Looking for a Wool Rug? Think Again

Published July 10, 2025 by Scott Miller.

Did you know a wool rug is deadly? But good news—the vegan rug trend is rolling out in a big way. You can find countless beautiful, cozy area rugs that aren’t made from any animal’s fleece or skin—online or at a store in your area.

Every sheep is someone, not an object to exploit for their wool. In the wool industry, shearers are usually paid by volume, not by the hour, which encourages fast work without any regard for sheep. This hasty and careless shearing leads to frequent injuries, and workers use a needle and thread to sew the worst wounds shut—without any pain relief. Strips of skin—and even teats, tails, and ears—are often cut or ripped off during shearing.

PETA’s exposés of over 150 wool industry operations from Australia to England and Argentina to the U.S. have revealed systemic abuse of sheep, including on “responsible” and “local” farms. In 2025, PETA became the first to expose pervasive violence at more than 30 wool operations in New Zealand, a global producer of wool for companies like IKEA. Video revealed shearers beating, kicking, and throwing petrified sheep down chutes and slamming them into floors. Don’t be misled by companies labeling wool as “certified,” “sustainable,” or “ethically sourced”—where animals are exploited, cruelty is inevitable.

From cotton and recycled fibers to innovative vegan textiles emerging every day, there’s a perfect wool-free rug to suit every style and space.

Ettitude just launched its Luxe CleanBamboo PLNTwool rugs, produced in Peru using ettitude’s patented sustainable materials. Durable and easy to clean, these rugs add elegance to any space.

The Safavieh Rag Rug, like so many rugs made from cotton, is washable and inexpensive.

The Nomadic State of Mind rope rugs are made with scraps from the eco-conscious brand’s other products.

The Bloom Rugs Caria is made from high-quality stain-resistant and spill-resistant polyester fibers.

This stunning Horseshoes Flatweave Outdoor Rug is good for your patio and good for the planet; it’s made of recycled plastic bottles.

The Lux Moss rug is available in different colors and made from 100% vegan banana silk.

Merlot Jute from Loomy is crafted from sustainably harvested jute.

The Massimo Copenhagen Hemp Collection rugs are hand-woven with Italian hemp yarn.

Massimo Copenhagen rug with kitchen tables and chairs

Rugs can be made from bamboo, like this luxurious modern geometric design available at The Rug Decor.

This hand-woven, flat weave kilim cotton rug available from the Natural Rug Co. is crafted in India.

If you’re looking to cover a lot of floor, this 10’ x 10’ rug from the Theia collection is made from 100% synthetic polypropylene.

The wool industry harms the environment at every stage, contributing to climate change, land degradation, and water pollution. Raising sheep for their skin increases methane emissions, erodes soil, contaminates waterways, and relies on toxic chemicals.

The Boucle Sisal rug—available in many colors—is made from the African sisal plant.

The Rush House Original rug is constructed from hand-pulled seagrass.

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is a species of banana. This durable abaca rug is available from Williams Sonoma.

The Strauss washable rug is made from recycled denim.

Always choose vegan. Cruelty to sheep is rampant in the wool industry, regardless of company claims. Help sheep now by refusing to buy wool. It’s simple: check the label when you shop. If it says “wool,” leave it on the shelf.

TAKE ACTION!

learn more about wool

As an Amazon Associate, PETA earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy something after clicking the Amazon links on this page, a percentage of the qualifying purchase will be donated to PETA and help us protect more animals from exploitation.