Wool: A Wonder Fibre

National Wool Week is in full swing and in celebration interiors specialists Coast Road Furniture have written a guest post for Selvedge discussing the eco credentials of wool and easy ways to incorporate wool into your autumn interiors.

It's a great insulator
There's a reason that we wrap ourselves up in woolly jumpers, scarves, and hats when the weather turns chilly. Wool is one of the best insulators, as the tightly wound fibres in wool allow for lots of tiny air pockets to form, which act as a thermal barrier and prevent heat from escaping. This means that when we use it in our homes, we can cut our heating bills which is good news for both the planet and our pockets!

It's natural, renewable and fully biodegradable
As a natural material, wool is fully biodegradable, and doesn't contribute to microplastic pollution in the sea or on land, unlike materials made from synthetic fibres.

Wool is also a sustainable fibre and comes from a renewable source. One sheep grows anywhere between two to thirty pounds of wool a year; as a pound of wool can make up to 10 miles of yarn, the fleece of a sheep who produces thirty pounds of wool can create up to 300 miles of yarn (AgHires).

It's made to last
Wool is an incredibly strong and durable material. A wool fibre can be bent over 20,000 times without breaking or becoming damaged (The Campaign for Wool). It also has natural elasticity too, meaning a wool item can usually return to its original shape without becoming saggy. So by investing in items made from wool, you'll be producing less waste as you won't need to replace things as often.

Producing and maintaining it has a (comparatively) low environmental impact
Wool production has a relatively low environmental impact when compared with other fabrics, such as cotton and polyester. Around 101 gallons of water are needed to make a pound of wool (Green Eco Services), compared to the 2,600 gallons required to make a pair of jeans.

Looking after wool products is also often better for the environment too. This is because wool fibres naturally have a protective outer layer which prevents stains from setting in, meaning that the products require less washing and less water is wasted as a result.

How to incorporate wool into your autumn interiors
If you’re looking to invest in some wool pieces and update your home this autumn, why not incorporate wool into your interiors? To give you some inspiration, here are three ways to bring the cosy material into your home.

Although it may seem like a small addition, bringing in new chairs can really change the look of a room. Adding a new set of dining chairs is a great way to update and refresh your kitchen and dining area, while you can introduce a new statement piece to your living room in the form of an armchair. As well as coming in a range of beautiful styles and colours that will suit every home, wool chairs are also incredibly comfortable. The material also has hypoallergenic properties, so all of the family are able to enjoy the new chairs.

Incorporate wool into your interiors this autumn by bringing in some new cushions and throws. The great thing about these is that you can change them easily depending on the season. For example, earthy colours such as forest green, amber, and sienna work perfectly in the autumn months, while bright hues such as sky blue, blush pink, and pastels are a great way to lighten up your home for spring. As well as bringing a fresh look to your home, throws and cushions can make a space feel even more cosy and comfortable, which is perfect for the cooler months.

While this is a permanent fixture that will last long after autumn is over, wool carpet is a great addition to your home year-round. It can make a room feel much cosier and is softer than wood flooring, and it comes in a range of eye-catching colours and designs.

And as we already know, wool is naturally stain-resistant —all you need for most spills is water and a spritz of cleaning spray! Wool is also such a durable material, so if it's well cared for, your carpet will look in great condition for years to come.

Coast Road Furniture is a family run business based in Deeside, North Wales anbd was established in 1972. The company prides itself in providing quality furniture at competitive prices. Friendly and reliable customer service is also a top priority for the company, and the team are there to help customers all the way from the beginning of their furniture search to the delivery of their products. Coast Road Furniture offer a wide range of quality products, including mattresses from some of the biggest names in the business, stunning living room suites, and a mobility range which is both accessible and stylish.

For more information, visit: https://coastroadfurniture.co.uk/

National Wool Week is an annual event part of The Campaign for Wool and will take place until 31 October 2021.