When asking what the best sheepskin rug there is to buy, this is a very subjective question and based on opinion. The question people should ask is what’s the best sheepskin rug for my intended purpose? Not only will the intended purpose of your future sheepskin rug help you decide, but also the specific qualities and preferences you have. Each sheepskin pelt rug is 100% unique and natural, each sheepskin throw rug also has unique characteristics.
The best sheepskin rug is not determined by price, size, or color alone. It depends on how you want to use it and which qualities matter most to you.
An Icelandic sheepskin may be the best choice for someone drawn to long, flowing wool and dramatic natural texture. A Holland sheepskin is better suited to someone seeking exceptional density and a substantial, plush feel. Mongolian sheepskins are remarkably soft, lightweight, and flexible, while shorn sheepskins offer a neater appearance with less upkeep.
Every genuine sheepskin has its own natural character. Wool length, density, texture, hide suppleness, markings, and overall shape can vary considerably, even among skins of the same type.
Understanding those differences will help you choose a sheepskin that not only looks beautiful in your home but also performs well for its intended purpose.
A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Sheepskin
Choose Icelandic sheepskin for:
Long, flowing wool, dramatic texture, furniture styling, statement rugs, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Choose Holland sheepskin for:
Exceptional thickness, dense cushioning, a substantial appearance, and maximum plushness.
Choose rare-breed sheepskin for:
Natural individuality, distinctive colors, dense wool, and one-of-a-kind markings.
Choose Swedish or Gotland sheepskin for:
Silky curls, refined texture, natural gray tones, and highly distinctive decorative pieces.
Choose Mongolian sheepskin for:
An exceptionally soft, airy, lightweight throw that drapes more like a blanket.
Choose shorn sheepskin for:
A shorter, more uniform pile with easier maintenance and less tendency to mat.
Choose medical-grade sheepskin for:
Evenly shorn wool, consistent cushioning, practical comfort, and regular daily use.
What Should You Look for in a Sheepskin Rug?
Color is often the first consideration, but it should not be the only one. Before choosing a sheepskin, consider the following characteristics.
Wool Length
Long wool creates movement, depth, and a more dramatic appearance. It is particularly beautiful when draped over a chair, sofa, bench, or bed.
Shorter wool offers a tidier profile and is generally easier to maintain. It can also be more practical for seating, bedside placement, and areas where the sheepskin will receive regular use.
Wool Density
Density determines how full and substantial a sheepskin feels.
A densely woolled sheepskin provides more cushioning and tends to create a thicker, more luxurious appearance. A lighter-density skin may feel softer, more flexible, and easier to drape.
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on whether you want structure and cushioning or fluidity and movement.
Texture
Not every sheepskin feels silky.
Some wool is fine, smooth, and fur-like. Other wool is naturally textured, curly, primitive, or more substantial in hand. These differences are part of the breed and should not necessarily be viewed as differences in quality.
The best texture is the one that suits how you plan to use the skin and how you want it to feel.
Hide Suppleness
A highly supple hide moves and folds easily, making it ideal for furniture, beds, laps, and decorative layering.
A more structured hide may lie flatter and feel more rug-like when placed on the floor. The leather side of every natural sheepskin can vary slightly in thickness and flexibility.
Intended Placement
Consider where the sheepskin will be used most often:
- On a chair or sofa
- Across a bench
- Beside a bed
- Layered over another rug
- In a reading nook
- As a bed or lap throw
- On a wheelchair or frequently used seat
- As a decorative statement piece
Your intended placement will often determine whether long, short, dense, silky, or lightweight wool is most appropriate.
Comparing the Different Types of Sheepskin
Icelandic Sheepskin: Best for Long, Dramatic Wool
Icelandic sheepskins are among the most distinctive natural sheepskins available. Their fleece has a double-coated structure consisting of long, flowing outer wool and a softer insulating undercoat.
This combination gives Icelandic wool exceptional depth, movement, and texture. Some skins have relatively straight wool, while others display curls, waves, or a more primitive appearance.
Icelandic sheepskins are particularly well suited to:
- Draping over chairs and sofas
- Layering across benches
- Styling beds and reading nooks
- Creating dramatic floor accents
- Adding natural texture to modern interiors
- Using as warm, flexible throws
Natural Icelandic colors range from ivory and white to brown, black, gray, moorit, and beautifully marked combinations. Wool texture can also vary considerably from one skin to another.
Long, straight Icelandic wool may occasionally be brushed gently. Curly Icelandic wool should not be brushed, as doing so can disturb its natural curl pattern.
Best for: Long wool, organic texture, dramatic styling, and naturally distinctive color.
Holland Sheepskin: Best for Thickness and Density
Holland sheepskins are some of the thickest, loftiest, and most substantial skins in our collection.
Their dense wool creates a deeply cushioned feel and the generously full appearance many people imagine when searching for a large, plush sheepskin rug. These skins are particularly appealing when softness and substance are more important than a lightweight drape.
Holland sheepskins work beautifully:
- Beside a bed
- Across a wide chair
- On a bench
- As a cushioned floor accent
- In rustic or contemporary interiors
- Anywhere a thick, substantial sheepskin is desired
Natural colors include creamy whites, warm browns, and spotted combinations. Due to their density, Holland sheepskins often appear visually larger and fuller than more lightweight skins of similar measured dimensions.
Best for: Maximum density, generous cushioning, loftiness, and a substantial appearance.
Rare-Breed Sheepskin: Best for Natural Individuality
Rare-breed sheepskins are selected for their distinctive natural characteristics. They may feature unusual coloration, unique markings, dense wool, varied textures, or shapes that cannot be reproduced.
Some rare-breed skins feel thick and cushiony, while others are softer and more flexible. Their greatest appeal lies in their individuality.
They are especially beautiful when used:
- As one-of-a-kind bedroom accents
- Over a favorite chair
- In nurseries and reading spaces
- Beside a bed
- As a naturally marked statement rug
- In interiors where no two decorative pieces should look exactly alike
Colors may include cream, tan, brown, gray, black, white, and naturally spotted or blended combinations.
Best for: Unusual markings, natural variation, dense wool, and one-of-a-kind character.
Swedish and Gotland Sheepskin: Best for Silky Curls
Swedish, Gotland, and Gotland-cross sheepskins are known for their refined texture, natural gray coloration, and distinctive curls.
Depending on the individual skin and breed cross, the wool may be softly curled, silky, lustrous, or gently wavy. Their coloration can range from pale silver to charcoal, with variations in tone throughout the fleece.
Many Swedish skins are exceptionally supple and flexible, allowing them to drape beautifully over furniture or rest comfortably across the lap.
They are ideal for:
- Sophisticated modern interiors
- Scandinavian-inspired spaces
- Decorative furniture throws
- Bedrooms and reading areas
- Collectors seeking unusual natural fleece
- Anyone who prefers curl and silkiness over long, shaggy wool
Because these skins are naturally varied, each one should be considered individually rather than judged by breed name alone.
Best for: Silky curls, natural gray tones, supple hides, and refined decorative styling.
Shop Swedish and Gotland Sheepskins
Mongolian Sheepskin: Best for Softness and Lightweight Drape
Mongolian and Tibetan sheepskins are known for their fine, curly wool and exceptionally lightweight construction.
Rather than feeling thick and rug-like, many Mongolian sheepskins are airy, fluid, and blanket-like. Their flexible hides allow them to drape naturally over furniture, beds, shoulders, and laps.
They are especially well suited to:
- Sofa and chair throws
- Lightweight bed layering
- Lap blankets
- Decorative bench covers
- Travel and vehicle use
- Interiors needing softness without visual heaviness
The wool has a delicate, fur-like quality and requires relatively little maintenance. These skins are generally better suited to furniture and decorative use than high-traffic floor placement.
Best for: Feather-light softness, silky curls, flexibility, and blanket-like draping.
Shorn Sheepskin: Best for Easy Care
Shorn sheepskins retain the warmth and natural feel of genuine wool while offering a shorter, more uniform pile.
Because there is less wool length to tangle or mat, shorn skins typically require less grooming than long-wool varieties. Their tailored appearance also makes them easier to incorporate into rooms where a cleaner, more understated look is preferred.
Depending on the individual skin, the wool may be shorn from approximately one-half inch to two inches.
Shorn sheepskins work particularly well:
- On frequently used chairs
- Beside beds
- On benches
- In children’s rooms
- As practical floor accents
- For customers who prefer a neater appearance
- In homes where lower maintenance is important
They rarely require regular brushing. An occasional shake and gentle airing are usually sufficient for routine care.
Best for: Lower maintenance, practical daily use, seating, and a neat, uniform appearance.
Medical-Grade Sheepskin: Best for Consistent Comfort
Medical-grade sheepskins are selected for dense wool and shorn to a consistent length. Many are Relugan tanned, giving the leather and wool their recognizable golden coloration and making them suitable for regular, practical use.
They are commonly used on:
- Wheelchairs
- Recliners
- Office chairs
- Beds
- Frequently used seating
- Wellness and relaxation areas
- Pet beds and other comfort applications
The evenly shorn wool provides consistent cushioning while remaining breathable and naturally insulating. Their appearance is more uniform and functional than that of decorative long-wool skins.
Medical sheepskins may add comfort during sitting or resting, but they should not replace professional medical guidance or prescribed pressure-relief equipment.
Best for: Consistent cushioning, low-maintenance comfort, regular use, and functional applications.
Natural or Eco-Dyed Sheepskin?
Most of our collection consists of natural, undyed sheepskins. Their colors and markings come directly from the sheep, creating subtle variations that cannot be manufactured or precisely repeated.
Natural sheepskins are an excellent choice when you value:
- Authentic coloration
- Organic variation
- One-of-a-kind markings
- Timeless neutral tones
- The unaltered character of the fleece
We also offer a select assortment of eco-dyed sheepskins. These provide refined colors that may not occur naturally while preserving the beauty and tactile appeal of genuine wool.
Eco-dyed sheepskins are ideal when you need:
- A specific decorative color
- Greater consistency between multiple pieces
- A contemporary or fashion-led accent
- A tone that coordinates with an established interior palette
Dyed sheepskins should be protected from prolonged direct sunlight, which may gradually affect the color. Always follow the care instructions provided with the individual product.
Can a Sheepskin Be Used as a Floor Rug?
Yes, but placement matters.
Dense, shorn, Holland, and many rare-breed sheepskins are well suited to light-use floor areas. Long-wool Icelandic skins can also be displayed on the floor, particularly where their texture can be appreciated without heavy foot traffic.
Avoid placing genuine sheepskins in areas exposed to:
- Excessive moisture
- Outdoor conditions
- Mud or heavy soil
- Constant foot traffic
- Rolling office chairs
- Repeated friction from furniture
For long-term beauty, sheepskins perform best as decorative floor accents rather than replacements for durable, high-traffic carpeting.
Which Sheepskin Is the Softest?
Mongolian and many Swedish sheepskins are often among the silkiest and softest in hand.
However, softness is subjective. Some people prefer the airy, fur-like softness of Mongolian wool, while others prefer the deep, cushioned softness of a dense Holland or rare-breed sheepskin.
Icelandic sheepskin offers softness beneath its longer outer wool but generally has a more textured and distinctive feel than Mongolian wool.
Which Sheepskin Is the Thickest?
Holland sheepskins are among the thickest and densest sheepskins we offer. Their lofty fleece creates a substantial appearance and generous cushioning.
Some rare-breed skins can also be exceptionally thick, but their density varies more from one piece to another.
Is Long or Short Wool Better?
Neither is universally better.
Choose long wool when you want movement, drama, texture, and a more expressive natural appearance.
Choose short or shorn wool when you prefer easy care, a tailored look, and a surface better suited to frequent use.
For furniture styling and statement décor, long wool is often preferred. For seating and practical floor placement, shorter wool may be the better choice.
Finding Your Best Sheepskin Rug
The best sheepskin rug is the one that fits both your home and the way you intend to use it.
Choose Icelandic for long, flowing character. Choose Holland for maximum density. Choose Mongolian for lightweight softness. Choose Swedish or Gotland for silky curls. Choose rare breed for natural individuality. Choose shorn for easy care, or medical grade for consistent, practical comfort.
Above all, look closely at the individual skin. Genuine sheepskin is a natural material, and no two pieces share precisely the same color, wool texture, shape, markings, or movement.
That individuality is not an imperfection. It is what makes the right sheepskin worth finding.
Explore the Noryageur Sheepskin Collection
Discover genuine sheepskins selected for natural beauty, distinctive texture, and lasting appeal. From singular one-of-a-kind pelts to refined in-stock classics, our collection offers sheepskins for furniture, floors, beds, benches, and beautifully layered interiors.
Need help choosing? Text or message us with your preferred color, texture, size, and intended use. We will help you find the sheepskin best suited to your space.
