Brown and white is the cozy, vibrant choice among sheepskins: as warm as brown, but with the freshness of white added in. Below, I’ll tell you what to look for.
Why choose a brown and white sheepskin?
The mix of brown and white makes each sheepskin unique—some have large white patches, while others feature finer spots or speckles. This variegated pattern fits beautifully into a rustic, Scandinavian, or bohemian interior and adds warmth without feeling heavy. 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.
From large patches to fine speckles
No two brown-and-white sheepskins are alike. The brown-to-white ratio and the pattern vary from animal to animal: from large, distinct patches to a finer, speckled mix. The wool length also varies, from short to long. My brown-and-white sheepskins come from breeds such as the Texel and the Icelandic sheep, and are sourced from Europe, where the finest sheepskins originate.
Wonderfully soft, no farmy smell
The wool of a brown-and-white sheepskin feels surprisingly supple: because the tanneries brush it thoroughly, it becomes soft and develops a beautiful sheen. And then there’s the smell—I pay close attention to that. Many skins from a shorter, cheaper tanning process carry a strong sheep or barn odor that quickly spreads throughout your home. By adjusting the tanning process in collaboration with my tanneries, that smell is gone. What you’re left with is a neutral pelt that you can lay out right away.
What size should it be?
When it comes to sheepskins, size matters a lot—it has to be just right for the space and for what you plan to use it for. A guide from small to large:
- S: under 100 cm. Great as an accent: draped over a stool or dining chair, in a cozy corner, or as a soft spot for your pet.
- M: 100 to 115 cm. The most popular, versatile size. Looks great draped over an armchair or as a warm rug next to your bed. Not sure? You can’t go wrong with size M.
- L: 116 to 120 cm. Nice and full and generous—looks great on a larger sofa or as an eye-catcher on the floor.
- (X)XL: 121 cm and larger. The fullest pieces: a real statement piece 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, natural shape—not a rectangle—so focus primarily on the length.
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 brown and white not quite what you’re looking for? Then check out the other natural colors:
Still not sure?
You have a 30-day return window, and orders over €100 qualify for free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive your order 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. Our customers give us a 9.7 rating. Having trouble deciding or want to discuss your options? Call or email me, or stop by our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, by appointment.
Cleanly tanned, nothing wasted
I tan the skins sustainably, in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, a process that uses no harmful substances. The skins themselves do not carry the certification label, but they do meet the standard. Furthermore, every skin is a byproduct of the meat industry: by having it tanned, nothing goes to waste. That’s the idea that inspired me to start Leatheroverstock in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a brown and white sheepskin special?
The combination of warm brown tones and white creates a colorful, lively pattern that varies from one sheepskin to another. It brings both warmth and freshness, and fits beautifully into a rustic, Scandinavian, or bohemian interior.
What patterns are available?
From large, distinct white patches to a more subtle, speckled mix of brown and white. The ratio varies from animal to animal, so every sheepskin is unique.
Are the brown and white sheepskins dyed?
No. I only sell sheepskins in their natural colors. The pattern comes from the sheep itself.
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 brown and white 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.