The Awesomeness of a Real Sheepskin Rug
If you’ve ever been searching for cozy decor online, you’ve probably seen quite a few sheepskin rugs in almost every picture.
That’s because sheepskin is one of the softest, warmest materials available that is a natural addition to cozy up any room.
Sheepskin rugs add dimension to floors and furniture, softening them to look more inviting, but it’s not all for looks.
Once you walk on a real sheepskin rug, you will instantly understand why they are so popular.
See Also: Best Faux Sheepskin Rugs + Frequently Asked Questions
Real sheepskin also has therapeutic effects.
Medical sheepskin is used to prevent bedsores and helps with discomfort and muscle fatigue when sitting for prolonged amounts of time.
People who use wheelchairs will often have a sheepskin to sit on.
Sheepskins are very pleasant to sit, lay, or stand on. They also go with almost any decor. They can be rustic or elegant.
Sheepskins come in different varieties, depending on the type of sheep.
There are various hair lengths, textures, and colors.
Add a sheepskin to any floor or use it as a throw on a chair, it’s a guarantee for added coziness.
The leather backing is not only a natural grip on hard floors and furniture but also adds more cushion.
Synthetic sheepskin rugs and other kinds of rugs often need a rug matt to keep them in place, but real sheepskin is ready to go right out of the box.
Note: Scroll left/right on small screens to view all products in the table.
The Best Real Sheepskin Rugs
Super Area Rugs New Zealand Sheepskin Rug
New Zealand sheep are a common source for sheepskin rugs.
Super Area Rugs guarantees their rugs are a by-product of the meat industry, and no sheep will ever be killed only for one of their rugs.
They have been making these rugs for over 100 years and boast their rugs are high quality and carefully sanitized.
Most genuine sheepskin rugs are sold by single pelt size, the exact measurements can vary, but they are usually around 2 feet by 3 feet.
The length of this wool is 2 1/2 inches, which is a lot of softness for your feet or body.
See Also: Best Flokati Rugs (And How To Care For Them)
The puffy thick wool is perfect for use on chairs and beds because of its durability and ability to hold its shape even after being sat or laid on.
There are multiple color options for different tastes and styles.
This type of sheep is one of the most common and also the most affordable.
If you want an affordable sheepskin rug or throw for your living space, then you can’t go wrong with the Super Area Rugs New Zealand Sheepskin Rug.
What I Like:
- Great Basic Option
- By Product Of Meat Industry
- Thick Wool For Using On Chairs & Beds
- Multiple Color Options
World of Leather Icelandic Sheepskin Rug
Icelandic sheep are a rare breed that has long silky fur. These rugs have wool hairs up to 7 inches long.
You’re not going to find a sheepskin with longer hair anywhere else. The hair falls over the leather, making the rug look like a fluffy, soft cloud.
This genuine sheepskin rug is fantastic to sit or stand on, but I have to spend a little extra time talking about how cozy it looks draped over a chair or on a window sill.
The long fluffy hair is one of a kind and a beautiful addition anywhere.
See Also: Best Giant Cozy Chunky Knit Blanket
World of leather specializes in leather products and takes extra care in making sure you receive the proper size.
They also tan the pelts the right way, so the wool keeps its natural properties and is safe to use.
The pelts come in a natural shape but you can choose from sizes that are from 40 inches long to 48 inches long. There are also black options available.
The World of Leather Icelandic Sheepskin Rug is one of the only sheepskin from Icelandic Sheep that you will find.
It’s great for all sheepskin uses but even better for hanging on walls or draped over furniture to show off the beautiful wool.
What I Like
- Long Wool Fibers
- Come From Icelandic Sheep
- White or Black Options
- Multiple Length Options
Aegis Cover Australian Sheepskin Rug
Australian sheep are a lot like New Zealand sheep, they’re both extraordinarily fluffy but the wool length is only up to 2 1/2 inches.
Their sheepskin is excellent for sitting on because of its density and durability.
So what makes this rug one of the premium options?
Aegis cover is a company that has been making luxury seat covers and home decor since 2005. They are a big name in leather products and know what they’re doing.
See Also: Best Freestanding Electric “Fake” Fireplace Heaters
What’s cool about this company is the rugs ship from Southern California, and they guarantee the size of the rug you receive will be 2 feet by 3 1/2 feet, or they will refund you.
A company that guarantees their pelt sizes at this price point is a rare find in the sheepskin world.
The Aegis Cover Australian Sheepskin Rug is another fantastic choice for sitting or laying on because of the dense wool that will help reduce fatigue and bedsores.
It looks great as a decoration and makes an incredible rug.
What I Like
- Dense Wool
- Medium Length Hair
- Size Guaranteed
Seek4comfortable Tibetan Mongolian Sheepskin Rug
Mongolian sheep are special because of their long curly fur that is ultra-soft.
When you step on a rug like this, you feel the incredible soft bounce under your feet.
There are very few sheep that have these unique curls, and you won’t see many sheepskins like this anywhere else.
See Also: 10 Unique Cozy Mugs That Will Warm & Brighten All Year Long
The size of this sheepskin pelt is the standard 2 feet by 3 1/2 feet with a wool length of around 2 1/2 inches.
Seek4comfortable sells this specific style in 5 different colors, and this many options can be a rare find.
It’s not just for walking on either. Becuase of the unique curly wool this is a great sheepskin for putting on furniture for show or even hanging up on a wall.
The Seek4comfortable Tibetan Mongolian Sheepskin Rug are beautiful quality and a special style you won’t see from the other more common sheep breeds.
What I Like
- Unique Curly Wool
- Genuine Tibetan
- Multiple Color Options
WaySoft Genuine New Zealand Sheepskin Rug
The WaySoft real sheepskin rugs are made with soft New Zealand sheep pelts.
Each pelt is sanitized and carefully tanned with non-harmful products. That means they are hypo-allergenic and non-toxic.
The wool fibers are around 2 inches long and the single pelt size is the classic 3 feet long and around 2 feet wide.
You can also get double and even quadruple rugs that are 7 feet long and 6 feet wide to use as an area rug or a fancy bed cover.
See Also: The Easiest Way To Keep Your Home From Losing Expensive Heat
The back is genuine leather that doesn’t slip on the floor or off of furniture.
There are multiple color options as well.
The WaySoft Genuine New Zealand Sheepskin Rug is another fantastic option for a good sturdy real sheepskin rug.
The extra large size options may fit your needs more than a single pelt size and each pelt is guaranteed to be made with a whole sheepskin and not pieced together.
What I Like
- Double & Quad Pelt Options
- Multiple Color Options
- Non-Toxic
- Sanitized Pelts
Desert Breeze New Zealand Lambskin Rug
Real sheepskins are popular to use as play mats for babies.
The natural benefits of wool and softness make real sheepskin rugs a natural choice for children.
One common problem is the long wool hairs do shed a little at first and they can get caught in a baby’s feet and hands. They are also harder to clean things out of.
The Desert Breeze New Zealand lambskin rug is a sheered sheepskin with wool hairs that are only 1 inch long.
The softness and natural cooling wool properties are still there, but there’s less hair to worry about.
See Also: Best Home Night Light Aurora and Star Projectors
Each pelt is tanned with non-toxic products that are safe for children and babies.
The rugs do vary in size because they are natural products but only the longest are chosen for this kind of rug.
That means you will get a rug with a length between 37 and 38 inches.
The Desert Breeze New Zealand Lambskin Rug are machine washable and perfect for not only babies and children but adults as well.
They make excellent seat cushions and are easier to clean than traditional long haired sheepskin rugs.
What I Like
- Easy To Clean
- Non-Toxic
- Extra Long Pelts
- Only Use High Quality Sheepskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Sheepskin Rugs
How to wash a real sheepskin rug
Sheepskin is a natural product that has self-cleaning properties and doesn’t need to be cleaned as often as rugs made from other materials.
For the most part, they only need to be taken outside and shaken to remove any dirt then brushed with a wool brush like this one (click to view on Amazon) to fluff it up again.
They do need a good wash occasionally. Most manufacturers of sheepskin recommend dry cleaning, but it is possible to wash them at home.
Be sure to use wool soap like Kookaburra Wash (click to view on Amazon), which is mild and hypoallergenic.
Wash either by hand in cold water or use the washing machine’s gentle cycle. Once washed, be sure to air dry away from direct sunlight.
For maximum fluffiness brush once while damp and again once dry.
Stretch the rug a few times while drying as well to help it go back to its original shape.
How to maintain a real sheepskin rug
Regularly shaking out and brushing your rug is going to keep it looking new for years to come.
You can also vacuum it but do not use the rotating part, only use the nozzle to pick up any dirt, then brush.
How to store a real sheepskin rug
Never store your rug in a sealed bag that will trap moisture. Real animal fur needs to be able to breathe.
For best storage, keep your rug in a cool area with proper ventilation.
Remember to never leave it in direct sunlight or in areas that get a lot of heat as it can dry the leather and make the rug stiff.
Why is my real sheepskin yellow?
Sheepskin is a natural product that comes from sheep. Like anything in nature, no two sheep are precisely alike.
They can vary slightly in color as well as size. Most sheep are somewhat yellow to begin with, and some will have more color than others.
Another reason sheepskin can be yellow is age. Much like paper, the sunlight will slowly age it, and it will yellow and revert to its natural colors over time.
Why does my real sheepskin rug smell?
A lot of clothing made from animal hair or pelts will have a slight smell to them at first.
To tan the hide, it must go through a chemical process that can leave a mild chemical odor.
Not to worry, this odor usually disappears after a few days. You can also give it a good airing out to speed up the process.
Are real sheepskin rugs cruel?
It depends on how you look at it.
It is different from wool products because the sheep did die, but most of the time, the skins are by-products of the meat industry.
Sheep are seldom killed just for their skins. If anything, it’s an excellent way to stop the pelt from going to waste.
Can real sheepskin be washed?
Yes, it can. If you scroll up, I have detailed instructions on how you can wash and care for a real sheepskin rug.
Can real sheepskin be dry cleaned?
Yes, it is recommended by most suppliers and manufacturers to dry clean your rugs instead of washing them.
Are real sheepskin rugs safe for babies?
Sheepskins are treated with chemicals to tan and disinfect them.
Some of these chemicals can be harsh, and some poorly processed pelts sometimes irritate the skin after prolonged contact.
The good news is they sell what is called “medical sheepskin” that is carefully treated so it can be in contact with skin safely. It is mostly used for bedridden patients to stop bedsores.
If you want a sheepskin for your baby to sleep on, buy medical sheepskin, and it will be safe for a baby.
Do real sheepskin rugs shed?
Typically there will be small amounts of shedding, but it shouldn’t be very much.
A well-processed rug that is taken care of should have minimal shedding.
How are real sheepskin rugs made?
Sheepskin rugs are the actual skins of sheep that have the wool left on them.
That’s why they come in unusual shapes and can vary in size.
How do I soften a real sheepskin?
If you washed your sheepskin rug in hot water, dried it in the dryer, or left it out in direct sunlight, you may be left with a rug that is stiff as a board.
There are some chemicals out there that can help to re-soften the dried leather, but the most helpful thing you can do is work out the stiffness.
Use your hands to bend it every way, rub it on the corner of a table or counter, scrunch it up. Bend every single part of the leather until it softens up.
Have any more questions about real sheepskin rugs? Leave a comment below.
){kind=link}