Sheepskins for your chair or sofa

Have you always wanted a sheepskin on your chair or sofa? But are you simply unable to decide which one to choose? I completely understand, because there are so many different sheepskins, and each one has its own unique characteristics and appearance. Whether you’re looking for a sheepskin to add extra comfort and softness to your favorite chair, or you want to give your sofa some extra warmth with a decorative sheepskin, no matter how you choose to use it, a sheepskin will always give your interior a warm and luxurious look. But with so many different skins to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. That’s why, in this blog, I’ll walk you through the different types and explain which ones, in my opinion, work best for comfort in a chair or as decoration. That way, you’ll soon have the perfect sheepskin that perfectly matches your wishes and needs.

In this blog about the best sheepskin for your chair:

1. These are the most suitable coats to sit on
2. These furs are beautiful for decoration
3. Sheepskin seat cushions
4. Here's how to find the right format
5. Maintenance of the coats
6. Conclusion

1) These are the most suitable sheepskins for comfort in your chair

With the vast number of different sheep breeds and sheepskin varieties, it might be a bit challenging to find the right sheepskin for your chair or sofa. Although you can use virtually any sheepskin for your chair, they aren’t all the same—for example, one sheep may have thick, compact wool, while another may have beautiful, graceful curls or long hair. Would you like some extra warmth and comfort in your chair or on the sofa? Then you’re best off choosing one of the sheepskins listed below. For each type, I’ll also explain its unique characteristics so you can make the perfect choice. These are the best sheepskins for comfort in your chair:

1. Texel sheepskins

Texel sheepskins are known for their exceptional thickness and the density of their wool. What makes these sheepskins unique is the combination of medium-length wool with high wool density, resulting in a skin that feels both soft and sturdy. The skins are often available in natural colors such as brown and white, and sometimes in multicolor, making them a versatile choice for any interior. These sheepskins are ideal for anyone looking for a comfortable sheepskin that exudes a sense of warmth and luxury.

2. English sheepskins

English sheepskins are distinguished by their extra-thick structure, which is even fuller than that of Texel sheepskins. With a range of medium to long and slightly more robust wool, these sheepskins offer an exceptionally high level of softness and comfort. What makes these skins especially unique is their availability in various colors, such as brown, brown/white, beige, cream, etc., making them an excellent choice for those seeking not only comfort but also a stylish addition to their interior. The combination of thickness, wool length, and color variety makes English sheepskins a luxurious option.

3. Scandinavian sheepskins

Scandinavian sheepskins are known for their extreme softness and fluffiness. Although they have a lower wool density compared to Texel and English sheepskins, their fine, airy wool offers a unique kind of comfort. These sheepskins are ideal for anyone looking for a sheepskin that not only feels super soft but also has a light, airy appearance. Scandinavian sheepskins are usually brown/red (fox-colored) and sometimes white. When a sheepskin is Scandinavian, I’ve indicated this in the name of the respective sheepskin. A Scandinavian sheepskin is perfect for people who want to add a subtle yet luxurious touch to their interior, with softness as the central focus.

4. Medicinal sheepskins

Medicinal sheepskins are specially designed to provide extra softness and comfort for people with special needs, such as preventing pressure sores or for use in a wheelchair. What makes these skins unique is not only the careful tanning process but also the fact that the wool is sheared evenly, ensuring consistent thickness throughout. These skins are ideal for anyone looking for a functional yet comfortable sheepskin.

You can read more about the effects and uses of medicinal sheepskins here.

Pro interior design tip for your pets

Do you have a dog or cat that likes to claim your chair or couch? And would you like to protect your chair or couch from those merciless paws and claws? Then I also have special sheepskins for dogs and cats. These often have a minor flaw, making them less taut than the A-grade ones, but they’re still perfect for pampering your pet. This way, you can protect your seating furniture while still letting your dog or cat enjoy the higher vantage point.

2) These furs are best for decoration over your chair or sofa

1. Icelandic sheepskins

Icelandic sheepskins are particularly popular because of their long, straight, and soft wool, which is available in a wide range of natural colors, such as brown, white, and black, as well as in multicolored variations and combinations of these shades. What makes these skins unique is their versatility: they’re not only suitable for use on a chair or sofa but also perfect as a decorative element. The long hairs of Icelandic sheepskins lend a playful and elegant touch to your interior. They look especially striking when draped over a pouf, footstool, or the back of your chair or sofa. The wool, which is less thick than that of Texel or English sheepskins, creates a light and refined look, contributing to a warm, soft, and natural atmosphere in your home.

2. Gotland sheepskins

Gotland sheepskins are known as the “Rolls Royce” of sheepskins. With their natural gray color and graceful curls, they are a real eye-catcher in any interior. These curls give the sheepskin a playful and unique look, making it perfect as a decorative element. Although they are less suitable for sitting on due to the structure of the curls, they look their best when used as decoration draped over the back of a sofa or chair, or on a footstool. The subtle sheen and exclusive look of Gotland fur add a touch of luxury to your interior, while also creating a warm, natural atmosphere.

3. Greenlandic sheepskins

Greenland sheepskins resemble Gotland sheepskins in many ways, but are distinguished by their availability in virtually all natural colors. This makes Greenland sheepskins particularly versatile for decorative purposes, as you can create beautiful color combinations that perfectly complement your interior. Just like Gotland sheepskins, they have a natural curl, which creates a lively and playful texture. These sheepskins look their best when used as a decorative element, for example draped over the back of a sofa or chair, or placed on a footstool. The Greenland sheepskin adds a unique blend of natural beauty and playfulness to your space, offering countless possibilities to give your interior a personal and stylish touch.

3) Sheepskin seat cushions for the seat

Did you know that in addition to regular sheepskins, I also have special sheepskin seat cushions? I had these seat cushions specially designed and developed for extra comfort and style if you don’t want to cover your entire chair or sofa with a sheepskin.

A seat cushion fits perfectly on the seat for a luxurious look and comfortable seating. These seat cushions are almost always made from unique and soft Icelandic sheepskins because these skins have a luxurious, warm, and soft appearance that suits any interior style. Measuring 40x40 cm, they fit perfectly on various types of seating, such as your dining chairs, your sofa, and (bar) stools.

What sets my sheepskin seat cushions apart is the extra padding I had added for even greater seating comfort. And whereas many other chair pads are simply square cutouts from the fleece, my seat cushions feature a subtle yet comfortable padding that ensures you always experience extra seating comfort. In addition, they also have a luxurious finish on the back.

Whether you use them to give your dining room chairs a cozier look or want to add a touch of luxury to your interior by placing them on your bar stools, they’re a unique, warm addition to any home. And if you love the outdoors, they can even be used on your patio or balcony, as long as the weather is dry. In short, the sheepskin seat cushions combine comfort with style and are a wonderful addition to any interior.

4) This is how to find the perfect size

Choosing the right size sheepskin for your chair is important for both comfort and the right look. For a chair or sofa, I recommend choosing a larger sheepskin, such as an XL or XXL size. With these sheepskins, you can almost always cover the seat and the entire backrest. (This depends a bit on your chair, of course.) A larger sheepskin stays in place better, and you can drape it slightly over the top of the backrest, preventing the sheepskin from slipping off easily.

When choosing the right size, it’s important to consider the dimensions of your chair or sofa. A pelt that’s too small may not provide sufficient coverage and might not offer the desired comfort. It’s also important to make sure the sheepskin is large enough to tuck into the back of the seat so it stays in place, ensuring it fits nicely in the chair.

A handy and easy tip for sizing is to place a large towel over your chair or sofa the way you would like the fur to be placed. Then measure the towel to get an idea of the size of the fur needed.

Read here how I measure the sheepskins.

5) Coat maintenance

If you want to use a sheepskin on your chair or sofa, caring for it is no different than usual. After using a sheepskin for a while, you can occasionally beat it out outdoors or vacuum it.

With liquids, it is important (and best) to put them on immediately. This way, the liquid cannot soak into the wool and leather.

In addition, it is important not to put them in the washing machine or dryer. This can irreparably damage the sheepskin.

If you sit on the sheepskin a lot, the wool in that spot may sag or flatten a bit over time; this is not a problem and is perfectly normal. To restore the fluffiness, you can loosen the wool by running your hand through it and shaking it out. Or, to make it completely fluffy, you can use a sheepskin wool comb.

You can read more about keeping your sheepskin in top condition in my blog post on how to care for your sheepskin.

6) Conslusion

Looking for the right fur for your chair or sofa? Browse all sheepskins and choose your size: small and medium fit well on a chair, while large and XL fit over a sofa.

Do you need help choosing your new sheepskin?

Would you like a new sheepskin but are having trouble deciding, and would you like some extra help and advice? I’d be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. That way, you can make an informed choice and select the sheepskin that perfectly suits your wishes and needs. You can contact me at +31 6 17521363 (during business hours), send an email, or stop by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them for yourself.