How I measure the skins and furs

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When decorating your interior it is of course nice if the size of your new cowhide, sheepskin or one of the other unique furs from the collection is correct. A hide or fur that is not the right size or even no size at all makes decorating a lot more difficult. In this blog I explain why I measure each of my skins and furs separately and how I do that so you can find the perfect match for your interior. This way you can immediately give your new acquisition a place of its own.

In this blog about how I measure hides and furs:

Why I measure all hides and furs separately

When looking for a new cowhide, sheepskin, mini cow or other natural decoration, besides color and price it is of course also important that it fits perfectly in the place where you want to use it. Because nothing is more unfortunate than when you get your order home and it turns out to be either too big or too small. Bummer!

If you have been browsing around on my webshop, you may have noticed that I photograph almost all of our skins and furs separately (unless otherwise indicated). I do this to give you the best possible picture of the particular specimen. And because you naturally want your new cow or sheep to fit perfectly at home, I also measure them when I photograph them.

When measuring I always measure from neck to butt (length), in a straight line and from hind leg to hind leg (width) (L x W), ditto in a straight line. This way you always have a good length x width measurement so you can already measure out at home if the one you want will fit.

Example:
I just picked up a new shipment of cowhides. When measuring, I measure from neck to ass á 202cm and from hind leg to hind leg (this is usually the widest point in cattle) I measure 197cm then I round the numbers up or down so 202cm becomes 200cm and 197cm becomes 195cm. The final size is then 200x195cm. I always round to 0 or 5 because this gives a better picture and entering everything to the exact cm is simply not workable.

If the skin or fur has a tail, I mention the total size including tail and in the product description the size with and without tail. For example 120x80cm (of which 20cm tail).

Measuring animal skins

How I measure cow skins, calf skins, goat skins and rabbit skins

Different skins and furs are fairly similar such as cow skins, calf skins, goat skins and rabbit skins. Therefore, I can measure all of these in the same way. With these skins, I always measure from neck to butt (length) and from hind leg to hind leg (width). These are almost always the longest and widest points.

Measuring cowhides Measuring of calfskins

How I measure the sheepskins

Sheepskins I measure the same way as our cowhides etc. however, sheepskins almost always have longer hairs/wool, somewhat depending on the breed of sheep. Think of the Icelandic sheepskins. I also measure this wool / hair. It is always a total size because the skins and fleeces I sell are mostly used for interior decoration and you can better check at home if the desired sheepskin fits the place where you want to use it.

Measuring sheepskin long hair

How I measure the cowhide cushions

The cowhide cushions are specially made by the tannery. The most used sizes for interior purposes are 40x40cm and 50x50cm. The size here is always measured from seam to seam (so without filling). The size of a pillow will be different depending on the filling you put in it. If you want a very thick stuffed cushion, it will be more convex so that if you measure it after filling, it will be smaller which is a logical consequence of the filling. We have cowhide pillows with and without filling.

The size of sheepskin chair cushions

I have the sheepskin chair cushions, just like the cow cushions, specially made by the tannery. Because you always use the sheepskin chair cushions on the seat of the chair (on the sofa or bar stool is also possible) they have a standard size of 40x40cm without the hairs / wool. The hairs / wool fall (depending on the length) over the edge of your chair for an extra playful and atmospheric effect.

Sheepskin chair cushions in room

How I especially don't measure (oblique / diagonal)

Perhaps you have come across it here and there, the so-called "oblique" or "diagonal" measurement method. I myself am not a fan of this method, because if you measure diagonally, the skin / coat will always be larger than if you measure in a straight line, from neck to butt. Simple as that.

Do not measure diagonally or diagonally

Measure carefully at home before ordering

Have you found a nice skin or coat? Then before you order, look and measure carefully to see if it will fit your desired spot. For example, put down some A4 sheets or markers on the ends so that you have a rough estimate of the size on your floor. By measuring at home you will know immediately whether the desired skin or fur will fit on the spot where you would like to use it. This way you avoid disappointment and because you have measured everything well you can enjoy your new purchase immediately after receiving it.

Conclusion

When picking out your new animal skin, it is of course nice if it fits perfectly in your desired spot. That's why I measure each one separately so you can make the best choice. The measuring method used ensures that you always get a good picture and get exactly what you ordered at home. I always recommend measuring your desired space/place at home in advance and possibly using some A4 sheets or markers to roughly lay out the extremities before you actually place the order. With the beautiful collection I have, not will never be disappointed but it would be a shame if you find your desired one doesn't fit properly in the spot you had envisioned. This way you can be sure that the skin or coat will fit seamlessly with your expectations and interior. Remember, a well-measured space is the key to a perfectly decorated home!

Need help with your choice?

Not quite sure which size to go for yet or do you still have questions and would like additional help and advice? Then I will be happy to help you with any questions you may have. So you can make an informed choice and go for the skin or coat that perfectly fits your needs and wishes. You can contact me at +31(0)6 17 52 13 63 (during opening hours), send an e-mail or come by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them.