Summary: I chose Lorena Canals while shopping for a new rug for my daughter’s nursery, and it instantly felt like the right decision. Their wool rugs are beautiful, nontoxic, and thoughtfully made, bringing a soft, calming feel to the space while aligning with our values around sustainability and safety.

What I love:

  • I love how this rug looks and feels — it instantly warmed up the room, and the soft, neutral tones work perfectly in a space that’s pulling triple duty.
  • Lorena Canals’ wool rugs are made with RWS-certified wool and non-toxic dyes, so I don’t have to stress about weird chemicals or off-gassing.
  • Knowing it was handcrafted by artisans makes it feel extra special, like a piece meant to last and be passed down, not just something trendy.
  • The setup was easy. It came in a large box, had zero smell, and even included an anti-slip pad and a canvas storage bag. It honestly felt like unwrapping a gift.

Things to keep in mind: 

  • Wool rugs shed! This doesn’t bother me (just means extra vacuuming), but I didn’t realize wool rugs aren’t recommended for babies under three because of the shedding, so we moved it out of the nursery for now.
  • Lorena Canals rugs are an investment and rightly so. Unlike mass-produced rugs, the prices reflect the artisanship and quality of materials used.

I’ve always been a bit of a rug fanatic — there’s something about their textures and patterns that instantly makes a house feel like home. Over the years, I’ve collected several, mostly thrifted finds or pieces from my travels, each with its own story. My living room has bold, colorful rugs hanging on the walls, and my bedroom features a soft, worn-in vintage piece that feels like an invitation to kick off your shoes.

“It wasn’t just about how it looked but about creating a safe and nurturing space from the ground up.”

But when it came to choosing a rug for my daughter’s nursery, I knew I needed something different — something calmer and more gentle. It wasn’t just about how it looked but about creating a safe and nurturing space from the ground up.

For the nursery, I wanted a soft and subtle rug that would add warmth without overpowering the room’s peaceful vibe. And since this would be a place for crawling, playing, and napping, I needed a rug made from nontoxic materials I could trust. That meant paying close attention to the fibers, dyes, and how it was made. Enter Lorena Canals, a  Spanish textile brand that perfectly balances style and sustainability with ease. 

About Lorena Canals

Lorena Canals is a Spanish brand with 25 years of experience, started by designer and artist Lorena Canals in her garage. The idea was simple but new: washable rugs that are both beautiful and practical. Since then, the company has grown into a global brand based in Barcelona, with a factory in India where over 200 artisans carefully make each rug by hand.

“The company has grown into a global brand based in Barcelona, with a factory in India where over 200 artisans carefully make each rug by hand.”

The brand focuses on ethical production and caring for the environment. Their rugs and textiles use natural fibers like cotton and wool, dyed with safe, non-toxic colors, making them safe for families and the planet. Lorena Canals also supports social projects, like the Sakûla Project, a nursery school in India that helps street children with education and meals.

Today, Lorena Canals offers a well-chosen collection of washable rugs and textiles perfect for nurseries, playrooms, or any cozy space. Their rugs range from soft, handwoven cotton with simple, timeless designs to fun patterns that add personality without sacrificing safety. They ship to over 70 countries, making it easy to bring their blend of quality, style, and eco-friendly values into homes worldwide.

Why choose a washable wool rug?

Wool rugs bring quiet magic to a room, blending beauty with thoughtful practicality. One of the things I love most is how lightweight and flexible they are, making them surprisingly easy to wash without losing their softness or shape (more on the washing below!). Their natural fibers are incredibly durable, promising a rug that will stand the test of time, quietly aging with grace. And beyond that, wool is a wonderfully sustainable choice — biodegradable and naturally renewable, it’s a material that cares for the earth as much as your home.

“Their natural fibers are incredibly durable, promising a rug that will stand the test of time, quietly aging with grace.”

There’s also something comforting about wool’s natural ability to regulate temperature, keeping your space warm and cozy in winter, yet cool and fresh when the seasons shift. Its moisture-wicking qualities help maintain a dry, breathable surface, which adds a subtle layer of comfort. That kind of thoughtful versatility feels especially important in a space like a nursery, where softness and safety go hand in hand.

Receiving the wool area rug

But what rug did I choose? I found myself most drawn to the beige wool area rug ($459+) for its natural colors and soft texture. Since our daughter’s room is pulling triple duty as a nursery, office, and guest room, I wanted to keep the look neutral and inviting. Honestly, I’m just not much of a “nursery decor” person, so I was after something soft and earthy — no bold patterns, just calm, soothing tones. 

The rug arrived in a large cardboard box with zero chemical smell (a huge win).  It also included a canvas tote bag for storage and an anti-slip pad — thank goodness, because I definitely would have forgotten to get one, and now I have total peace of mind knowing it won’t slip around on our hardwood floors.

A large, sealed brown cardboard box with white tape sits on a concrete driveway in front of a closed garage door.
A beige Lorena Canals wool rug partially wrapped in plastic is shown inside an open cardboard box, with product tags and care labels visible.
The rug arrived in a cardboard box and had no strange chemical smell at all; the brand also thoughtfully incuded a no-slip pad!

Speaking of, I was so excited to see the rug I had to remind myself to vacuum and mop the floors before laying it down! It felt so luxurious, and I wanted to ensure my space was clean from dog hair and dust before laying it out for the first time.

As for handling the rug, while it’s not overly bulky or heavy, having a second set of hands makes things easier, especially with larger sizes. I chose the 6’7″ by 9’10” and, being very pregnant at the time, I enlisted my husband’s help to unfold it and slide it under the furniture — a very different experience from rolling out a lightweight Kilim or jute rug. But the effort was worth it; it instantly anchored the room with warmth and softness. I was and am still smitten.

A beige recliner with a pillow and children's book beside a wooden crib with a light blanket draped over the railing, and a potted plant in the corner, all on a neutral rug.
A wooden crib with a light blanket draped over the side sits next to a green plant and a gray armchair in a softly lit nursery. A framed photo hangs on the wall above.
With larger size rugs like ours, I recommend having a second set of hands to make the set up as smooth and painless as possible.

Lorena Canals’ sustainability certifications

What I love most about this rug is that it’s crafted from RWS-certified wool — the Responsible Wool Standard guarantees the welfare of the sheep and the sustainability of the land they graze. But it doesn’t stop there. Each rug is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans at Lorena Canals’ workshop, using non-toxic dyes and materials that are safe for both our health and the environment. This thoughtful, artisanal process means every piece is genuinely one of a kind — a detail that makes it feel even more special in our daughter’s nursery.

“It’s crafted from RWS-certified wool — the Responsible Wool Standard guarantees the welfare of the sheep and the sustainability of the land they graze.”

I’ve admired Lorena Canals for years, and they truly live up to the praise (and yes, the price tag). These rugs are investment pieces, but ones I wholeheartedly believe are worth it. It’s not just about the sustainable, nontoxic materials — it’s about supporting a brand committed to quality craftsmanship and a meaningful mission. Rather than churning out mass-produced rugs, Lorena Canals creates heirloom-quality textiles with care and purpose, making each rug a lasting treasure for your home.

A close-up of a wool rug with fringed edges, a care label, and a fabric tag featuring a sheep illustration and the text "WOOLABLE by Lorena Canals.
A beige textured rug with fringe on wooden floor, partially illuminated by sunlight and shadow.
The RWS certification guarantees that the wool used to make this rug came from happy, well-cared for sheep, and the high quality is a testament to the skill of the artisans that create these beautiful pieces in the Lorena Canals workshops.

Is the rug really washable?

It’s almost unbelievable that a rug this beautiful could also be washable — but according to the brand, their patent-registered WOOLABLE® technology makes it possible. In fact, Lorena Canals created the world’s first washable wool rug.

That said, I haven’t washed mine yet, primarily because of its size. The brand recommends professional cleaning for rugs larger than 6 feet, so I’ll likely stick to spot cleaning and plan on taking it to the pros every few years.

Final thoughts: My 60-day review

It’s been two months since the rug arrived, and honestly, it’s quickly become one of my favorite pieces in the whole house. After discovering Lorena Canals, it feels hard to imagine buying rugs anywhere else — it’s truly a showstopper, and I love how soft and comforting it feels underfoot. Does it shed? Yes, a bit — but a quick vacuum keeps that in check. To me, the plush weave and luxurious pile are totally worth it.

“It’s been two months since the rug arrived, and honestly, it’s quickly become one of my favorite pieces in the whole house.”

I hadn’t realized before choosing this rug that Lorena Canals doesn’t recommend their wool rugs for babies (oops!), since the shedding can sometimes irritate little ones’ sensitive skin. They note on the website that “Our Woolable rugs are recommended for children over 3 years old, as shedding can cause discomfort for babies and toddlers playing on the floor.” We’ve since moved the rug into our bedroom, which feels like a happy compromise.

Our daughter will be sleeping in a bassinet here for the first few months before we transition her to the nursery, so I’m grateful to have a nontoxic, off-gassing–free rug right where we need it most. Once she’s a bit older, we’ll bring it back to her room. Hopefully, by then, we will have a bigger home, and she’ll have her own special space filled with books and little treasures. Though with this economy, who knows what the future holds!

Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.