What makes a wool carpet qualify as "Eco" in the Barefoot Collection?
The Eco Collection stands apart by prioritising minimal processing and material purity, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious homes.
- Undyed Colour: The wool retains its natural colour - soft, authentic tones derived directly from the sheep's fleece (e.g., creams, oatmeals, light browns, and greys). This eliminates the environmental impact of dyeing processes.
- Chemical-Free: The collection is typically free from harsh chemical treatments like artificial moth-proofing and synthetic backings, contributing to a genuinely low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) interior environment.
- Sustainable Sourcing: The wool is ethically sourced, supporting traditional farming methods.
Is the Barefoot Eco Wool collection 100% pure wool, or are other fibres included?
The collections primarily use pure wool but may include other natural, soft fibres for enhanced texture.
- Majority Wool: The foundation of the collection is high-quality wool, ensuring natural resilience, warmth and sound absorption.
- Luxury Blend: Certain collections, like Barefoot Ashtanga Silk, incorporate luxurious, natural fibres (such as Rayon Silk) into the blend. This adds an exquisite, gentle sheen and unparalleled softness to the finished carpet, creating an exceptionally luxurious feel.
- Focus on Natural: The priority remains on using natural materials where possible with minimal synthetic additives.
What kind of texture should I expect from the Barefoot Eco Collection carpets?
The texture in this collection is designed to be naturally soft, comforting, and tactile, reflecting its name.
- Softness: The Barefoot collection is specifically selected for its exceptional softness underfoot, making it the perfect choice for bedrooms and living spaces where comfort is paramount.
- Texture Variation: You will find a range of tactile weaves, from the simple, dense texture of Barefoot Bikram to the more prominent, comforting loop-pile of Barefoot Hatha. The natural thickness of the undyed wool yarn contributes to a cosy, welcoming feel.
What are the unique aesthetic benefits of choosing an undyed, natural-coloured wool carpet?
Undyed wool offers a sophistication and depth of colour that cannot be achieved with artificial dyes.
- Tonal Depth: The natural fleece is composed of many subtly different shades of fibre, resulting in a beautiful, nuanced, heathered, or flecked effect (Mélange). This gives the carpet, rug or runner a complex depth that is soft and easy on the eye.
- Neutral Versatility: These authentic, earthy colours (from cream/ivory to warm mocha) are the perfect versatile neutral backdrop that complements almost any interior design scheme, from modern Scandinavian to rustic farmhouse.
How should I care for Eco Wool carpets, especially given their chemical-free nature?
Since the Eco Collection often skips chemical moth-proofing, care and vigilance are essential for long-term enjoyment.
- Vacuuming: Regular, gentle vacuuming with a suction-only head is important to prevent build-up of dirt and loose debris.
- Spills: Treat spills immediately by blotting with a clean, dry white cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water. You can also gently use some of the WoolSafe approved products like the Alternative Flooring Natural Flooring Care Kit.
- Moth Prevention: Due to the lack of chemical treatments, ensure the room is well-ventilated, and regularly vacuum beneath furniture and around the skirting boards to discourage moth larvae. Consider using natural moth deterrents like cedar blocks.
Are Eco Wool carpets suitable for use with underfloor heating?
Yes, wool carpets, including the Eco Collection, are generally well-suited for use with underfloor heating systems.
- Natural Regulator: Wool is a natural protein fibre that slowly and efficiently transmits heat while also acting as an insulator, making it highly effective at retaining the warmth from the system.
- Installation Requirements: Always ensure the carpet and the chosen underlay do not exceed the combined Thermal Resistance (Tog) limit specified by your underfloor heating manufacturer.
Is the Barefoot Eco Wool collection durable enough for busy family life?
Yes, wool is naturally one of the most durable fibres for domestic use.
- Resilience: Wool fibres are naturally crimped, providing excellent spring and recovery, meaning they resist crushing and tracking better than most synthetic fibres.
- Appearance Retention: The nuanced, natural colour palette helps to subtly conceal everyday soiling and slight variation in the pile height, ensuring the carpet maintains its beautiful appearance for many years of family life.