Have you always wanted a sheepskin in your chair or on the couch? But do you simply not know which one to choose? I totally understand, because there are so many different sheepskins and each one has its own unique characteristics and appearance. Whether you are looking for a sheepskin for extra comfort and softness in your favorite chair or you want to give your couch extra warmth with a decorative fleece, no matter how you want to use it, a sheepskin will always give your interior a warm and luxurious look. But with so many different furs it can be a challenge to find the right one. Therefore, in this blog I will take you through the different types and which, in my opinion, are best for comfort in the chair or for decoration. That way you will soon have the perfect sheepskin that fits your exact needs and desires.
In this blog about the best sheepskin for your chair:
- These are the most suitable coats to sit on
- These furs are beautiful for decoration
- Sheepskin chair cushions
- Here's how to find the right format
- Maintenance of the coats
- Conclusion
1) These are the most suitable sheepskins for comfort in your chair
With the large number of different sheep breeds and sheepskin varieties, you may find it a bit difficult in your search to find the right sheepskin for your chair or sofa. Although you can use almost any sheepskin for your chair they are not all the same, for example one sheep has a thick compact wool and another sheep has beautiful graceful curls or long hairs. Would you like to have extra warmth and comfort in your chair or bin? Then you should go for one of the fleeces below. I'll also explain the unique characteristics of each species so you can make the perfect choice later. These are the best sheepskins for comfort in your chair:
1. Texel sheepskins
Texel sheepskins are known for the exceptional thickness and density of their wool. What makes these coats unique is the combination of medium-length wool with a high wool density, resulting in a coat that is both soft and firm to the touch. The fleece is often available in natural colors such as brown and white and sometimes in multicolor, making it a versatile choice for any interior. These sheepskins are ideal for those looking for a comfortable sheepskin that exudes a sense of warmth and luxury.
2. English sheepskins
English sheepskins are distinguished by their extra-thick texture, which is even fuller than that of the Texel skins. With a variation from medium to long and slightly more robust wool, these furs offer an exceptionally high level of softness and comfort. What makes these furs extra special is their availability in a variety of colors, such as brown, brown/white, beige, cream etc, making them an excellent choice for those looking not only for comfort, but also for a stylish addition to the interior. The combination of thickness, length of wool, and color variation 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 fleeces, their fine, airy wool offers a unique kind of comfort. These coats are ideal for those looking for a coat that is not only super soft to the touch, but also has a light, airy feel. Scandinavian coats are usually brown/red (fox colored) and sometimes white. If it is a Scandinavian sheepskin I have indicated this in the name with the respective skins. A Scandinavian fleece is perfect for people who want to add a subtle yet luxurious touch to their interior, where softness is key.
4. Medicated sheepskins
Medicated sheepskins are specially designed to provide extra softness and comfort for people with special needs, such as preventing bedsores or for use in a wheelchair. What makes these fleeces unique is not only the careful tanning but also that the wool is evenly shorn making it the same thickness throughout. These fleeces are ideal for those 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 flaw so they are not as tight as the A choice but you can pamper your pet with them just fine. This way you protect your seating and your dog or cat can still enjoy the higher view.
2) These furs are best for decoration over your chair or sofa
1. Icelander sheepskins
Icelandic sheepskins are particularly loved for their long, straight and soft wool, which comes in a generous range of natural colors, such as brown, white, black, as well as multi-colored variations and combinations of these shades. What makes these coats unique is their versatility: they are not only suitable for use on a chair or sofa, but also perfect as decorative elements. The long hairs of Icelandic furs give a playful and elegant look to your interior. They stand out particularly well when draped over a pouf, ottoman, or the back of your chair or sofa. The less thick wool compared to Texel or English fleeces creates an airy and refined look, contributing to a warm, soft and natural atmosphere in your interior.
2. Gotland sheepskins
Gotland sheepskins are known as the "Rolls Royce" among sheepskins. With their natural gray color and graceful curls, they are a real eye-catcher in any interior. These curls give the fleece a playful and unique look, which makes them perfect as a decorative element. Although they are less suitable for sitting on because of the structure of the curls, they look best when used as decoration over the back of a sofa or chair, or on a hocker. The subtle sheen and exclusive look of the Gotland fleece bring a luxurious feel to your interior while creating a warm, natural atmosphere.
3. Greenland sheepskins
Greenland sheepskins are similar to Gotland skins in many ways, but are distinguished by their availability in virtually all natural colors. This makes the Greenland furs particularly versatile for decorative purposes, as you can create beautiful color combinations that perfectly match your interior. Like the Gotland furs, they have a natural curl, which creates a lively and playful texture. These furs look best when used as a decorative element, such as over the back of a sofa or chair, or on a hocker. The Greenland coat adds a unique blend of natural beauty and playfulness to your space, offering countless opportunities to add a personal and stylish touch to your interior.
3) Sheepskin seat cushions for the seat
Did you know that in addition to regular sheepskin, I also have special sheepskin chair cushions? I had these chair 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 of the unique and soft Icelandic sheepskin because these skins have a luxurious, warm and soft look which fits any interior style. With a size of 40x40cm they fit perfectly on different pieces of furniture such as your dining room chairs, your sofa and (bar) stool.
What sets my sheepskin chair pads apart is the extra padding I have added for even more seating comfort. Where many other chair pads are a simple square cut out of the fleece, my chair pads have a subtle but fine filling that ensures that you always experience extra seating comfort. In addition, they are also luxuriously finished on the back.
Whether you use them to give your dining room chairs a warmer look or want to bring a luxurious feel to your interior by putting them on your bar stools, they are a uniquely warm addition to any interior. 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, sheepskin chair cushions combine comfort with style and are a great addition to any interior.
4) This is how to find the perfect size
Choosing the right size sheepskin for your chair is important to get both the comfort and the right look. For in the chair or on the couch I can recommend choosing a larger sheepskin, for example an XL or XXL coat. With these fleeces you can almost always cover the seat and the entire back. (Depending on your chair of course). A larger sheepskin stays better in place and can be draped over the top of the backrest to prevent it from slipping off.
When choosing the right size, it is important to consider the dimensions of your chair or sofa. A coat that is too small may not provide enough coverage and may not provide the desired comfort. In doing so, it is important to make sure that the sheepskin is large enough to also tuck into the back of the seat so that it stays put, this way it sits 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 how I measure sheepskins here.
5) Coat maintenance
If you want to use a sheepskin in your chair or on the couch, maintaining it is no different than normal. After a coat has been in use for a while you can pat it out or vacuum it outside occasionally.
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 damage the sheepskin irreparably.
If you sit on the sheepskin a lot, the wool on the particular seat may sag or flatten a bit after a while, this is not a big deal and a normal display. To get the fluffiness back, you can loosen the wool by running your hand through it and shaking it loose. Or to make it completely fluffy you can use a sheepskin wool comb.
6) Conslusion
Need help picking out your new sheepskin?
Would you like to get a new sheepskin but are not quite sure and would like some extra help and advice? I would be happy to help you with any questions you may have. Then you can make an informed choice and go for the sheepskin that perfectly fits your needs and wishes. You can contact me at +31(0)6 17 52 13 63 (during opening hours), send an email or come by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them.