Fading and durability: how wool carpet works with light and time

Some of the most cherished elements in our home are natural surfaces that have stood the test of time and aged beautifully – timber flooring, leather chairs, and stone walls.

Like all natural materials, wool carpet and rugs have a relationship with time and light. Over the years, they may fade, but they will continue to perform for as long as you look after them.

Bremworth mitigates wool’s fading process using specialised treatments and mindful colour selection to ensure lasting beauty.

Our warranties reflect 60 years of expertise and confidence in our product as NZ’s most trusted carpet retailer since 2014.

In this article, Sustainability Manager Tracy Chen sheds light on our approach to fading and durability, with practical advice for consumers who have questions about fading.

Pictured – Bremworth Aoraki in Daisy

Wool flooring will endure : but may fade over the years

"Wool experiences two natural colour evolutions: an initial response to sunlight that we manage through specialised treatments, and a long-term fade that can be controlled with colour choices and UV tints on windows. Neither of these changes affects the fibre's performance; it's simply part of wool's living story."– Tracey Chen, Sustainability Manager

Our wool carpet is protected by a 15-year lifetime limited warranty, that’s our promise that choosing wool is choosing a surface that endures.

Of course, there are measures you can take to protect from and limit fading:

Install UV protection on windows
Use window furnishings to protect from direct sunlight
Choose neutral colours that complement your long-term vision

But we also see fading in wool as part of its living story and not something to shy away from.

With this in mind, Tracy has some practical advice for consumers who understand the long-term performance of wool flooring, but need to choose something with minimal fading.

Neutral colours are the most enduring choice for carpet

"We are very careful about using dyes that are going to last. We don't want to work with fast fashion colours because they don't age well. Our palettes feature neutrals – that's about creating colours that won’t tire."

Tracy Chen, Sustainability Manager

Find a stunning range of cool and warm neutrals in all our collections, including:

Aoraki

Drawing inspiration from alpine landscapes, each piece features:

Textured loop pile that captures light like mountain shadows
Eight distinct, muted tones that mirror high country terrain
Construction engineered for the demands of daily life

Featured: Bremworth Aoraki in Cloud

Glenburn

Embracing coastal serenity through:

Chunky loop pile that recovers beautifully from foot traffic
Cool greys and warm beiges drawn from shoreline stones
Natural fibre structure that resists crushing while maintaining texture

Featured: Bremworth Glenburn in Stone

Be bold and dramatic with wool rugs

"People might be more drawn to dramatic colours for a rug rather than necessarily for a whole house. We provide these design options, but you can also have it in a moderated dose through our rug collections."

Tracy Chen, Sustainability Manager

Te Aroha

Honouring the geothermal spirit of the Waikato, this collection draws from the town whose name means 'love flowing inwards':

Sumptuous cut pile created through felted wool craftsmanship
Active mineral palette ranging from dramatic bronze to serene limestone
Twisted fibre construction that resists crushing in high-traffic areas

Featured – Bremworth Te Aroha in Kaimai

Galet

Our Galet collection celebrates nature's nuanced textures:

Chunky loop pile crafted with felted wool technology creates a luxuriously tactile surface
Distinctive random loop construction adds natural depth and visual intrigue
Robust 15.2mm thickness provides enduring resilience while maintaining plush comfort

Featured – Galet Runner in Sage

Bremworth’s processes are continually evolving

We’re privileged to have passionate experts like Sustainability Manager, Tracy Chen, bringing innovation and a deep knowledge of the miracle fibre we work with.

Tracy’s engineering background brings a distinctive approach to sustainability and quality assurance.

"We're developing computer vision technology to identify and quantify quality faults early in manufacturing. Wool is slightly translucent, creating incredibly complex interactions with light and texture. By catching inconsistencies faster and more efficiently throughout the process, we ensure every surface meets our standards."

Tracy Chen, Sustainability Manager

This technical perspective, combined with a commitment to environmental responsibility, drives Bremworth's innovative approach to quality and sustainability across the supply chain and manufacturing process.

Be part of a movement where design partners with nature

When you choose wool flooring, you're choosing a material that:

Ages with grace
Develops character over time
Maintains structural integrity
Reflects the enduring, evolving landscape

We invite you to explore how wool carpets and rugs can elevate your space while honouring a commitment to more sustainable options.

Visit our stores to create your own mood board with our latest collections, or meet with our design team for a free, personalised consultation.

Answering your questions about durability

Will wool carpet fade?

Ultimately – yes, over time. While we carefully engineer our dyes and treatments to ensure lasting beauty, wool's subtle evolution is part of its authentic character – much like how timber deepens or leather develops a patina.

How long will my wool carpet or rug last?

With proper care, Bremworth wool surfaces are designed to last beyond their 15-year warranty period, often serving beautifully for 25 years or more.

What happens to wool carpet at end of life?

Currently, wool carpet can be recycled into underlay, and we're researching more sustainable end-of-life solutions through our university partnerships.

Is wool carpet truly sustainable?

Wool is a renewable resource that's 100% New Zealand-grown. While our products are currently 87% natural materials, our research continues toward fully compostable solutions.