Guide

Find the ideal sheepskin for your chair

We are often asked which sheepskin size is best for a dining chair or a favourite armchair. That is why we have put together this practical guide to make choosing your ideal sheepskin easier.

If you still have questions or are unsure after reading it, please don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail or give us a call.

dunkelbraunes Lammfell aus Neuseeland auf Stuhl

Which chair do you have?

The first step is to be clear about which chair you are looking for a sheepskin for. After that, it is much easier to choose the right size.

For classic dining chairs such as the Charles Eames chair or the Hay shell chair, we recommend a sheepskin with a length of 90 to 100 cm. We offer this size in various versions – so you can choose between skins from New Zealand, Iceland, Tibet, Austria and Great Britain. Each of these skins offers outstanding quality but differs in texture and appearance.

Which sheepskin suits you?

The next step is choosing the right sheepskin. Would you prefer a short-wool or a long-wool sheepskin? Should it be natural and undyed or dyed? And do you prefer curly or straight wool?

It all depends on your personal taste and your interior. You can also combine different skins – for example, a curly lambskin from Tibet with a short-wool sheepskin from New Zealand. Simply browse our selection and find the sheepskin you like best. If you have any questions about caring for a genuine sheepskin, just click the button below to view our detailed care guide

To the care guide

Important things to consider

When you choose a sheepskin for your chair, there are a few things to take into account.

Seat cover or a whole sheepskin?

People often wonder whether to choose a whole sheepskin or a seat cover for their dining chair. A seat cover is a good choice if you want to enjoy the natural comfort of genuine sheepskin but would rather do without the voluminous look of a whole skin. If, however, you are looking for a statement piece in the Scandinavian style, a whole sheepskin is the ideal choice.

But why not combine the two? This creates a harmonious overall look that adds cosiness and enhances the room at the same time, without compromising on comfort.

Measuring it yourself?

To find exactly the right sheepskin size for your chair, you can simply take a quick measurement using this formula:

Depth of the seat + height of the backrest + 10 cm

Measure the height of the backrest and the depth of the seat and add 10–15 cm so that the sheepskin hangs slightly over the backrest. This keeps the sheepskin in place and stops it from slipping.

What wool length should the sheepskin have?

Long wool:
Choose between New Zealand and Icelandic sheepskins, which are available in different lengths. The skins from New Zealand have a wool length of around 5 to 7 cm, while the wool of the Icelandic sheepskins is particularly long at 10 to 15 cm.

Short wool:
The shorn sheepskins from Iceland have a wool length of 5 to 7 cm, while the wool of a New Zealand short-wool sheepskin measures 2 to 3 cm. Both are popular choices, depending on whether you prefer a wild, natural look or a classic, modern one.

Curly:
If you have a fondness for curly sheepskins, you can opt for skins from Tibet, Austria or Gotland.

Wählen Sie das richtige Fell für Ihren Stuhl

Sheepskins for dining chairs

If you are unsure how big the sheepskin for your dining chairs should be, you have come to the right place. In the picture, we have summarised the most important information for you at a glance, so you can easily find the perfect sheepskin for your chairs.

The most important question when choosing a sheepskin for your dining chair or favourite armchair is whether the chair has a normal or a high backrest.

How to measure

To work out how long your sheepskin should be so that it doesn't slip, you can use this simple formula:

Depth of the seat + height of the backrest + 10 cm

Feel free to compare the result with the picture to make sure you have found the ideal sheepskin for your chair.

Chairs with a normal backrest

For chairs with a normal backrest, we recommend a sheepskin 90 to 110 cm long. Sometimes it can make sense to choose a length of 100 cm, depending on the depth of the seat and the height of the backrest.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can measure your chair and use the formula above to find your ideal sheepskin size.

Chairs with a high backrest

For chairs with a high backrest, we recommend a larger sheepskin. Our sheepskins from New Zealand come in lengths of 115 and 135 cm, which are a perfect fit for chairs like these.

Here too, it is best to measure to make sure the sheepskin is the right length.

Armchairs with a high or low backrest

Many people find it makes sense to choose a slightly larger sheepskin for their favourite armchair, for an especially snug feel. For armchairs with a high backrest, a double sheepskin can be a good choice, as it makes both the seat and the backrest especially cosy to sit in.