The benefits of using wool in your bedroom

Posted on 4th October 2024

Did you know October is Wool Month? To mark the occasion, we’re looking into the benefits of this natural material and its clever uses in bedroom design.

Natural, sustainable and durable, wool is a great option for a healthy bedroom – whether you’re thinking about buying a new mattress or investing in quality bedding. “Wool is not only hypoallergenic and antibacterial, but it also has natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties to enable a cooler night’s sleep, even during hot nights,” explains Rebecca Mayes, industry expert at Harrison Spinks.

So, if you want to make more conscious choices for your sleep space, we’ve comprised wool’s best benefits and the latest products crafted from this material…

Neutral bedroom design with a wool carpet, a rattan bed frame and house plants. — Chroma collections Buttermilk, from £40, Brintons.

Bedroom essentials

Mattresses, duvets, pillows and bedding made from this natural material can help you have a better night’s sleep. “Many people may not realise the unique advantages of choosing wool mattresses and bedding over other materials,” says Andrew Seed, managing director at The Odd Company. “It might surprise you to know that wool is naturally a very breathable material so if you find you often overheat at night, wake up in sweats and struggle to sleep choosing a mattress made with wool fillings or adding a wool duvet could be the perfect solution to giving you a more restful night’s sleep,” he advises.

Another benefit of wool is that it has moisture-wicking properties. So, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, says Bethan John, co-founder at The British Blanket Co.

This material is also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and dust mite-resistant, making it perfect for anyone who suffers from allergies. “Unlike their synthetic counterparts, wool doesn’t harbour allergens and is resistant to dust mites and bacteria, leading to a cleaner and healthier bedroom and sleep environment,” explains Bethan. “Wool also contains lanolin, a natural oil that provides antibacterial properties, helping to reduce the need for frequent washing and making your bed more hygienic.”

Classic bedroom design with wood flooring and panelling, a white bed and natural bedding. — Herald Superb mattress from the Classic collection with Prestige divan and Achilles headboard upholstered in fabric Texture – Straw from the Naturals collection, £10,556, Vispring.

Closeup of a wool mattress. — Blenheim 1500 mattress, from £885, The Odd Company.

Green bedroom design with a wool mattress. — John Lewis British Natural collection Linen 3,250 handmade, from £1199 for a king size. Pictured with headboard in Bedford Strutted, from £199, base in Slim Divan, from £649, and fabric in Brushed Tweed Beige. All by Harrison Spinks.

Closeup of a wool mattress in a countryside bedroom. — Juno wool mattress, £649 for a double, The Original Bed Co.

Wool throws and cushions

A pretty and practical way of welcoming wool into your bedroom is through blankets, throws and cushion covers. “One of the main benefits of wool is its ability to regulate temperature, making it an ideal choice for blankets and throws to maintain a comfortable sleeping environment year-round,” says Bethan. “Due to the wool fibres’ ability to trap air pockets, they naturally provide insulation that will keep you warm and cosy without causing you to overheat.”

Available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and patterns, you can effortlessly dress your bed in high-quality wool soft furnishings, knowing you will enjoy them for years to come. “A high quality wool throw or blanket, although an investment, can last for decades without losing its warmth or softness. Unlike synthetic materials, wool resists pilling and can retain its loft and structure over time, so a well-cared-for blanket can become a timeless staple in the bedroom,” adds Bethan.

Modern bedroom design with olive green bedlinen, wood furniture and a black tablelamp. — Noor hand-woven throw, £179, Maud Interiors.

Closeup of grey bedlinen with a pink wool cushion on top of it. — Wool cushion in Candy Pink, £75, Tom Raffield.

Grey and white bedlinen with an orange waffle throw. — Totterdown waffle wool blanket in Brunswick, from £80, The British Blanket Co.

Closeup of green and white bedding, cushions and throw. — Extra-large Olive Green and Cream woven wool throw and cushion cover, £95, Marquis & Dave.

Wool rugs

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of comfort to your bedroom, why not opt for a wool carpet, rug or runner? They are ideal for zoning your space, adding visual interest and keeping your feet warm whenever you step out of your bed. For example, you can opt for a tactile rug in a neutral shade for a pared-back, organic look. “Their texture and natural colour variations create depth and interest to a scheme, providing an earthy and warm tone to bedrooms,” says Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville. If you feel more daring, choose a colourful carpet or a striped solution to make a statement.

Natural, wool rugs and carpets are also a sustainable option for your bedroom floors. “Being made from natural fibres, wool rugs are biodegradable and contribute less to environmental pollution compared to synthetic alternatives. Their long-lasting nature makes them a worthwhile investment for those looking to bring quality and sustainability into bedrooms,” explains Mara.

Closeup of a pink wool rug in a modern bedroom. — Morocco carpet, £29.99 per sq m, Tapi Carpets & Floors. Photography: @itstartedwithacushion.

Neutral bedroom design with terracotta plaster, brown bedding, wood furniture and wool rug. — Chelsea smoked glass dome pendant 8 inch in Mocha, £119, and Petton hand-woven jute and wool rug, from £229, Industville.

Wool rug in a neutral bedroom. — Adelaide four poster bed, from £2890, and Marion rug, from £1690, King Living.

Maintenance tips

Taking care of your wool bedroom essentials is easy! “When it comes to cleaning a wool mattress, the most effective and gentle approach is to simply open your bedroom window. It sounds basic, but mattresses filled with natural materials, such as wool possess inherent antibacterial and self-cleaning properties, allowing them to breathe and cleanse themselves naturally,” advises Chris Tattersall, managing director at Woolroom. If your wool bedding is machine-washable, Chris recommends washing it at 30 degrees, on a wool cycle with wool detergent.

And, even though natural rugs are often considered to be more difficult to maintain, Mara says with regular vacuuming and attention to spills, they’re just as easy to keep clean as synthetic ones.

With so many practical benefits, it’s easy to see why wool is a winner. Ready to keep cosy this autumn winter season?