Real Sheepskin Rugs, One Hide at a Time

Choosing and caring for a sheepskin rug

Where each hide comes from

Icelandic hides are long haired and airy, falling in loose locks that suit a chair back or a bench. New Zealand hides are denser and more even, which makes them the easier choice underfoot. Mongolian hides carry tight curls and stay light enough to drape. Gotland and UK hides sit between the two, with a grey cast no dye reproduces convincingly.

Where to put one

Over a dining chair, a single pelt softens a hard frame without hiding it. Beside a bed it gives you somewhere warm to stand. Across a sofa arm or a bench, a double or multi pelt reads more as a throw than a rug. On an open floor, a denser short haired hide keeps its shape best under traffic.

Keeping it looking right

Shake a sheepskin out rather than flattening the pile with a vacuum, and brush the hair through to lift it again. Keep it out of long hours of direct sun, which lightens natural color. Spot clean rather than soaking, and dry it flat and away from heat.