A sheepskin is much more than just beautiful. It’s a genuine, functional natural product that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Below, I’ll explain why a sheepskin is so special, how to use it, and what to look for.
Why choose a sheepskin?
- Natural insulation: wool adapts to your body temperature—nice and warm in the winter, pleasantly cool in the summer.
- Unique & full of character: no two skins are alike, so you’re always choosing a 100% unique piece.
- Versatile uses: ideal as a rug, draped over a chair or sofa, in the home office, or even in your car or RV.
- Timeless elegance: fits into any interior style, from sleek and modern to rustic and country.
- Extra comfort for your pet: dogs and cats love them and will lounge on them for hours.
How do you use a sheepskin?
A sheepskin is one of the most versatile home accessories available. Here are a few favorite ways to use it:
- On the floor: as a cozy rug in the living room or next to your bed, so you never step on a cold floor.
- Over your furniture: on the couch, in an armchair, or on a dining chair for extra softness and seating comfort.
- In a garden chair: perfect for a lounge set on dry days.
- In your car or RV: as soft, warm upholstery for your car or RV seat.
- For your pet: as a soft spot to rest in their bed or on the couch; be sure to check out the sheepskins for dogs and cats as well.
- For medical purposes: choose a medicinal sheepskin.
Looking for more ideas? In the blog post on how to incorporate a sheepskin into your interior, I’ll show you the possibilities for each room.
Texel, Icelandic, and more: choose your wool type
Sheepskins vary considerably by breed and wool type, and it’s precisely that choice that determines their look:
- Texel sheepskins come from the Texel sheep, a well-known Dutch breed with beautiful, thick wool. This is the classic sheepskin you probably picture: soft, natural, and versatile.
- Icelandic sheepskins feature extra-long wool, creating a playful, full, and luxurious look.
- Prefer something a bit shorter or somewhere in between? Then choose long-haired, medium-length, short, or curly wool. Medium-length wool is practical and decorative; short wool is more compact and is often used for functional or medical purposes; and curly wool is a beautiful, playful choice for decoration.
Not sure which type is right for you? Read our blog to discover the different types of sheepskins.
Choose your color
All my sheepskins have their own natural color; I do not sell dyed skins. From classic to unique, you’ll find, among other things:
Need some inspiration?
I regularly receive the coolest sheepskin inspiration photos from customers. Looking for ideas for your home or office? Get inspired in the inspiration room.
Do you have a four-legged friend or a little tiger at home? Then chances are you’ll have to share the sheepskin. Dogs and cats absolutely love a nice, soft sheepskin —whether as a bed, a throw, or just their favorite spot on the couch. Just try getting them off it!
What do you pay attention to when buying a sheepskin?
Some practical tips to choose your ideal fleece:
- Uniquely photographed? They certainly are here. You’ll always receive the exact skin shown in the photo.
- Real or fake? I sell only 100% genuine sheepskins—no synthetic imitations.
- Color & wool type: from white to black, from long-haired to curly—choose what suits your interior.
- Size: view the sizes by category, from S, M, and L to (X)XL.
- Softness and scent: all my sheepskins are supple and have a neutral scent thanks to careful tanning (more on that below).
- Symmetry: a beautifully and evenly cut sheepskin looks just that much more stylish.
Want to learn more? Then read my 11 tips for buying a sheepskin.
Uniquely tanned: silky soft and with a neutral scent
This is where I really make a difference. My sheepskins are tanned using a special process that prioritizes softness, scent, and durability. Thanks to multiple brushings and careful treatment of the wool and leather, they feel silky soft and retain their natural luster.
A distinctive feature of my sheepskins is their pleasant, neutral scent. I noticed that many sheepskins on the market have a typical farmyard smell—something that’s common with cheaper skins that undergo only a limited tanning process. Put one of those skins in your home, and you’ll soon smell it throughout the entire room. Not exactly what you want. That’s why, together with my tanneries, I took a close look at the entire tanning process, and with a few targeted adjustments, we’ve managed to give our sheepskins a subtle, neutral scent. This way, you can immediately find a spot for your new sheepskin in your home and start enjoying it right away.
Sustainably tanned
All my sheepskins are sustainably tanned. They are tanned in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a tanning process that uses no harmful substances. To be honest: the sheepskins do not officially carry the Oeko-Tex label, but they do meet that standard. This means you can bring a natural product into your home with complete peace of mind.
Need help choosing?
You’ll receive the exact skin shown in the photo, you have a 30-day return window, and for orders over €100, I offer free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive it within 1–2 business days. Delivery to other countries may take a little longer, but barring any delays, your order will typically arrive at your home within a maximum of 7 business days. It’s no wonder our customers rate us a 9.7.
Not sure which sheepskin matches your interior, or do you have a specific request regarding color, wool type, or size? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. Together, we’ll make sure you end up with the perfect sheepskin for your home.
Why I started Leatheroverstock: a byproduct given a second life
To be honest, this is the very reason I started Leatheroverstock in the first place. A sheepskin is, after all, a byproduct of the meat industry. The remaining skins were often simply thrown away—a terrible waste, because it’s a beautiful natural product. By having them tanned, they get a second life, and nothing goes to waste. So every sheepskin you find here isn’t just beautiful and soft, but also a piece of nature that would otherwise be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the sheepskins real or fake?
All my sheepskins are 100% genuine. I do not offer synthetic or imitation skins. So you always buy and receive a genuine sheepskin. To learn how to tell a real one from a fake, read the blog post “How to Tell a Real Sheepskin from a Fake One.”
Do the sheepskins smell like a farm?
No. Many cheaper sheepskins have a typical farmyard smell due to a limited tanning process. My sheepskins are tanned in such a way that they have a subtle, neutral scent, so you can place them in your home right away.
Are the sheepskins dyed?
No. I sell only sheepskins in their natural colors—no dyed skins. So the color and pattern you see come from the sheep itself.
Can I also use a sheepskin for my dog or cat?
Absolutely. Dogs and cats love the warmth and softness of a sheepskin. I even have a separate collection for them: sheepskins for dogs and cats.
How do I choose the right size?
First, decide where you want to use the sheepskin (chair, sofa, floor, bed). The size is listed for each sheepskin, and you can filter by size, from S through XXL.
What’s the difference between the wool types (short, medium, long, curly)?
Long wool (such as Icelandic sheepskins) creates a playful, luxurious effect. Medium-length wool is both practical and decorative. Short-shorn wool is more compact and is often used for functional or medical purposes, while curly wool is primarily a beautiful, decorative choice.
What is a Texel sheepskin?
A Texel sheepskin comes from the Texel sheep, a Dutch breed with beautiful, thick wool. It’s the classic, versatile sheepskin. If you’re looking for extra-long wool, choose an Icelandic sheepskin.
Can I reserve a sheepskin?
No, reservations are not possible. There is only one of each sheepskin (unless otherwise indicated). If the sheepskin you saw is no longer listed in the online store, it has been sold.
Will I receive the exact skin shown in the photo?
Almost always. I photograph most skins individually and assign them a unique number, so you’ll receive exactly that skin. Some I sell “off the stack”; in that case, you’ll receive a sheepskin similar to the one in the photo, in the same color and size. The listing will specify which option applies.
How do I care for my sheepskin?
Shake out the skin occasionally and comb it with a special wool comb if needed. If there’s a stain, use a slightly damp, clean cloth. You’ll find detailed tips in the blog post on cleaning and caring for sheepskins.
Can a sheepskin go in the washing machine?
No, I strongly advise against that; it damages the leather and the wool’s structure. Read here to find out why.
Can I also use a sheepskin outdoors?
You can, for example, on your lounge set or garden chair. Just make sure the sheepskin is kept dry and bring it inside if it rains or gets damp—leather doesn’t handle moisture well.
Are sheepskins a byproduct?
Yes. Sheepskins are a byproduct of the meat industry. The leftover skins were often thrown away; by tanning and reusing them, nothing goes to waste. This is also the reason I started Leatheroverstock in the first place.
Are the sheepskins tanned sustainably?
Yes. My sheepskins are sustainably tanned in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a tanning process that uses no harmful substances. The sheepskins do not officially carry the certification mark, but they do meet that standard.
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