Long-haired sheepskins are the perfect choice if you’re looking for ambiance and decoration: just a little more unique than a traditional, short-haired sheepskin. Below, I’ll tell you about the different types available and what to look for.
Decorative and versatile
Long-haired sheepskins are especially popular for their decorative, draping effect. They have slightly less dense wool than a traditional Dutch sheepskin, but are still wonderfully soft. A few ideas:
- On the floor: to add ambiance to your living room or bedroom, where the long hair really stands out.
- Drape it over a chair or sofa: for a playful, draped accent that’s still comfortable to sit on.
- Next to your bed: so your feet land on a warm, soft sheepskin in the morning.
- Drape it over a chest or side table: for that extra touch of elegance and luxury.
What colors are the long-haired sheepskins available in?
Long-haired sheepskins come in a wide range of natural colors; all shades come from the sheep themselves and are never dyed:
Soft, with a subtle sheen, and neutral
Long locks call for soft wool, and I achieve that softness by having the skins brushed extra at the tannery; this immediately gives them a beautiful sheen. Just as important is what you don’t want to smell. Cheaper skins that undergo a short tanning process often carry a strong smell of the goat or the barn, which spreads quickly throughout your home. By adjusting the tanning process in collaboration with my tanneries, that smell is eliminated and the skin has a neutral scent.
What size are you looking for?
Size is key when choosing a sheepskin: it needs to fit both the space and your intended use. Here’s a guide, arranged 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 skin. A sheepskin has a natural, organic shape—not a rectangle—so go by 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.
Need a little inspiration?
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. 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. Customers give us a 9.7 rating. Not sure whether to choose straight or curly, or which size to get? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit the showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.
Cleanly and sustainably tanned
The tanning process is sustainable, in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and free of harmful substances. The certification mark isn’t officially displayed on the product, but the standard is met. And every sheepskin is a byproduct of the meat industry: by having it tanned, nothing goes to waste. That very idea was the inspiration behind Leatheroverstock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a long-haired sheepskin?
A sheepskin with long locks of wool, rather than the shorter, denser wool of a traditional Dutch sheepskin. Those long hairs give it an elegant, decorative, and cozy look. Long wool comes mainly from breeds native to colder regions.
Are long-haired sheepskins suitable for sitting on?
Absolutely. They have slightly less dense wool than a traditional sheepskin and are therefore a bit more decorative, but they’re still wonderfully soft and comfortable draped over a chair or sofa.
Are the long-haired sheepskins dyed?
No. I sell only sheepskins in their natural colors. All shades come from the sheep themselves.
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 long-haired sheepskin?
For long wool, combing it occasionally with a wool comb helps keep the locks looking beautiful and fluffy. Otherwise, it requires very little maintenance: just shake it out every now and then, and use a slightly damp cloth to remove any stains. Never put it in the washing machine. You can find detailed tips in the blog post on cleaning and caring for sheepskins.
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