Thinking of buying a sheepskin rug? They can be a fantastic addition to many homes, but if you haven't had one before, you may be on the fence or even unsure about a few things. That's why today we're taking a closer look at the benefits of sheepskin and any considerations you will want to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Is a sheepskin rug a good idea for my home?

Okay, so we are biased - this is a sheepskin company, after all. However, it's also a topic we are very passionate about, and because of that, it's fair to say that we know rather a lot about sheepskin products and the industry as a whole. That's why we can comfortably say that yes - a sheepskin rug for your home is almost always a good idea. They come with a myriad of benefits; some you may already be aware of, such as the aesthetic value and warmth properties, but others you might have never thought about before.

The benefits of sheepskin rugs

Sheepskins have been used to decorate homes for centuries. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, they add colour, warmth and texture to any home - and in fact, with the diverse range of sheep breeds available, there really is a type of pelt to suit every décor taste. But there are many more attributes to owning a sheepskin then just interior design gains. Here are a few of our favourite advantages of sheepskin.

Sheepskins are supportive, relieving aches and pains

Sheepskins have naturally crimped fibres that form a cushioning support for your body. Scientists believe this is because each wool hair, or fibre, contains a three-dimensional spiralling crimp that acts like a miniature spring.

By absorbing pressure without flattening out and distributing weight evenly over the body, sheepskins take pressure off limbs to help relieve aches and pains.

Sheepskins regulate your body temperature

The natural temperature regulating properties in wool help to reduce heat when it’s too hot, and increase heat when it’s too cold, so you stay at the right temperature.

In adults, keeping at the right temperature when sitting or lying down on a sheepskin can help promote better blood circulation.

This quality is also very useful for newborn babies - especially those who are premature or have low birth weight - as they cannot yet regulate their own

Sheepskins reduce friction and discomfort

The outer layer of protein on a fibre of wool is very smooth, making it easy for sheepskin fibres to move against each other and accommodate movement.

So when on sitting or lying on a sheepskin, your skin moves across the surface with less resistance to help reduce discomfort.

It’s particularly useful for people with limited mobility - such as the elderly or those convalescing after surgery. When sitting or lying in the same position for long periods of time, sheepskins can make them more comfortable and protect against bedsores.

Sheepskins deter dirt and bacteria

Sheepskin fleece is naturally resistant to the growth of mold, dust mites, and bed bugs.

Its natural wicking properties that draw moisture away from the skin also prevent the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive.

Sheepskins are also breathable, allowing air to continue circulating around you when rest on them - again reducing the hot and clammy environment that bacteria loves.

Best of all, you can regularly wash your sheepskin to keep it clean. Just take care when doing so to keep it in tip-top condition - see our guide on how to care for sheepskin for more details.

Sheepskins are hypo-allergenic and soothe skin

Sheepskin contains a substance called lanolin which is similar to that found in human skin. It is kind to sensitive or inflamed skin, so many believe it can help to soothe or desensitise rashes or skin conditions such as eczema.

Unlike faux sheepskins, which are carbon based fibres made from petrochemicals, sheepskins are natural products that have minimal chemical irritants.

Sheepskins are moisture wicking for skin protection

Fleeces have this fantastic ability to absorb moisture without actually feeling wet. Wool can carry almost one-third of its own weight in water before feeling wet to the touch.

Wet skin can cause maceration and weakening of the skin over time, so this ability to wick moisture is a great benefit for both comfort and skin protection.

Sheepskins help to promote restful sleep

Due to a combination of the reasons above, sleeping on a sheepskin can help you get a better night’s rest.

It helps to regulate the microclimate around our beds, plus increases comfort and support. A double end-to-end sheepskin makes a great bed liner to sleep on.

Findings from ongoing studies at the University of Sydney suggest that using wool bedding products can improve how you sleep, particularly if you suffer from skin conditions like ezcema.

Sheepskin is durable

Sheepskin products last a long time - in the case of rugs and items that are not being worn they can last decades, reducing the need to replace with multiple purchases.

Sheepskin is biodegradable

Being a natural product, sheepskins themselves are 100% biodegradable - a much better option for the planet than a faux rug which will take hundreds of years to decompose.

Sheepskin is self-cleaning

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which that resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales that rub against each other to push off the dirt.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Unlike synthetic fibres like polar fleece made from petrochemicals, sheepskin is also more breathable (so it gets less clammy and smelly) plus its naturally flame retardant and resistant to static electricity.

Once you do need to wash it, you can easily do it in the machine or by hand.

Sheepskin is water resistant

Real sheepskin is water resistant. There are tiny microscopic scales on each individual fibre, these scales (or shingles, as they are known) resemble tree bark and all orient in the same direction. Additionally each woollen fibre is also coated in lanolin, a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the sheep's skin, its primary function being to coat the wool fibres proving the fleece with protection from the elements.

If your sheepskin does get wet however the best way to dry it is away from a direct heat source. Direct heat will often shrink and set the skin side of the pelt hard - the best option is to hang the sheepskin over a line outside on a breezy day, failing this if you have to dry the pelt inside your house a dehumidifier is generally a great aid to help take the moister away from the pelt without drying out the skin side.

Sheepskins are versatile and stylish

A sheepskin rugs is incredibly versatile in its use; fabulously warm as sofa or bed throw, and really comforting on a chair - they are not just used as hearth rugs and larger floor coverings. I’ve even seen some beautiful unique rare-breeds displayed on the wall as a wall hanging, again these are incredibly effective at warming up a living space.

Sheepskin is comfortable

A sheepskin fleece is very tactile. Warm, flexible and soft to touch, its also very supportive and cushioning. So not only can it it can relieve body aches and pains it can also create a snug and soothing cocoon-like environment to whomever is lying on it, making your little ones, or you, or even your beloved pet feel more secure and relaxed.

The disadvantages of sheepskin rugs

There aren't a great deal of disadvantages to sheepskin rugs - but as with every purchase, there will be things you will want to consider.

Cleaning

Some are put off by the idea of keeping a sheepskin rug clean. While the self-cleaning properties of this material will keep it looking fresher for longer, its also an item you will have for years - and in that time, you may need to clean it on occasion.

Mother nature never designed sheepskins to be washed on the inside and out - mother nature never designed sheepskins to be washed at all! However, there are tried and tested ways to keeping your sheepskin tip top.

The first port of call is to brush your sheepskin with a sheepskin brush when the wool fibre has flattened or started to matt, then shake vigorously outside to remove the loose dust and dirt, remembering that you can always vacuum on an upholstery setting. If you keep on top of this then your fleece will stay nice and fluffy.

For unwanted spills and stains, try to just spot clean with a with a damp cloth and then hang outside on a dry day to refresh the sheepskin. If all else fails and you must wash, then wash on a cold/cool machine cycle with a wool detergent. Add a little glycerine or lanolin to the fabric conditioner drawer to help keep the back supple, and re shape while wet remembering to dry away from direct heat. When it's fully dry, use a sheepskin brush to separate the wool fibres.

Remember that if you must wash your sheepskin to keep it away from direct heat in the washing and drying process, direct heat may shrink and set the skin side of your pelt hard and then it would be very difficult to return it to its soft and supple starting point.

Colour changes

Natural sheepskins rarely fade, you may have a slight ‘bleaching of the tips’ on darker breeds pelts, but in general they tend to keep their colour well - unless they have been dyed.

Dyed sheepskin do not fare very well in direct sunlight as the ultraviolet light takes them back to the strongest base colour of the dye (often green or blue). However, dyed sheepskins can hold their colour beautifully as long as they are kept out of direct sunlight.

Smell

New sheepskins do have a natural new sheepskin smell, but this should only be of wool and leather and fades over time. If the smell is of sulphur then there has most likely been a problem in the tanning process. For a new skin hanging the sheepskin outside on a windy day often helps the smell to fade faster but the sulphur smell is a little more tricky. Sometimes sprinkling Fullers Earth onto the skin side can help to elevate the odour.

Shedding

Some new sheepskin rugs may shed a little, this is to be expected and is just the loose wool fibres after the pelt has passed through the mechanical brushes in the tanning process. These are nothing to worry about and easily removed with a sheepskin brush or even a vacuum cleaner on an upholstery setting.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the benefits of owning your own sheepskin rug. Here at The Fabulous Fleece Company we are very happy to answer any more questions that you might have before you make a decision to buy. I hope you enjoy perusing all the different breeds and colours that can be found in our range of sheepskin rugs.