When it comes time to upgrade your home decor, you can’t go wrong with a sheepskin rug. These soft, fluffy rugs can be placed in a bedroom, living room, or basement for a hint of sophistication usually without taking up too much space.
“A sheepskin rug adds a touch of luxurious comfort, timeless beauty, and versatile warmth to any home, making it a perfect choice for stylish and cozy decor,” says Zach Zaman, founder of Heirloom, a Brooklyn-based rug store.
With that said, it can be difficult to find professionally constructed pieces made from genuine sheepskin as many are made with faux or synthetic sheepskin these days. There’s nothing wrong with a faux rug, however, if you’re looking for the real deal, you’ll want to do some careful searching. To help make the process easier, we’ve consulted with a textile expert to determine what to look for and compiled a list of the best sheepskin rugs for any living quarters in various sizes, colors, and piles.
Best Overall
Crate & Barrel Ivory Sheepskin Throw/Rug
Asymmetrical cut
Soft and plush
Larger size than most
Professionally-cleaned only
High shedding potential
The best sheepskin rug is one that is made out of genuine sheepskin, is large enough for the room you'll be placing it in, and has an appropriate thickness—and Crate & Barrel's Ivory Sheepskin Rug checks all of our boxes. With its fluffy, fleece-like material, it's sure to look extra sophisticated whether it's draped over a couch or spread out on the floor. It’s perfect for a living room, guest bedroom, office, master bedroom, or even a basement den.
This rug will need to be professionally cleaned every so often in order to keep it in pristine condition. Make sure to find a cleaner who specializes in sheepskin to avoid any damage to your precious new rug. However, it comes at a reasonable price compared to other brands that offer similar pieces of the same size and quality for double or nearly triple the price.
Price at time of publish: From $379
Material: Sheepskin | Dimensions: 72 x 42 inches; 70 x 23 inches | Colors: Ivory
Best Budget
WaySoft Eco-Friendly Genuine New Zealand Sheepskin Rug
No foul odor
Soft, high-pile
Genuine sheepskin
Not water-resistant
Not stain-resistant
With its delicate construction and lush high pile, this genuine sheepskin rug is a great option for those on a budget (unless you choose to opt for a faux-fur rug, which are often on the more affordable side). Made with sheepskin from New Zealand, it has a thick density and a luscious plush feel that will feel great underfoot. It can be placed on the floor or used as a barstool mat, other possible locations for this rug include draped on your sofa or bed for a touch of texture. Available in four different sizes and a number of colors, including umber and wolf tip, you can customize the size and look to your needs.
Since the rug is made from sustainable materials, it’s also likely that it can arrive slightly smaller or larger than the size ordered. That’s generally not a big deal, but something you’ll want to keep note of before it arrives at your doorstep. Also, remember that the rug will last for a significant number of years if taken care of properly so don’t forget to show it some TLC from the first day you take it out of the box.
Price at time of publish: From $65 for a 2 x 3-foot rug
Material: Genuine sheepskin | Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 2 x 6 feet, 4 x 6 feet, 6 x 7 feet | Colors: 10 colors
Best Small
Everly Quinn Novelty Juri Handmade Sheepskin Area Rug
Numerous color options
Soft and sophisticated appearance
Floor-heating safe
May vary in size
No non-slip backing
If you're shopping for a dorm or are in need of an accent piece, the smaller, 2 x 3-foot Everly Quinn Novelty Juri Sheepskin Rug is one of your best bets. Each unique rug is individually hand woven to create a soft and fluffy piece fit for the home. This trendy rug is available in 18 colors, including ivory, black, blue, berry, and rose. You’ll have enough options to accent virtually any room or match existing home decor.
The rug is small enough that it can be layered on top of a larger rug to create depth and dimension as well if that’s more your speed. With that said, since it’s hand-stitched, there’s the possibility of the rug arriving slightly smaller or larger than described.
Price at time of publish: $159
Material: Sheepskin | Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet | Colors: 18 colors
Best Splurge
Burke Decor Sheepskin Rug
100% sheepskin
Handcrafted construction
Soft and plush
Spot-clean only
Color and size may vary
Splurging on a few home decor pieces can really pull a room together, whether that’s a statement light fixture or a new rug. At 6 by 8 feet, this splurge-worthy rug is larger than a traditional area rug, but not large enough to cover an entire room.
While it’s probably not best suited as an entryway rug, this option can work as a bedroom or office rug that is less prone to foot traffic. The plush pile gives it a smooth and airy feel that’s soft to the touch and makes it a welcoming piece in any home or apartment.
Just note that, since the rug is made from sustainable materials, it might not arrive at your doorstep exactly as pictured. When it comes time to clean, this rug is specifically designed to be spot-cleaned to maintain its integrity and appearance.
Price at time of publish: $1,950
Material: Sheepskin | Dimensions: 6 x 8 feet | Colors: Neutral
Best Large
Overland Premium Australian Sheepskin Area Rug
Both long and wide
Various neutral colors available
Stays in place; durable
High matting potential
Can smell bad
The best sheepskin rugs are not only fluffy and soft, but also aesthetically pleasing and contemporary for any modern home. Similar to a shag rug, its three-inch pile gives it a plush and dense feel so it’s easy to tell that it’s made from the highest quality Australian sheepskin. To help keep the rug intact and in place on the floor, it’s lined with a polyester backing for extra stability. Depending on your home aesthetic, this sheepskin rug can be purchased in a variety of colors including champagne, steel, and gray.
When it comes time to clean, Overland emphasizes the importance of spot cleaning. The rug can be machine washed, but to maintain its integrity, it’s highly advised to try spot cleaning first and use the machine as a last resort option. To dry, you’ll want to let it air dry away from the sun and from any direct heat source as it’ll make the fabric harder. Also, keep in mind that if it’s in a spot with lots of foot traffic, then it has a higher likelihood of getting matted.
Price at time of publish: $2,195
Material: Australian sheepskin | Dimensions: 138 x 96 inches | Colors: 8 colors
Best Faux
Latitude Run Brooklinn Handmade Faux Sheepskin Rug
Eco-friendly
Handmade weaving technique
Canvas backing
Not super fluffy or dense
Spot-clean only
If you’re in the market for a faux sheepskin rug to add to your home, then you should opt for this handmade one from Latitude Run. It’s a blend of synthetic sheepskin and polyester which comes together to create an appearance similar to the real thing. See how we said similar, well, that’s because it’s definitely not as thick as a genuine sheepskin rug. It’s a suitable alternative if you want the look of a sheepskin rug at a fraction of the price. And while its 1-inch pile gives it some depth, however, it’s best for areas with low foot traffic like an office space or a basement.
When it comes time to clean the rug, similar to a genuine sheepskin option, you’ll want to spot-clean it and let it air dry to preserve its integrity.
Price at time of publish: $292
Material: Faux fur | Dimensions: 84 x 72 x 1 inches | Colors: Cream
Best on Amazon
Natural Milan Genuine Sheepskin Area Rug
Variety of color options
Leather-backing for stability
Fade-resistant
Color may vary
Not water-resistant
Amazon is home to nearly every home decor item you can imagine—including, somewhat surprisingly, some of the best sheepskin rugs. The Natural Milan Genuine Sheepskin Area Rug is made with sheepskin sourced from farms in New Zealand, each handpicked by local craftsmen. Unlike some of the other options on this list, this one has a skid-resistant, genuine leather backing making it extra durable and sturdy.
This option is only available in two sizes (2 x 3 feet and 2 x 6 feet), both of which are on the more narrow side. So while it won't be your next area rug, it’s perfect for a dorm room or small bedroom where an accent rug will do the trick. We love that it's available in 16 different colors, including both neutral and more vibrant options.
Price at time of publish: From $60
Material: Sheepskin | Dimensions: 2 x 3 feet, 2 x 6 feet | Colors: 14 colors
Our top pick is the Crate & Barrel Ivory Sheepskin Throw/Rug, a versatile option that comes in two sizes and looks equally great layered with other rugs as it does thrown on your couch or bed. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly pick, we recommend the WaySoft Genuine New Zealand Sheepskin Rug, which is handmade and surprisingly affordable.
What to Look for in a Sheepskin Rug
Material
The material for a sheepskin rug can vary based on the brand, but in general, these home accents traditionally come directly from the skin of the animal whether it’s from New Zealand like the LargeWaySoft Eco-Friendly Genuine New Zealand Sheepskin Rug, Australia like the Overland Premium Australian Sheepskin Area Rug, or other rural locations.
“Classic sheepskin is actually a pelt which is the skin of the sheep still connected to the sheeps wool still attached,” says Zaman. “Whereas some companies now can use some parts of the sheep along with fillers or glued to standardize the process and sizing.”
There are such things as faux or synthetic sheepskin rugs like the Latitude Run Brooklinn Handmade Faux Sheepskin Rug which aren’t the real deal, yet still closely resemble their counterparts. A common material for faux sheepskin rugs is polyester because it can be fluffy and dense.
Size and Shape
The best sheepskin rugs come in a variety of sizes. “Classic sheepskins are generally 2 x 3-4 feet,” says Zaman. “Multiple pelts can be combined to create larger sizes. A double sheepskin which is two pelts combined is generally 2’ x 6-7’ where a quad sheepskin will be around 4 x 6-7.”
As for shape, standard sheepskin rugs are usually either rectangular or asymmetrical like the Crate and Barrel Ivory Sheepskin Throw/Rug. In a majority of genuine sheepskin rugs, no two will be identical since they are handmade and subject to minor changes in size — usually a few inches.
Wool Density and Loft
The wool density and loft varies based on each individual rug, but there are a typically the fluffier rugs will have a higher wool density. With that in mind, Zaman says a soft and fluffy sheepskin rug will usually be 2 to 3 inches high. On the other hand, some are between 1 to 1.5 inches which are on the shorter side, but still give them that shaggy rug type of feel.
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How long do sheepskin rugs last?
According to Zach Zaman, founder of Heirloom, a good quality sheepskin that is well cared for can last for decades. However, inferior sheepskin rugs that may use glues can have a very short life span.
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Do sheepskin rugs get matted?
Just like any animal fiber, sheepskin can get matted. “Just like you would do for your own hair or that of your pets, washing the area with a diluted conditioner and brushing can often resolve the matting,” says Zaman.
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What is the best way to wash sheepskin rugs?
The best way to wash a sheepskin rug depends on the type and the manufacturer. Some can even be thrown in the washer, but even those rugs that are machine washable should be air dried flat. “It's always recommended to try to spot clean dirty or stained areas with a wool detergent or even diluted dish soap and soft cloth,” says Zaman. “Regular vacuuming (suction only) will help to keep sediment out and your sheepskin plush.” He adds that you’ll always want to check your manufacturer's instructions and if you’re unsure or overwhelmed then send it to a professional cleaner.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Casey Clark, a freelance writer specializing in home products. As someone who lives in a small apartment, she understands the importance of having a quality sheepskin rug to add personality to a space. To choose the best product picks to include in this article, she consulted insights from industry experts including textile experts. Additionally, she looked at third-party websites and shopper reviews to determine which products made the cut.