Why Wool?
When it comes to the materials used to weave a rug, the choices are almost endless—seagrass, jute, bamboo, cotton, as well as the less enticing synthetic options like polyester or viscose.
Yet over her 25 years as a Carpet Designer Deirdre Dyson has been resolute – the only materials she uses for her custom rug designs are wool and silk.
These all-natural fibres are woven by our skilled Nepalese hand-knotters, who bring Deirdre’s designs to life by creating a deep, sumptuous pile with an unparalleled feel underfoot.
Colour is at the heart of every Deirdre Dyson rug, and both fibres absorb dye beautifully. Wool allows a density of hue whereas silk adds lustre which Deirdre applies carefully as a design demands. In SEAWASH 100% silk was the only choice to reflect the watery, reflectivity mimicking a real ‘wash’ of water.
In JELLY and PLAYTIME from the 2025 Light Play collection, both carpets required the bold and matt nature of 100% wool to capture the depth of colour and graphic feel Deirdre required. Whereas the masterful SKYSCAPE uses a base wool with wool/silk mixes and areas of pure silk to re-create a sunset sky.
Wool in particular has other benefits that make it a standout material – here are just a few:
Softness
Woven wool is unmatched in softness. Its dense, lush pile comes from meticulous sorting, washing and teasing and then the craftsmanship of our weavers takes over. Each knot is tied by hand, one at a time, by our master artisans. With around 100 knots per square inch, this density is key to that unmistakably luxurious feel.
Sustainable and cruelty-free
Sheep naturally renew their fleece every 12 months, making wool a regularly recurring and fully renewable resource. Shearing is harmless when carried out responsibly, leaving the animal completely unhurt. The wool we use at Deirdre Dyson is sourced from Tibet and is amongst the very best available.
Durability
Wool is remarkably hard-wearing. A hand-knotted wool rug can last for generations and stands up impressively to everyday use. Its naturally high lanolin content also helps repel liquids, giving wool an inherent stain resistance and robust nature.
Insulating
Wool is a superb insulator—both thermally and acoustically. A wool rug can absorb around 40% more sound than a hardwood floor, helping to create a quieter, more comfortable space.
Likewise with the trend for hanging rugs, these insulating properties can also be enjoyed on the walls.
Flame resistance
Wool is naturally flame-resistant, burning at a far slower rate than most other fibres. This inherent safety feature makes it an even more appealing choice for the home.
Whether you choose to use 100% wool, silk or a combination of both there is a Deirdre Dyson rug to suit every taste. Visit our Design Library to discover more.
