Buying Guide for the Best Sheepskin Rugs
Sheepskin rugs add warmth, softness, and a touch of natural beauty to any space. When choosing the best sheepskin rug, the key is to understand the quality, size, and style that fits your intended use—whether it’s for decoration, comfort, or even as a functional floor covering. Focus on how the rug will be used in your home and what look or feel you would like to achieve. By understanding the essential features of sheepskin rugs, you can make a choice that will stay cozy and beautiful for years.Sheepskin QualitySheepskin quality refers to the combination of how soft, thick, and long-lasting the rug is. This is usually determined by the breed of sheep, how the skin was processed (tanned), and the overall condition of the wool. Higher quality sheepskins are more plush, resilient to shedding, and maintain their look even with use. When browsing, you may notice differences in texture—thin, patchy, or coarse sheepskin often indicates lower quality. Excellent for bed throws or direct seating, premium sheepskin is a pleasure to touch. If you need a rug for decorative purposes and not much foot traffic, mid-range quality may suffice. For main living areas or frequent use, prioritize softness, fullness, and natural lanolin in the wool for lasting comfort.
Wool Pile LengthPile length is a measure of how long the wool fibers are on your sheepskin rug. Shorter piles (about 1 inch) give a neat, flatter look and are easier to clean, making them suitable for high-traffic areas or where spills might happen. Medium pile (around 2 inches) offers a good balance between plushness and manageability for homes with moderate use. Long pile (up to 3 inches or more) looks extra luxurious and feels wonderfully soft underfoot, perfect for bedrooms or accent pieces, but might require a bit more care to prevent matting and dirt accumulation. Your ideal pile length depends on whether you are looking for something practical and easy-care or indulgent and decorative.
Size and ShapeSheepskin rugs come in various shapes (single pelt, double, quad, or larger patterns) and sizes. Single-pelt rugs are smaller, perfect for draping over chairs or accenting a small space. Multi-pelt and larger rugs can cover bigger areas like a sofa, bed, or as a centerpiece on the floor. Consider where you want to place the rug: small and shaped pelts are cozy for armchairs and compact spaces, while bigger rugs work well in living rooms or as underfoot comfort beside a bed. Measure your space before buying and decide if you want the rug to stand out or subtly blend with your furnishings.
Color and DyeThe color of a sheepskin rug can be its natural cream/ivory shade, or it can be dyed to offer different tones. Natural colors tend to match most interiors and hide stains better, but dyed rugs can be a way to express personal style and match specific decor themes. Be aware that light colors can show dirt more easily, while darker or richly colored rugs might fade with prolonged sun exposure. If you have pets, kids, or place the rug in a busy area, opt for colors that minimize the appearance of stains and are easy to maintain.
Backing MaterialThe backing material is the underside of the rug—the tanned hide. A good sheepskin rug will have a soft, flexible backing that lays flat and holds its shape over time. It should not feel stiff or have an artificial smell, as that can signal poor processing or added chemicals. If you care about how the rug feels on both sides (maybe for draping or if it gets moved frequently), pay attention to how supple and natural the backing is. This also affects how well the rug stays in place and how it wears over time.
Care RequirementsSheepskin rugs need regular care to look and feel their best. Some can be spot-cleaned or gently hand-washed, while others require professional cleaning. This depends on both the tanning method and the wool's quality. If you need something low-fuss (for example, in busy households or in rooms that see a lot of activity), look for rugs labeled as ‘machine washable’ or those with specific instructions for easy at-home maintenance. For decorative or light-use placements, you might manage with occasional shaking and brushing to keep the wool fluffy and fresh.