Black is the elegant, timeless choice among sheepskins, and its rarity makes it just that little bit more special. Below, I’ll tell you what to look for.
Why choose a black sheepskin?
Black never goes out of style and fits into virtually any interior. In a modern or minimalist interior, a black sheepskin softens the hard lines and adds warmth without overpowering the space; in an industrial space filled with steel and stone, it provides a soft counterbalance; and in a light, Scandinavian-style setting, it creates a beautiful, warm contrast. And a sheepskin is more than just beautiful: wool is a natural insulator (warm in winter, cool in summer), and it’s wonderfully soft to lie on—even for your dog or cat.
Naturally black, never dyed
Important to know: the black in my sheepskins is always natural—never dyed. True deep black is relatively rare in sheep; much “black” wool naturally tends toward dark brown or anthracite. That’s precisely why a truly beautiful, deep-black sheepskin is so special. The color comes entirely from the sheep itself—ranging from jet black to a warm dark black—and that natural variation is part of what makes it a genuine natural product.
Often from Icelandic sheep, with long wool
Many of my black sheepskins come from Icelandic sheep, a breed commonly raised in Scandinavian regions and known for its beautiful, long wool. Those long, sleek hairs make a black sheepskin wonderfully soft and give it a beautiful, decorative look. But shorter wool is also available. My black sheepskins come from Europe, where the finest sheepskins are sourced.
Soft to the touch, with a neutral scent
A black sheepskin invites you to keep stroking it—perhaps because the tanneries give it an extra brushing to achieve a supple softness and a deep sheen. And then there’s the scent, which is just as important to me. Rugs that undergo a short, inexpensive tanning process often retain a pungent goat or barn odor, which you’ll quickly notice in a room. By adjusting the tanning process in collaboration with my tanneries, that odor is eliminated, leaving only a neutral scent.
Which size is right for you?
Size is key when it comes to a sheepskin: it has to be the right fit for the space and for what you want to use it for. Here’s a quick guide, in ascending order of size:
- S: up to 100 cm. Great as an accent: draped over a stool or dining chair, in a corner, or as a soft spot for your dog or cat.
- M: 100 to 115 cm. The versatile favorite. Looks great draped over an armchair, or as a warm rug next to your bed. Not sure? You can almost always go with size M.
- L: 116 to 120 cm. Plush and generous; looks great draped over a larger sofa or as a decorative accent on the floor.
- (X)XL: 121 cm and up. The fullest skins: make a statement draped over a large sofa or used as a full-size rug.
Measure your space and compare it to the dimensions listed for each sheepskin. Keep in mind that a sheepskin has an organic shape—it’s not a rectangle—so use the length as a guideline.
Need some inspiration?
There’s nothing quite like seeing how others have styled their spaces. Get inspired in the inspiration room by real customer interiors, and discover which style, location, and combination suit you best.
Prefer a different color?
Is black not quite what you’re looking for? Then check out the other natural colors:
Need some personalized advice?
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 your order within 1–2 business days. Shipping 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. Customers give us a 9.7 rating. Still unsure? Feel free to call or email me, or schedule a visit to the showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
Sustainable and waste-free
The tanning process is sustainable, carried out in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, without the use of harmful substances. The sheepskins do not carry the official certification mark, but they do meet the standard. And every sheepskin is a byproduct of the meat industry: by having it tanned, nothing goes to waste. That was the principle that led me to start Leatheroverstock in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a black sheepskin special?
Black is timeless and elegant, and relatively rare among sheep. That’s why a beautiful, deep-black sheepskin is just that little bit more special than the lighter colors. In a light-colored interior, it also provides a beautiful, warm contrast.
Is a black sheepskin dyed?
No. I sell only sheepskins in their natural colors. The black comes from the sheep itself. Because true deep black is rare, natural “black” wool sometimes tends toward dark brown or anthracite—which is to be expected with a natural product.
What’s the difference between black and brown?
A black sheepskin has a more even and cooler tone—pure black. Black-brown has a distinct warm brown undertone, making it look warmer and cozier.
Which sheep do black sheepskins usually come from?
Many black sheepskins come from Icelandic sheep, with beautiful long, sleek wool. However, shorter wool is also available. Each sheepskin is unique in shade and pattern.
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 a black sheepskin?
Low-maintenance. Shake it out every now and then and comb it with a wool comb if needed; for small stains, use a slightly damp cloth. Never put it in the washing machine. You can find detailed tips in the blog post on cleaning and caring for sheepskin.
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