers make informed, eco-conscious choices. Brianna is also the writer behind The Mood Board, a Substack newsletter for creativity and inspiration. When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking up a new recipe, reading and recommending books, cuddling with her cat, or yapping with her friends at a café. Say hi on Instagram!
