The Complete Guide to Sheepskin Rugs

Shopping for a sheepskin rug can be confusing because there are many shapes, sizes and wool types. This updated guide reflects our current range.

Due to a reduction in livestock supply over recent years we unfortunately no longer have a stable supply of short wool and are unable to offer short‑wool shearling rugs (except for medical sheepskin products).

We custom make all our larger rugs, so if you have something special in mind please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your exact requirements.

Our rugs now fall into two main categories:

Natural‑shaped rugs – single or multi‑pelt hides sewn together in their organic outline.
Regular‑shaped “designer” rugs – rectangular rugs made by joining multiple pelts with straight edges.

Whether you’re after a cosy accent for your reading nook or a statement piece for the lounge, the following sections explain wool lengths, pelt sizing, rug colours and how to choose the ideal sheepskin rug.

What Is a Pelt?

A pelt is a single sheep’s hide with the wool still attached. Genuine sheepskin rugs are made by tanning the hide with its fleece intact; this is why each pelt is unique. The fleece’s natural lanolin creates subtle variations in colour and texture, so no two pelts are ever exactly alike.

Natural‑Shaped Sheepskin Rugs

Single Pelts

A single pelt rug uses one entire hide. Each is unique in shape and size, but premium New Zealand pelts are generally around 60 cm × 100 cm (23 × 39 inches) with a wool pile length of about 5 cm (1.96 inches). Because our pelts are tanned without harsh bleaches or dyes, the natural variations in shape and colour are preserved. Single pelts make excellent chair throws, bedside rugs or pram liners and are the most affordable way to enjoy genuine sheepskin.

Multi‑Pelt Rugs

To create larger rugs, multiple pelts are sewn together. The seams are carefully matched for colour and wool length so the rug still looks like one continuous piece. Multi‑pelt rugs retain the gentle curves of natural hides rather than forming straight edges. Common configurations include:

Double pelt: two hides stitched end‑to‑end to make a longer runner.
Quad pelt (four pelts) and sexto pelt (six pelts): four or six pelts sewn together to form a bigger area rug. These pieces add warmth and luxury to larger spaces and have the same dense wool and loft as single pelts.

Larger formats such as octo (eight pelts) or dodeca (twelve pelts) are possible by continuing this method. An eight‑pelt rug can be roughly 2.4 m (94.4 inches) long and over 1.5 m (59.0 inches) wide, so measure your space carefully.

Benefits and Uses

Natural‑shaped rugs celebrate the organic contours of the hide. They add a relaxed, rustic charm to homes and are perfect for draping over chairs, benches or ottomans. Because the edges follow the sheep’s natural shape, they create a softer look than conventional rectangular rugs. Long wool piles feel incredibly plush underfoot but require occasional brushing to maintain their fluffiness.

Regular‑Shaped (“Designer”) Sheepskin Rugs

Some spaces call for straight lines and right angles – perhaps under a coffee table or in a dining area. Our designer sheepskin rugs are made by sewing multiple pelts into a precise rectangle. Sizes typically start at a 4‑pelt format and can extend to as many as 16 pelts. Like natural shapes, the pelts are matched for colour and texture, but the outer edges are trimmed so the rug lies flush against furniture.

Designer rugs combine the practical format of a conventional area rug with the sumptuous feel of sheepskin. They are ideal when you need a rug to fill a rectangular space without sacrificing luxury. Because of their size and craftsmanship, they are a premium investment and may require a non‑slip underlay to keep them in place.

Within our designer rug category we also have border rugs, these are of a regular shape however have a border color of your choice.

Medical Sheepskin Products

While we no longer offer general short‑wool shearling rugs, medical sheepskins are still available. These products have the wool shorn to approximately 20-25 mm (0.86-0.98 inches) to create a dense, springy pile that evenly distributes pressure and prevents skin breakdown. Medical sheepskins are used on beds, wheelchairs and seats to reduce shear and moisture and are also sold as baby‑grade lambskin rugs for infant care.

Colours and Natural Variations

We offer five colours: Ivory White, Chocolate, Sand, Honey, Grey and Black. Because our pelts are natural and not bleached, the colours contain tonal variations:

Ivory White: Natural white sheepskins are never a bright, pure white. They range from cream to ivory and may have a slight yellow tinge from lanolin. The depth of ivory varies between pelts.
Chocolate: A deep brown with warm undertones. Natural brown hides can range from light to dark chocolate.
Sand and Honey: Lighter beige tones that may show subtle variations across the rug.
Grey: Soft grey with possible taupe or silver highlights.
Black: Natural black sheepskins can appear very dark brown or black, sometimes with reddish highlights.

Because no two sheep are identical, slight differences in shade and markings are part of the charm of genuine sheepskin. This variation is especially noticeable in natural hides compared with uniformly dyed products.

Lambskin and Baby Rugs

Our supplier has discontinued most lambskin rugs (small lamb‑skins from young sheep) except for special baby‑grade lambskins. These baby rugs are smaller and incredibly soft because they come from lambs under one year old. They are tanned using vegetable‑based agents without harsh chemicals, making them safe for infant use. Always follow safe sleep guidelines when using any sheepskin with babies, and never place loose sheepskin in a cot or crib.

How Are Sheepskin Rugs Measured?

Rug measurements are taken diagonally on the wool side at the widest and longest points. This hand‑measured method is the industry standard. Because each pelt has a unique shape, dimensions are approximate and two rugs of the same size category may differ slightly.

Choosing Your Perfect Rug: Practical Tips

When selecting a sheepskin rug, consider the following factors:

Size and space: Measure your room and decide whether a single pelt, runner, or multi‑pelt rug is appropriate. Use single pelts for chairs and bedside accents; choose 4‑ to 6‑pelt rugs for larger living spaces.
Shape: Decide if you prefer the organic curves of a natural hide or the clean lines of a rectangular designer rug. Natural shapes suit relaxed, bohemian or Scandi‑inspired interiors; rectangular rugs work well under furniture or in formal layouts.
Wool length: We currently sell only long‑wool rugs for home décor. Long wool around 5–8 cm (1.96 inches-3.14 inches) offers the classic fluffy look but requires more fluffing. Short‑wool rugs are reserved for medical products.
Colour: Choose a colour that complements your décor. Remember that ivory white rugs will show natural variation and may lean towards cream.
Budget: Larger rugs and designer shapes require more matching pelts and workmanship and therefore cost more. A single pelt is an affordable entry point, while multi‑pelt designer rugs are a long‑term investment.

Caring for Your Sheepskin Rug

Proper care keeps your rug looking beautiful for many years:

Regular shaking and airing remove dust and keep the wool fluffy. Avoid frequent washing, which can strip natural oils.
Spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent works for small spills. Do not soak the leather side.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources that could dry or fade the wool.
Use a wool carding brush on long‑wool rugs to detangle fibres and restore loft.

A genuine sheepskin rug is a luxurious and functional addition to any home. By understanding what a pelt is, how rugs are sized, the difference between natural and designer shapes, and the unique properties of each colour, you can choose a rug that fits your space and lifestyle. Whether it’s a single hide draped over a chair or a multi‑pelt designer rug anchoring your living room, sheepskin brings warmth, softness and timeless appeal. Embrace the natural variations in your rug – they’re a hallmark of authenticity and a reminder that your piece comes from a real animal.

How Our Sheepskins Are Tanned

The beauty and longevity of a sheepskin rug depend not only on the quality of the raw pelt but also on how it is tanned. Our rugs are sourced from New Zealand’s oldest tannery with over 50 years of experience that follows the most environmentally responsible methods. Below we outline their four‑step process and explain why their certifications and tanning options matter.

Four‑Step Tanning Process

Wash. Hand‑selected New Zealand lambskins are thoroughly washed and cleaned to remove dirt and impurities.
Preserve. Each lambskin is preserved using a salt/acid solution and cured with an organic, chrome‑free white tanning solution. Using “wet‑white” tanning avoids the chromium compounds traditionally used in leather processing.
Soften. To achieve a supple, silky touch, lambskins are softened and conditioned using ecologically safe, formaldehyde‑free products. These conditioners maintain the natural loft of the wool without relying on harsh chemicals.
Protect. Finally, the pelts are washed with tea tree and lemon myrtle oils, which have natural antibacterial properties and help protect the finished rug from bacteria and allergens.

The team manually inspect and handle each sheepskin throughout these steps. A single rug passes through 23 pairs of hands before it is labelled, ensuring quality control at every stage.

Certified Sustainability and OEKO‑TEX® Compliance

Our New Zealand rugs meet globally recognised sustainability standards. They hold OEKO‑TEX® Leather Standard certification, which verifies that leather products are tested for harmful substances and meet strict limit values for potentially toxic chemicals. The OEKO‑TEX® Standard 100 label, introduced in 1992, certifies textiles across four product classes and confirms that they have been checked for over 300 regulated and non‑regulated substances. These certifications ensure that our sheepskin rugs are safe for adults, children and pets and that the tanning processes meet stringent environmental and social criteria.

Advanced Tanning Options

To meet different market demands, our supplier also offers specialised tanning methods:

Chromium tanning produces supple, durable leather using carefully controlled chromium salts. When used responsibly, chrome tanning offers excellent durability and colour fastness while meeting OEKO‑TEX® leather‑standard limits for residual chemicals.
Herbal (vegetable) tanning uses plant‑based tannins extracted from bark and leaves. This traditional method gives the leather a slightly firmer feel and a light, natural aroma and is favoured by customers seeking an even more eco‑friendly product.
Medical tanning creates highly absorbent, pressure‑relieving sheepskins for healthcare use. These pelts are shorn to a short pile, tanned to withstand frequent washing, and used in medical settings to prevent pressure sores.

Choosing a rug from a certified tannery ensures you receive a luxurious product made with respect for both the environment and human health. By investing in sustainably tanned sheepskins, you support a supply chain that prioritises clean waterways, safe working conditions and responsible chemical use.

If you have any other questions about choosing the right sheepskin rug for your needs or how to care for yours please contact us and we would be happy to help.