A real sheepskin will do what a fake sheepskin can’t. When you step on it, the wool gives warmth. And it pulls you in, all on one bare foot. These natural hides are more than just a decorative touch. They serve to soften an otherwise hard floor and bring a feeling of organic texture to a room dominated by straight lines. Moderate the temperature on their own; cool in summer and warm in winter. This blend of appearance and performance makes it possible for a single hide. This makes a bigger impression on a room than a significantly bigger, more costly area rug.
The key is to place them where that comfort makes its dues. A beautiful rug in a magazine might feel out of place in the wrong room, so consider each space and its uses, light, and foot traffic before you roll one out. With the right rugs, sheepskin rugs pay off every day. The spots listed below are the ones that have been consistently reliable. Begin with soft floors in areas where they are most needed.
Bedrooms
Sheepskin is the perfect choice for the bedroom, a room designed to be extra comfortable.
- Next to the bed: Place a sheepskin (one or two) on the bare floor along the side from which you climb out. It provides a nice, soft spot on the floor for your feet to land in the morning instead of cold and hard floors. Hardwood or tile is the first place people will see and forget if it’s removed from your bedroom.
- Under the end of the bed: Put a bigger sheepskin underneath the end of the bed. It will provide a rich complement to your bedding and a soft place to sit as you get dressed.
Living Rooms
Sheepskin’s most versatile use is to scatter the rigid, formal atmosphere of living rooms.
A sheepskin throw will help to tone down the arm or back of a leather accent chair or a sleek contemporary sofa when draped over it. The wool instantly transforms rigid seats into more inviting seats and can easily be moved around when a change in scenery is desired. A draped throw is also the least time-committed way to see if you want sheepskin in a space or not, as it can be easily removed from the floor without any stakes or nails required.
A smaller sheepskin is layered underneath a flat-weave area rug, which is placed on the coffee table and holds the entire seating unit together. The organic form of its outline softens the hard geometry of the table and grounds the space without a sense of weight.
A thick sheepskin makes that cozy floor in front of the fireplace, absorbing and radiating heat, so you can relax next to the fire. There is one warning: wool is a natural material and can burn, so take precautions for fire safety; keep the rug at least three feet from the fire, screen, and embers.
A room shelf turned into a reading nook with a sheepskin pad thrown over a wooden or rattan chair for a dedicated spot to sit and read a book. The additional cushion is what makes people genuinely want to sit in it, and the wool blends nicely with hard-framed chairs, which would otherwise be too rigid to sit on for extended periods of time.
Other Key Spots
There are a few less conspicuous spots around the house that are equally important.
- Nursery: A sheepskin on the floor of the nursery provides a hypoallergenic, heavily cushioned surface for supervised play and tummy time for babies. Never put soft materials such as sheepskin inside a crib or in a sleeping area, and keep them on the floor for play only.
- Entryways: A sheepskin in an entry or hallway will provide a luxurious welcome and a soft place to stand after removing your shoes.
- Home office: If you spend a lot of time at your desk, a sheepskin chair over your desk will provide you with a lot of cushion, breathability, and warmth—without ever trapping heat as the hours go by—which is not the case with foam cushions.
The Bottom Line
Wherever bare skin runs into a hard surface—from the side of your bed to the front of the fire—genuine sheepskin has a place. Fit it to the size and shape of the room, keep it away from open fire, and enjoy what the wools have done over the centuries, making every room warmer, softer, and more welcoming the moment you step in.
