Adding Style and Comfort to Your Interior with a Genuine Sheepskin Rug

Sheepskin rugs add a wonderful element of luxury and style to any space.

The plush softness and inviting texture of sheepskin wool fibres are second to none. We can't recommend sheepskin and wool enough.

What is a genuine sheepskin rug?

Natural sheepskin is long-lasting, durable and 100% biodegradable. Not only that, wool has super-power qualities that can't be beaten.

Genuine sheepskin or a 'real sheepskin rug' is one that shows the wool fibres attached to the hide or skin. There will essentially be a leather side and a wool side.

What should I look for in a sheepskin rug?

Wilson and Dorset sheepskin rugs are sourced right here in New Zealand. They display the New Zealand Woolmark, which is a sign of exceptional quality. A quality sheepskin rug will have a slight and delightful scent, be silky to the touch and feel thick and luscious. If you pull the wool back you'll see the leather backing of the hide.

Mt Gold Long Wool Quarto

What are the benefits of sheepskin over down or other natural materials?

Any natural product is generally better than their 'faux fur' or synthetic competitors. Sheepskin, however, is a stand-out. Wool is one of nature's most super-hero materials.

• 100% biodegradable: This means that if your sheepskin eventually reaches a point that's past its useful life, it will biodegrade naturally.

• Stain-resistant: The thin waxy coating called lanolin that enrobes each fibre of wool means that it literally sheds dirt and light spills with a vigorous shake.

• Natural insulator: Wool remains effective when damp or wet. It's little wonder why we love wearing wool for outdoor activities and more.

  • It's a natural temperature regulator too and will keep you cool in warm temps, and warm in the cold.

• Non-allergenic: The lanolin assists with inhibiting bacteria, dust mites, and mildew.

• Durable and elastic: Wool is incredibly strong and has bounce so it can be stressed and will revert to its original shape with ease.

• Flame resistant: Yes, sheepskin rugs and other wool products are naturally fire retardant due to the high water and nitrogen content.

Mt Gold Long Wool Pram Liner

What about removing stains from sheepskin rugs:

Spills should be tended to as soon as they happen to prevent permanent staining or damage to rugs.

Containing the stain is a good rule of thumb. By this, we mean blot liquid spills with a paper towel or clean dry cloth to soak up the bulk of the stain.

We recommend you consult our care guide for more detail on removing specific stains. See here for more.

How do you maintain sheepskin?

Maintaining and looking after your sheepskin rugs and other sheepskin products is easier than you might think.

A good shake and regular vacuum are the simplest piece of advice for retaining your sheepskin's good looks and luscious quality.

Wool has a unique structure that offers incredible durability and robustness. A thin waxy coating on each fibre repels and releases dirt with ease and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Can you wash a sheepskin product?

Yes, absolutely. However, don't just toss it in the washing machine. The natural leather backing on the pelt of your sheepskin needs extra care to keep it soft and supple.

A washing machine can be used, but with great care and very seldom. Check the cleaning and care instructions on the product itself. We suggest taking a look through our care guide for more information on washing sheepskin.

Matuki Long Wool Shaggy Bag

Caring for your Wilson and Dorset sheepskin product:

Wilson and Dorset's high-quality sheepskins are proudly sourced exclusively in New Zealand. Natural sheepskin products don't require regular washing, unlike synthetic materials.

The five golden care rules:

1. Avoid direct sunlight. This stops UV damage or fading of darker shaded products.

2. Shake rugs, cushions, and bean bags regularly, if they can handle a shake, liven it up!

3. Dry vacuum rugs regularly with a plain suction unit. No revolving/rotating/ turbo/ beater bar attachments.

4. Blot up spills and stains as promptly as possible, do not rub the wool pile.

5. Dyed product should be dry-cleaned only.

How can I style my living room with sheepskin?

Home improvement within a living room can be as simple as investing in something like a sheepskin rug.

Add instant style and warmth with sheepskins. Choose a longer wool length for a shag style option or keep it low pile with shorter fibres.

Wilson and Dorset's collection offers a broad range of sizes and shapes in a short pile and extra-long wool. Choose a simple, rectangular area rug or designer floor rug for a classic aesthetic in your living room.

Add depth and texture through sheepskin cushions and throw pillows. Toss a sheepskin blanket over the back of a sofa to create an element of warmth and style in any space.

What size rug should you place in a bedroom?

An area rug for your bedroom can lift and transform the space. It can anchor the room and be the focal point in a subtle, yet effective way.

Choosing the right rug for your bedroom depends on the square footage of the room and whether you want the rug standing free, or the edge of it under your bed legs.

However you decide to place a rug in your bedroom, and no matter what size you select, your feet will thank you for the soft and bouncy feel of sheepskin underfoot.

Can babies sleep on sheepskin rugs?

Natural products of any kind are typically good for humans. A sheepskin rug is a wonderful baby gift and if cared for well, could last a lifetime.

Sheepskin rugs are one hundred percent pure wool. Sheepskin is one of nature's wonder products - there's a reason we have been using it for centuries to clothe us and provide our homes with this beautifully soft and luxurious material.

Before you purchase sheepskin rugs for your baby (or for a gift), do your research and be sure to buy a top-quality product. Look for the New Zealand Woolmark logo, which will ensure you're purchasing pastorally farmed sheepskins with no added anything.

Sheepskin is breathable and perfectly safe for babies to sleep on. It's best to go for a short wool pile with a sheet over top and we recommend following safe sleeping practices that your local childcare support groups suggest. For any questions you may have, talk to them first.

Do sheepskin rugs come in large sizes?

The good news is, yes. Sheepskin rugs are available in a plethora of sizes and shapes. Go big or go small.

Not only do sheepskin products come in a range of sizes but also in a variety of lengths. Short or long wool lengths to suit every household's needs and all decor styles.

The Octo Sheepskin rug is our largest size and is essentially eight individual sheepskin rugs or pelts sewn together. It can be used as a floor rug, a bed, or a couch throw.

Plush and silky to the touch, sheepskin area rugs are perfect for making a striking interior statement. Add interest, sophistication, and quality to your decor with sheepskin - you can't go wrong.

Are sheepskin rugs environmentally friendly?

Products made from natural sheepskin, like a sheepskin rug, have a long luscious life span. They are one hundred percent biodegradable and will naturally return to the land from which they came if their useful life has reached its end.

A sheepskin rug or pelt is a bi-product of the meat industry, which means that every part of the animal is used. This avoids hides being tossed in landfills, which in turn, is good for the environment.

Wilson and Dorset take great care with sustainable choices and our rugs are made with environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques and through socially responsible means.

When you shop for your sheepskin, it's important to choose brands that work toward a minimal carbon footprint and whose treatment of animals is ethical.

In conclusion:

Anything wool and sheepskin related for home decor styling, are good choices and will bring sophistication and class to your interior look and feel.

Investing in natural products for your home is a good step forward and you really can't go wrong with sheepskin area rugs to enhance your decor.

The term "do it once and do it right" rings true when shopping for wool area rugs. It's worth paying the price for the quality and ethically sourced sheepskin and we strongly recommend shopping around our website.