Home Decor
All the Ways You're *Not* Using That Sheepskin Rug (But Should)
From the expected (accent rug) to the unusual (AC cover?).
If you’re considering a sheepskin rug purchase… just go for it. Animal furs (real and faux) have been used to cozy up homes for as long as humans have roamed the planet—and are great for providing extra warmth on a bed, act as seating, and instantly convey an intimate vibe. Especially now when the weather is quickly cooling down, and we’re likely going to be spending a lot more time inside (again), making your home as inviting as possible will help assuage the winter blues.
About a year ago, I ordered a faux sheepskin rug for my living room, and absolutely loved it. It added whimsy to a space that otherwise felt somewhat traditional, and perfectly sectioned off a reading nook within a larger room. Sadly, the faux fur isn’t really able to be cleaned, and I’m left wishing I just invested in the real deal, since there are so many places in my apartment that would benefit from a little hygge.
Below, we’ve rounded up all our favorite ways to use the ever-versatile sheepskin around the home. Trust us, they’re so much more than just an accent rug.
1. Layer it on a Larger Rug for Added Texture
Something that designers do constantly is layer smaller, more detailed rugs on top of larger, simpler ones. Not only does this allow you to change out the top rug with other rotating decor, it also means you can invest in a smaller statement rug and make it feel more substantial within a space.
2. Use it as a Pet Bed
Your pet is adorable, but their accessories aren’t always. If you find yourself uninspired by all the brown shades of microfiber at Petco, try laying a sheepskin out for them in their usual lounge spot. Alternatively, you can add a layer of protection between the harder-to-wash couch and your pet by fuffing it up for them.
3. Add Texture to a Dining Chair
I see this application everywhere, and I never tire of it. A casual pelt that just happens to be draped atop a dining chair or bench makes the whole room feel instantly warmer and Winterfell-like—in the best way.
4. Create Distinct Areas in a Larger Room
This is, of course, one of my favorite applications. Since I began working from home, my living room has become a variety of things, namely a home office and yoga studio. In order to retain a feeling of cozy, I positioned my rug under the loveseat and end table to clearly set apart a reading nook. Plus, it’s lovely to step bare feet right onto a fluffy rug.
5. Wrap it Around the Christmas Tree
Good tree skirts (as in, ones you’ll actually want to use year after year) are surprisingly hard to find, but the best one is sitting right in your living room already. Food52 Home Buyer, Aja Aktay, drapes her white sheepskin around the base of her tree in lieu of a tree skirt for the season, then repurposes it elsewhere post the holidays.
6. Hide the AC Unit Off-Season
Speaking of which, Aja also uses her sheepskin to cover her unsightly AC unit in the winter while it’s not in use. Not every renter has the ability to stow a unit away in a closet or remove it from their high rise window, but a little fur conceals even the most utilitarian of appliances. Not to mention, it protects you from the winter draft that seeps in.
7. Lay it Down as a Soft Nursery Landing
Okay, so maybe a sheepskin rug isn’t spit-up proof, but wouldn’t it make the cutest backdrop for a baby photo? I’ve seen sheepskins at the foot and on the sides of cribs in countless nursery reveals, and I’m not even close to tired of this trend.
8. Cover a Chair Cushion
You can go the extra mile and tack the sheepskin on with staples, but I just draped one over a chair cushion I didn’t like the color of, and it worked perfectly. I wasn’t ready to settle on a permanent reupholstery fabric, but ended up sticking with the sheepskin for far longer than I thought I would.
9. Drape it Over the Couch
Is there anything more effortlessly hygge than a sheepskin draped over a couch? No, there is not. Throw some logs in the fireplace, heat up some hot chocolate and I’m ready to snuggle right up.
Written by: Caroline Mullen
Popular on Food52
18 Comments
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I have also seen one store place double pelt sheepskin rugs on top of the foot-end of mattresses so that customers can try the beds with their shoes on...and also it looks much better than the ugly plastic covers that some stores use too!
Good luck!
Google “felted fleece”, “ethical”, “cruelty-free”, or “no kill” sheep rug to find.
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