Aude Blue 5' x 8' Rug

New Zealand wool is widely considered the gold standard for rug fibers due to its exceptional purity, strength, and resilience. This natural fiber has a unique structural integrity that allows it to "bounce back" after being compressed by furniture or foot traffic. Additionally, New Zealand wool is inherently fire-resistant and has a natural lanolin coating that provides a degree of soil and stain resistance, making this hand-crafted rug a durable, long-term investment.

While this rug features a cotton backing designed to help prevent sliding and shifting, we still highly recommend using a high-quality rug pad. A pad provides an extra layer of cushioning, which enhances the underfoot comfort of the 0.5-inch pile. More importantly, a rug pad protects your hardwood or tile floors from potential scratches and improves air circulation under the rug, which is essential for maintaining the health of natural wool fibers.

Absolutely. Wool is one of the most family-friendly natural fibers available. Its natural elasticity makes it resistant to crushing in high-traffic areas, and its ability to hide soil means it stays looking cleaner for longer between deep cleanings. While no rug is entirely "pet-proof," the dense construction of this hand-crafted piece is far more resilient and less likely to snag on pet claws compared to loose-weave synthetic options.

Natural wool is a breathable fiber that can actually help regulate indoor humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture. However, in extremely humid or coastal climates, it is important to ensure the rug is placed in a well-ventilated room. Because wool is a natural protein fiber, we recommend ensuring the rug stays dry and is occasionally rotated to ensure even wear and exposure to air, preventing any potential for mustiness that can occur with natural materials in damp conditions.

A 5' x 8' rug is ideal for defining smaller seating areas or smaller living rooms. A professional rule of thumb is to ensure at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs rest on the rug to anchor the space. For larger open-concept living rooms, or if you prefer all furniture legs to sit on the rug, we recommend considering the 8' x 10' variation of this rug for a more expansive, grounded look.

Yes, shedding is a natural characteristic of high-quality, hand-crafted wool rugs and is not a sign of a defect. This occurs as loose fibers from the weaving process work their way to the surface. To manage this, we recommend regular vacuuming with a suction-only setting or a vacuum with the beater bar turned off to avoid pulling at the delicate wool fibers. Shedding will typically diminish significantly after the first few months of use.