From cushions and throws to curtains, rugs and bedsteads, good old wool knows no bounds. As it happens, National Wool Week starts on Monday celebrating this renewable material in all its forms.
Here’s our pick of the best woollen accessories, furniture and fabrics to add a tactile and timeless twist to every scheme.
Snuggle up: Wool is used in the Herdy mattress on this bed and in the cosy looking accessories
LIGHT TOUCH
From her East London studio, textile specialist Naomi Paul handcrafts lighting using crocheted yarn. Her first limited edition wool collection uses rough-textured Shetland wool to produce pendants with an architectural feel in an array of soft tones. From £408, naomipaul.co.uk.
Versatile material: Handcrafted wool pendant lights by textile specialist Naomi Paul
KEEP IT SNUG
In collaboration with British mattress makers Harrison Spinks, Lake District brand Herdy creates rollable, hand-finished mattresses, combining responsibly sourced material with comfort and craftsmanship. Each mattress contains wool from local Herdwick sheep, known for their durable and hard-wearing fleece.
As well as being hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, a wool mattress will also naturally regulate your body temperature. From £849 for a double, herdysleep.com.
Top of the flocks: The Herdwick sheep which provide the wool for the Herdy sleep mattresses
STATEMENT STYLE
Wool is an ideal fabric for upholstery. It is strong and breathable, and stays cool in summer and provides warmth in winter.
Check out Ian Mankin’s new fabric collection, featuring reversible jacquard woven designs in dyed Shetland wools, made at the brand’s Lancashire mill. Make a statement by covering a sofa in its Beverley Dark Navy paisley print or have curtains made in its classic Gisburn Sage, both £49.50 per metre, ianmankin.co.uk.
GET COSY
Made in one of Britain’s last ‘vertical’ mills, where end-to-end production takes place under one roof, Bronte by Moon’s blankets, throws, cushions and home accessories use wool sourced from all over the world, including Merino lambswool from South Africa and Shetland pure new wool from New Zealand.
Luxurious throws are made from Peruvian alpacas. For a colourful pop, try the range of Herringbone Brights, £75, brontebymoon.co.uk.
Keep things cosy: Throws by the Kent based company Romney Marsh Wools
BEST OF BRITISH
The journey from fleece to fabric takes centre stage at Romney Marsh Wools, where Romney sheep have been farmed by the same family for at least six generations. Fleeces from the Kent farm are taken to traditional weavers, who transform the yarn into tactile rugs, throws, tableware and clothing.
The Fostum Wool Cushion in Marsh Fern, £35, makes a smart addition to sofas, romneymarshwools.co.uk.
PERFECTLY PAIRED
Wool-rich carpets are easily maintained, hard-wearing and on-trend. Soft neutrals, inspired by Greenery, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2017, are the inspiration behind the recent collaboration between Adam Carpets and The Little Greene Paint Company.
Soft underfoot: Hard-wearing wool is ideal for carpets like this one by Adam Carpets
The six gentle tones of the Castlemead Twist carpet range are designed to partner effortlessly with a tonal colour palette, £42 per metre, adamcarpets.com.
SLEEP WELL
Try anchoring a scheme with a headboard upholstered in a sophisticated wool fabric. The subtle curves and splayed legs of the Jasmine bedstead from Button & Sprung give a mid-century feel. Woven from recycled yarns, the bed frame’s mellow look is down to a finish created by Italian textile specialists. From £745 for a double, buttonandsprung.com.
FLOOR SHOW
Rugs can provide a neutral backdrop to a scheme or take centre stage. John Lewis’ Hotel Morocco rug from its Boutique Hotel range combines 100 per cent wool with a subtle Art Deco pattern for a luxurious but pared-back look. From £80, johnlewis.com.
FRONT RUNNER
Enhancing a hallway or staircase with a pure wool runner is a great way to introduce texture and a note of luxury. Greys, such as charcoal, remain a popular choice, while dark blue is emerging as the new neutral.
Deep midnight, soft indigo or royal blue are all sophisticated options. And for a dramatic twist, try the Franklin Indigo, from £127 per linear metre at Roger Oates, rogeroates.com.
For more information on Campaign for Wool, visit campaignforwool.org.