Sheepskin rugs, as the name suggests, are rugs made from the skin and fleece of the sheep. They are usually obtained after the sheep is slaughtered for meat.
Sheepskin rugs are actually not as common as you think they are. Only one in 200 sheep are tanned and made into rugs. Basically, only those with tanned skins are made into rugs.
Sheepskin rugs can last for a very long time – and even for a lifetime.
Here’s how long sheepskins typically last:
Sheepskin rugs are quite durable, and typically last 5-10 years when placed in high-traffic areas. Sheepskin rugs have a natural waxy coating called lanolin that helps keeps the sheepskin dry. It adds natural protection to sheepskin rugs that make them so durable that they can even last for a lifetime when left untouched as decor.
Do sheepskin rugs last as long as other rugs?
When comparing to synthetic material rugs, sheepskin rugs last way longer. Synthetic material rugs like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene, can last for five to ten years with proper care.
As mentioned, sheepskin rugs can last way more than that, and even for a lifetime.
Cowhide rugs have the same expected lifespan as sheepskin rugs – both of them can last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. Other rugs that can last for a really long time are authentic Oriental rugs.
These rugs have such a very long life expectancy that they can even be passed down from one generation to another.
Are sheepskin rugs worth the money?
Depending on the size and style, sheepskin rugs can cost from $60 to $1200, which is not a bad price for something that can last for a lifetime.
The smaller sheepskin rugs can be nice little accent rugs for a small space. They also look good just casually draped on one side of a couch. Big sheepskin rugs can be area rugs.
Given the durability, versatility, and quality of sheepskin rugs, they are worth the money.
Do sheepskin rugs require maintenance to last long?
Sheepskin rugs are quite low maintenance. They do require maintenance to last long, but the care and maintenance that sheepskin rugs need are very minimal.
This is because they have a natural coat of protection which is lanolin.
What sheepskin rugs last the longest?
Sheepskin rugs have backings which can either be a leather pelt backing or a suede backing.
Between the two, leather is more durable.
Leather is the exterior of the hide. Thus it is conditioned to resist the natural elements and damages like nicks and scratches. It also means that the natural wear and tear can be very minimal.
Meanwhile, suede is the interior of the hide, which means it is less resistant to natural elements and to normal wear.
That being said, authentic sheepskin rugs with leather pelt backing last the longest.
What are the most durable sheepskin rug brands?
There are many places to buy authentic sheepskin rugs, with many variations for shapes, sizes, and designs.
Here are some of the most durable brands of sheepskin rugs:
Sheepskin Shop
Established in 1987, Sheepskin Shop started in Vancouver, BC in Canada. It was initially called Southern Cross Sheepskins Inc., and it is a family-owned and operated retailer, wholesaler, and distributor of genuine sheepskin products.
The sheepskin materials are from Australia and New Zealand, while the rugs themselves are manufactured in China.
They offer a variety of sheepskin rugs in terms of designs and sizes. As for the colors, their sheepskin rugs come in neutral tones that can add warmth to any space.
Since sheepskin rugs are naturally small, the bigger rugs are made by stitching two pelts together to form one big rug. The price range of their products is from $60 to $1200.
Sheepskin Town
Sheepskin Town is a manufacturer of sheepskin rugs, with warehouses in the US and Canada. They offer high-quality sheepskin items with materials from New Zealand and Australia.
They offer sheepskin rugs in different colors, shapes, and sizes, with a price range starting from $70 to $600. Their rugs come in both natural colors and bold bright colors, like red, blue, and pink. The ones in bright colors are normally dyed with baby-safe acid-based dyes that make the color stick.
Rugs USA
With twenty years in the industry, Rugs USA has built a reputable brand offering a really good variety of rug styles, materials, and sizes to suit every design need and budget.
They offer sheepskin rugs starting at $130 to $600, that all come in their natural colors.
Their sheepskin rugs have good quality and are highly rated by customers.
However, they also offer faux sheepskin rugs. It would say so on the product name or description. So when looking at their website, make sure to read the complete product description to make sure that what you are buying is the genuine thing.
The Wool Company
Originating from Cornwall, England, The Wool Company is a family-owned company that manufactures different kinds of items from made from animal wool. They offer sheepskin rugs, wool blankets, pashmina scarves, wool socks, and so much more.
Their sheepskin rugs start from $44 to as much as $775. They come in different sizes and colors – from natural ones to dyed ones.
The materials used for their sheepskin rugs come from different countries.
Most of their sheepskin rugs come from sheep that are born and bred in the UK, while the bigger sheepskin rugs are made of materials sourced from North America.
The baby sheepskin materials are from New Zealand and Australia, while the luxurious ones with natural striking patterns are from Spain, Iceland, and Sweden.
Ecowool
Based and headquartered in New Zealand, Ecowool was founded in 1987 and has been known to sell high-quality sheepskin and wool products since then. Their aim is to offer a premium range of quality New Zealand products made using natural and renewable materials, with environmentally-conscious production techniques.
Ecowool offers a nice array of sheepskin rugs starting from $108 up to $1335, with different sizes.
Their sheepskin rugs come in natural colors that can add warmth to any space.
How do you make a sheepskin rug last longer?
With proper care and maintenance, sheepskin rugs can last for a lifetime.
Here is how you can make them maximize their expected lifespan and keep them in mint condition:
Vacuum regularly.
Vacuum your sheepskin rug thoroughly once a week. Use a plain suction, and not those turbo or rotating units that might potentially damage your rug.
Shake the rug.
Every now and then, take your rug outside and shake it to get loose dirt and dust off.
Sheepskin rugs have a natural coating that prevents dirt from settling in the rug fibers. All you have to do is shake them.
Spot clean stains.
Spot clean any stains as they happen.
Do not wait before cleaning them to prevent them from sinking into the fibers. Just take a white damp cloth and blot gently. If this does not remove the stain, you can run some cold water on your rug to wet the stained area and blot with a paper towel.
Here’s a guide to how you keep sheepskin clean and how easily they get dirty.
Brush occasionally.
Brushing the rug occasionally helps prevent tangles and matted fibers. Brush them gently with a recommended brush – most stores than sell sheepskin rugs also sell brushes for their maintenance.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Do not place them in an area with strong direct sunlight as this may affect the color of your rug, making them a bit yellowish.
In the case of dyed rugs, it may cause the dye to fade.
Keep them dry.
Avoid putting them in damp places. If you are not using your rug, store them properly in a dry area.
Sheepskin rugs are a good choice to decorate your space. They are cozy, warm, and comfortable, and they add a luxurious feel to any room.
They are also very durable and can last a lifetime.
It is no surprise that they are quite popular in interior and home design.
Sources:
How To Wash A Sheepskin Rug And Keep It Looking Great Forever