White sheepskins

White is and always will be the classic choice among sheepskins. Below, I’ll explain why, what types are available, and what to look for.

Why choose a white sheepskin?

The beauty of white is that it goes with absolutely every other color. That means you can style it anywhere: in front of the fireplace for extra warmth, draped over a chair or chest, next to your bed (wonderfully warm for your feet), or simply on the couch—which is where most customers place it. White creates a luxurious, authentic atmosphere and adds contrast to a darker interior.

And a sheepskin is more than just beautiful: wool is a natural insulator (warm in winter, cool in summer), every sheepskin is 100% unique, and it’s a genuine natural product that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Naturally white—never paper-white

Important to know: all my white sheepskins are naturally white. A natural sheepskin is never as white as a sheet of paper—that’s only possible with bleached sheepskins, which I deliberately do not sell. I choose only natural white. As a result, the color ranges from pure white to off-white, ivory, or a very light cream. It’s precisely those subtle, natural shades that make each skin authentic and unique.

Texel or Icelandic: the types of white wool

My white sheepskins come from breeds such as the Texel and the Icelandic sheep, and vary considerably in terms of wool:

• Texelaar: a well-known Dutch breed with thick, sturdy, and warm wool. These compact skins are perfect for the couch, an armchair, or as a resting spot for your pet. It’s the skin that most people recognize as “classic.”
• Icelandic sheep: known for their beautiful, long wool—less dense, sleek, and soft—and therefore often used for decorative purposes.

Silky soft and with a fresh scent

A white sheepskin feels wonderfully supple, and that’s no coincidence. I have the tanneries brush the white sheepskins extra thoroughly, so the wool becomes soft and develops a beautiful sheen; you’ll want to keep stroking it all day long. The scent is just as important. Cheaper sheepskins that undergo a limited tanning process often retain a typical goat or barn odor, which quickly spreads throughout your entire home. Together with my tanneries, I’ve adjusted that tanning process so that the odor is neutralized. Your new white sheep simply has a neutral scent and can find a spot in your home right away.

Which size for which spot?

When choosing a white sheepskin, the size depends on where you’ll place it and how you plan to use it. Here’s a handy guide, listed 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 chair, or as a warm rug next to your bed. Not sure? You can almost always go with size M.
• L: 116 to 120 cm. Generous and full; looks great on a larger sofa or as a cozy accent on the floor.
• (X)XL: 121 cm and up. The largest, 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. A sheepskin has a natural, organic shape—not a rectangle—so length is the best measure. And because it’s a natural product, a particular size may be temporarily out of stock.

Need some inspiration?

Curious to see how a white sheepskin looks in different interiors? Get inspired by photos from our customers, or check out more in the inspiration room.

Prefer a different color?

Is traditional white not quite what you’re looking for? Then check out the other natural colors:

• Cream
• Brown
• Brown white
• Gray
• Black and white
• One-of-a-kind

Can’t decide?

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 rate us a 9.7. Would you like some advice or to discuss your options? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands.

Sustainably tanned, ethically sourced

I tan the skins sustainably, in accordance with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100: a process free of harmful substances. The skins do not officially carry the certification label, but they do meet the standard. And like all my skins, the white one is also a byproduct of the meat industry; by having it tanned, nothing goes to waste. That was exactly what motivated me to start Leatheroverstock.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a white sheepskin so popular?

White is the traditional, recognizable color that goes with absolutely every other color. A white sheepskin adds a luxurious, warm, and authentic look and provides a beautiful contrast in a dark interior.

Which sheep do the white skins come from?

Including those from the Texelaar (a Dutch breed with thick, warm wool) and the Icelandic sheep (with long, sleek wool). Each skin is unique in its color variation.

Why isn’t a white sheepskin as white as paper?

Because it’s naturally white. True paper-white is only possible with bleached sheepskins, and I deliberately don’t sell those. Natural white ranges from pure white to off-white, ivory, or a very light cream—those subtle shades are simply part of a genuine natural product.

Are the white sheepskins dyed?

No. I sell only sheepskins in their natural color. So the white comes from the sheep itself.

Does a white sheepskin require more maintenance?

A white sheepskin shows stains a bit more quickly than a dark one, but it doesn’t require much effort to care for. Shake it out every now and then and comb it with a wool comb if necessary; if there’s a stain, 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 sheepskins.

Do the sheepskins smell like a farm?

No. Thanks to the modified tanning process, my sheepskins have a neutral scent—no goat or farm odor.

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.