Have you ever run your hands over a soft sheepskin blanket and admired its plush texture? Or maybe stepped on a rug of the same material and wiggled your toes to feel its soothing surface? Whether you’ve actively thought about it or not, most of us have encountered at least one homeware item with this material and appreciated its warm and cosy texture.

For centuries, sheepskin has held both practical and decorative benefits. What initially started out as a natural bedding and clothing material with admirable insulation properties, has slowly evolved into a modern décor staple across the globe. Nowadays, you can find an assortment of sheepskin homewares that cater to different interior styles and preferences.

What Sheepskin Homewares Should You Try?

This material doesn’t just feel and look cosy – it’s a durable homeware material that can withstand daily use without losing its original plush texture. It can bring some character and a natural touch to your home décor that synthetic materials often struggle to replicate.

Most of the sheepskin homewares available today combine style, comfort and heritage to fill up your space with understated and old-money elegance that never goes out of style.

Rugs

This is normally the first thing that people think of when someone mentions sheepskin home décor items and there’s a good reason for that. Rugs are a versatile, plush and inviting element that brings some much-needed warmth in otherwise empty spaces.

Some prefer a single-pelt style next to their bed so they can immediately enjoy its fuzzy texture after waking up. Others opt for multi-pelt models as statement pieces to cover larger areas in living or dining rooms.

While the material itself brings a lot of benefits, a lot goes into the variety of sheepskin used. Long-wool options normally have shaggy fibres and a more distressed appearance whereas shorn or clipped-wool rugs have a tidier aesthetic.

In terms of function, these rugs offer more than a sophisticated and well-regarded appearance. The material is quite breathable so it easily helps regulate the room temperature. On chilly days, they feel extra snuggly and warm while on warmer days, they don’t have the same clammy texture that many synthetic models are prone to.

Blankets

While sheepskin blankets may seem like the height of indulgence, they’re extra warm and cosy during colder nights. They could range from plush throws you drape over the back of your couch to full-size bedspreads that provide natural insulation for your body. The material’s unique fibre structure traps pockets of air to retain body heat but also facilitates excellent breathability – two traits rarely found in synthetic fabrics.

In terms of production methods, this may vary depending on the manufacturer. Some blankets have a patchwork design, which involves stitching multiple smaller pelts together to create its signature appearance. Other options have larger, more uniform designs with one big piece of hide that covers the entire blanket.

For day-to-day use, many people appreciate sheepskin’s comfort and durability. Its natural oils can repel dust mites, which can be a significant perk for people who want hypoallergenic bedding.

Most manufacturers also offer detailed cleaning instructions for gentle maintenance, so you can maintain its softness regardless of how many times you wash it.

Doorstops

Doorstops may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sheepskin homewares, but they’re much more appealing than the regular wedges we’re used to seeing. Sheepskin options normally come stuffed with materials like sand or small stones for weight, while the outer layer features the material’s signature plush texture.

Creating these pieces normally involves cutting patterns from larger hides and stitching them together so they have a consistent shape. From an aesthetic perspective, you could use sheepskin doorstops across various interior décor styles – including modern, country chic or something in between. It’s particularly suitable for older homes where doors tend to swing shut on their own.

Dog Beds

Just because our furry friends are used to unpredictable weather conditions, doesn’t mean we can’t treat them to luxury experiences at home. Sheepskin dog beds carry many of the same benefits as rugs or blankets, so your pup isn’t left panting in the summer or shivering in the winter. Plus, the soft texture is often more inviting than synthetic pet beds, which can sometimes flatten or develop odours over time.

In most cases, dog beds have several sheepskin panels sewn together, coupled with a sturdy bottom layer for added durability. Some designs include removable covers, so you can easily wash them whenever they get too dirty.

Keep in mind that wool’s lanolin content – which is a type of natural wax – can offer a certain degree of dirt and odour resistance. Occasional gentle cleaning can offer a safe and hygienic environment for both you and your pooch.

Seat Pads

Sheepskin seat pads can give your chairs an instant makeover by turning an ordinary seating arrangement into a cosy retreat. You could add them to dining chairs, office chairs or benches to add more softness and natural cushioning. The wool helps distribute your weight evenly and can potentially ease pressure points when you’re sitting for longer.

Although many manufacturers rely on the material’s softness alone, you could find pads with additional foaming or batting on the inside. Sheepskin fibres have a spring-like texture, which means they can bounce back to their original position even after extended compression. As a result, sheepskin pads tend to keep their shape longer than their synthetic alternatives.

Beanbags

Finally, beanbags already rank high on the comfort scale but a sheepskin one might just take casual lounging to new heights. We’re not talking about brightly coloured vinyl sacks here – we’re referring to more refined models with wool panels stitched together to create a soft yet robust shell.

Filling typically includes polystyrene beads or another lightweight fill that contours your body. Some designs may feature short fibres to a more sophisticated silhouette, whereas others stick to a fluffier, long-wool approach for a more distressed appearance.

Part of the charm that surrounds sheepskin beanbags is how easily they fit into different interiors. A large, plush option in a neutral shade could blend well with Scandinavian or minimalist themes, while a bold colour choice could be right at home in a boho or eclectic room.

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