Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Sheepskins
Are your sheepskins genuine?
Every rug and cushion we sell is made from 100% real British sheepskin. We don't sell faux or synthetic alternatives.
Our hides are sourced from longwool sheep raised on high-welfare farms in Yorkshire, England.
Where do your sheepskins come from?
All of our sheepskins come from farms in Yorkshire. The hides are a byproduct of the meat industry. Rather than going to waste, they're selected, prepared, and turned into products designed to last. No animals are raised solely for their hides.
What makes real sheepskin better than synthetic?
Real sheepskin breathes. The wool fibres are hollow, which means they regulate temperature naturally — warm in winter, cool in summer. Synthetic alternatives trap heat and moisture, which makes them uncomfortable over time. Real sheepskin is also more durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and biodegradable at the end of its life. We've written a full guide on how to tell if a sheepskin rug is real.
Is sheepskin safe for people with allergies?
Sheepskin is naturally hypoallergenic. The lanolin in the wool repels dust mites, dirt, and bacteria, which makes it a better surface than most synthetic fabrics for allergy sufferers.
Wool's breathable structure also helps prevent the damp conditions where allergens tend to build up. If you have a known sensitivity to wool protein specifically, test a small area of skin first.
Are your sheepskins safe around pets?
Sheepskin is a natural material and perfectly safe for pets to sit on or lie near. Many of our customers use their sheepskins in homes with dogs and cats.
The wool is resilient enough to handle pet use, though claws and heavy chewing will cause damage over time, which isn't covered by our guarantee. A regular brush keeps pet hair from settling into the pile.
Does sheepskin leather have a smell?
Properly tanned sheepskin has very little odour. You might notice a faint, natural scent when it first arrives — this is normal and fades quickly. A strong or chemical smell would suggest poor tanning, which you won't find with our products.
How long does a sheepskin rug last?
Years, easily. With basic care — regular shaking, occasional brushing, keeping it dry — a good sheepskin rug will stay soft and usable for a very long time.
Ours are backed by a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee, so if a manufacturing fault ever appears, we'll repair or replace it.
Sizing & Colour
What size sheepskin do I need?
It depends on where you plan to use it. Our single (classic) sheepskins measure roughly 95cm x 60cm and work well on bar stools, kitchen stools, desk chairs, and occasional seats.
Our doubles (long) are around 180cm x 60cm, sized for benches, armchairs, and window seats.
Quads (XL) are approximately 180cm x 120cm and cover sofas or work as floor rugs. Our size guide has dimensions and visual references for each.
Will the colour match what I see on screen?
We photograph all of our sheepskins in natural light and keep editing to a minimum, so what you see online is a close representation.
That said, every screen renders colour slightly differently, and each hide has its own subtle tonal variation. If you're choosing between two colours and aren't sure, get in touch, we're happy to help you decide.
If the colour doesn't work for you when it arrives, you can return it for free.
Why does my sheepskin look slightly different from the photo?
Every sheepskin is a natural product. Small differences in wool density, tone, and shape are normal and expected.
We select every hide for quality, but no two are identical. We've written more about this on our natural variations page.
What's the difference between lambswool and sheepskin?
Lambswool comes from young lambs and is very fine and lightweight — it's typically used in clothing and baby products.
Our sheepskins come from mature sheep and include both the hide and the dense wool attached to it. That gives them more body, more warmth, and much greater durability. They're built for rugs, seat covers, and furnishings rather than garments.
Using Your Sheepskin
What's the best way to care for my sheepskin?
The basics: shake it out every few days to remove dust and loose fibres, and air it outside in the shade occasionally. Brush it gently with a sheepskin brush or pet grooming brush every week or two to keep the pile soft and lifted.
That's genuinely all it needs for routine maintenance. Our full care guide covers everything in detail.
Can I vacuum my sheepskin?
Yes, but gently. Use the lowest suction setting and an upholstery attachment, never a rotating brush or beater bar. Vacuum in the direction of the wool fibres. Regular shaking and brushing will usually do the job without needing to vacuum at all.
What if something spills on it?
Blot the spill immediately with a clean, dry cloth — don't rub.
For anything sticky or staining, dampen a cloth with water and a small amount of wool-safe detergent and dab the area. Let it air dry away from direct heat.
Wool is naturally moisture-wicking, so most light spills won't cause lasting damage if you deal with them quickly.
Can I machine wash or tumble dry my sheepskin?
No to both. Machine washing can damage the leather backing and mat the wool, and tumble drying will cause the hide to stiffen and shrink.
If your sheepskin needs a deep clean beyond spot treatment, take it to a professional cleaner who specialises in leather or sheepskin.
Can I steam clean my sheepskin?
Light steaming with a handheld steamer or nozzle attachment can help refresh the wool and lift surface dust — hold it a short distance from the fibres for a few minutes.
Avoid saturating the hide with moisture. Traditional carpet-style steam cleaning isn't suitable because the heat and water volume can damage the leather backing.
Why has my sheepskin gone yellow?
Yellowing happens naturally over time through oxidation and UV exposure. It's more noticeable on lighter colours like ivory.
To slow it down, keep your sheepskin out of prolonged direct sunlight, air it regularly, and brush the fibres to keep them lifted. Some yellowing on a well-used ivory sheepskin is normal and expected.
How do I make my sheepskin fluffy again?
Shake it out well, then brush the wool with a sheepskin brush, a metal slicker brush, or a pet grooming brush. Work in different directions to lift the fibres.
Doing this every week or two prevents matting and keeps the pile looking full. If it's been stored flat for a while, hanging it outside in fresh air for an hour or two before brushing helps it bounce back.
Orders & Delivery
Do you offer free delivery?
Yes. All UK orders include free standard delivery, which typically arrives within 2–4 working days, outside of holiday periods. We also offer free returns if the product isn't right for you.
Do you ship outside the UK?
Generally we can arrange shipping to Europe for a fee. Please contact us for international shipping enquiries and we'll do our best to help.
What's included with my order?
Your sheepskin rug arrives carefully packaged and ready to use.
When ordering, you can also add a grooming brush to your basket, useful for regular upkeep and keeping the pile soft.
Can I return my sheepskin if I change my mind?
Yes. We offer free returns within 30 days if the product isn't right for you, for a full refund or exchange. The rug needs to be in its original condition. Full details are on our returns page.