Design Discussion : Wool Rugs in the Bathroom
Well, I owe you guys a little update today. I thought I would have the powder bath reveal for you this morning and as it goes, I am FOUR sticky tiles short of finishing the project. Four!! Ugh. According to Amazon, they’ll be here this coming weekend, then I can finally finish up, and share it with you early next week (Monday, if all goes as planned… fingers crossed). I’m sorry, friends! I didn’t mean to get you excited for the big reveal today, only to run out of material. Ha! I hate when that happens. Next time I’ll just surprise you. I’m hoping this Design Discussion post is a worthy replacement though, as this topic comes up ALL the time… rugs in a bathroom. Are we for it? Are we against it? I think you guys can guess which way I lean, but I receive lots of messages asking WHY IN THE WORLD would I install a wool rug in a wet bathroom. Click through to find out, read all about my personal opinion, and cast your own vote. Let’s chat rugs in the bathroom (or high moisture areas)!
I’ll start by saying, I’ve been using vintage wool rugs in bathrooms since forever… well, ever since we’ve been homeowners, at least. In our first house, pictured above, I found a bold red rug that lived in our bath for years. It kind of started my obsession with styling these beauties in the bath.
I should also note that most of the questions and concerns I receive are specifically about WOOL rugs in a bathroom setting (because that’s what you’ll see my bathrooms 90% of the time). Here’s the full story: I grew up raising sheep for 18 years of my life on the farm, which was absolutely lovely and wonderful… by default, I also know a LOT about wool. From sheering my sheep, hand carting wool, spinning, touring textile manufacturing plants as a designer, and taking countless textile & fabric courses in college, wool is a very cool and magical material I’ve always been passionate about. By knowing more about the material itself, you can better understand why I like using it in a high moisture area.
Not only is wool one of my personal favorite materials, but it’s the best of the best (the premium material) when it comes to area rugs. I’ve lived with wool rugs in our bathrooms for a long time now and have never had a single issue (no mold, mildew, or smell).
Wool is naturally a moisture-wicking material. It will actually remain dry to the touch and wicks moisture OUT through small fibers. Wool also allows better air flow in comparison to many other natural materials, which is why it can handle moisture well. This makes it ideal for both the bathroom and kitchen (basically anywhere near a sink or damp area). As a material, it is less sensitive to temperature and humidity changes too!
Wool is also super durable and great for high traffic areas. That’s why vintage wool rugs still look amazing and are in great condition after all these years. These days, I don’t really like putting a wool rug in front of a shower or bath… mostly because I prefer stepping onto a bath mat instead (that I can wash often), and it just feels better under my feet… BUT you will find a wool rug positioned in front of the bathroom vanity and kitchen sink 100% of the time in our house (as long as space allows). That’s how much I love a beautiful wool rug- especially in a high moisture area.
So what about other materials for a rug in the bathroom? I’m still PRO bathroom rug. Other natural materials are great for spaces with moisture as well… think of a flat weave cotton rug- it’s especially convenient because it’s washable and not as heavy. There are many types of rugs that are applicable for a bath setting. You just have to know what type of rug to choose for your bath to prevent mold, mildew, and smell. It might not even be a valid concern depending on your ventilation, size of the space, and floor material (tile, etc). If your bathroom is properly vented with an exhaust, moisture shouldn’t be an issue at all.
To wrap things up… I think installing a rug in a bathroom may sound scary to some people, but I’m here to tell you to give it a try! They’re beautiful, functional, and make baths feel more cozy & inviting. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I can confidently say- I’m 100% drinking that tea. It’s definitely a go-to for me, as a designer and a homeowner who appreciates the aesthetic & function.
So now it’s your turn to weigh in and vote… are you a fan of having a rug in the bathroom? Do you love the look and the soft feel underfoot or does it totally gross you out? There are no wrong answers here! That’s the beauty of creating a home YOU love- everything is your personal preference and making your house a home should be done with you and your family in mind (regardless of outside opinions).
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If you missed any previous Design Discussion posts, check them out below…
- Hardwoods in the Kitchen
- TV Over the Fireplace
- Stacked vs Side-by-Side Laundry Units
- Furniture Arranged Against a Wall
Again, I am SO sorry if I got your hopes up about the powder bath today. I cannot believe I ran out of material. I’m pretty sure the older I get, the worse my math skills become. Ha! I swear I measured and added correctly, but the lack of sticky tile says otherwise. I hope you’ll check back next week once it’s totally finished? I also wanted to check in and see how everyone is hanging in there. Cabin fever set in this week for Emmett & I, as we were supposed to be on a couple trips we had planned, but we’re doing our part to stay home. We’re just trying to enjoy spring at home, get things done around the house, and make the most of this time together.
Have more to say on the rug in the bathroom topic? Let’s chat about it in the comment section below! I’ll also drop some of my recent favorite wool rug finds below…