Sheepskins
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Genuine sheepskins are among the oldest natural materials that people have used for warmth, comfort and decoration – from medieval camps to modern living rooms. Here you will find a selection of high-quality sheepskins produced in Europe: Irish, Swedish and Icelandic skins in various pile types, as well as Nordland sheep shoulder skins for Viking costumes. All skins come from European meat production – by-products that are carefully tanned rather than left unused.
Lambskin or sheepskin – what’s the difference?
In trade, both terms are often used interchangeably, which is not entirely correct from a technical point of view. The key difference lies in the age of the animal and thus in the nature of the fleece.
- Comes from young animals (lambs)
- Tends to be finer, softer in texture
- Smaller area, more delicate leather
- Ideal for delicate applications: baby skins, seat covers, gloves
- Baby skins are often medically tanned and machine washable
- Comes from fully grown sheep
- Larger surface area, more robust pile
- More volume and warmth
- Ideal for rugs, bedding and shoulder rugs
- White tanning for a natural look and feel
For everyday practical use: lambskin baby skins are suitable for applications where washability and delicacy are paramount. Sheepskins offer surface area, warmth and rustic naturalness.
How to spot genuine sheepskin
If you want to buy genuine sheepskin, you should be aware of a few simple tests – these criteria are particularly helpful when buying online:
- Back test: Genuine sheepskin has a leathery underside – soft, slightly textured, with a typical leathery smell. Faux fur has a woven or fleece backing.
- Pile test: Individual hairs from genuine fur feel like sheep’s wool – they curl slightly and do not snap. Synthetic fibres snap cleanly or spring back stiffly.
- Burn test: When burned, genuine fur smells of keratin (like hair), whilst synthetic material smells of plastic. Caution: only test with a small sample.
- Price as an indicator: Full-size genuine skins start at around €37. Seat covers made from genuine fur are available from around €19. Anyone who finds a full-size ‘sheepskin’ for €8 is buying synthetic fibre.
All skins in this category are genuine natural skins – no imitations, no blended products.
Sheepskin in medieval encampments and as Viking equipment
In the medieval camp, sheepskin is a classic with a long history. As a seat pad by the campfire, a warming sleeping mat in the tent or floor covering in the camp – a genuine pelt provides practical services here that no synthetic material can fulfil so convincingly. The natural colours (white, brown, rust-brown, spotted) blend seamlessly into the rustic ambience without needing any extra help.
Shoulder skins made from Nordland sheepskin are particularly sought-after for Viking attire. The Nordland sheep is one of the oldest sheep breeds in Northern Europe; its fleece has a characteristic texture and colouring – rust-brown or white with dark spots – which looks historically authentic and blends seamlessly into early medieval outfits. Combined with a Viking tunic and matching belt, they create a harmonious overall look. Available in sizes S/M and L/XL – depending on body size and desired look.
For a complete camp, we recommend combining this with woollen blankets and other camping essentials.
Variants at a glance: Iceland, Ireland, Sweden, Nordland sheep
Icelandic sheepskin
Particularly long, slubbed pile with a natural texture. Also available with a short pile. Comes in white, black and spotted – the spotted version is a real eye-catcher for rustic décor. Temperature-regulating, lightweight and voluminous.
Irish sheepskin
Thick, dense pile in a typically warm brown. Irish skins often measure 100–120 cm and are ideal as floor coverings, sofa throws or bedding. Sturdy, voluminous, natural.
Swedish sheepskin
Natural white tone, medium pile, even surface. The all-rounder among sheepskins – works just as well as a decorative feature in a modern living room as it does in a medieval-style camp.
Nordland sheepskin
Specially crafted as a shoulder cape, in rust brown and white with spots. Available in S/M and L/XL – for a historically authentic Viking outfit without compromising on appearance. One of the oldest sheep breeds in Northern Europe.
English sheepskin
Medically tanned, machine washable at 30–40 °C. Ideal as a baby blanket, seat cover or for uses where occasional washing is important. Creamy white, medium pile.
Care and cleaning: How to keep your sheepskin looking beautiful for a long time
You should not wash white-tanned (alum-tanned) sheepskins. The leather on the underside would harden and become brittle due to water and heat – the pile would also be affected. The best way to remove dust is by regularly beating it out in the open air. You can gently dab stubborn areas with a slightly damp cloth – do not rub. A fur or dog brush will loosen the pile; simply comb through carefully once dry.
Medically tanned skins (Relugan) are machine washable at 30–40 °C using a mild wool detergent. Set the spin cycle to a low speed or omit it altogether. After washing, dry the skin flat – never hang it up, as this will cause the skin to warp. Avoid direct heat sources such as radiators or tumble dryers. Once dry, gently comb the pile with a fur brush.
Where possible, do not store sheepskins in direct sunlight for prolonged periods – UV radiation can cause the pile to fade over time. For long-term storage, fold the sheepskin loosely (do not press) and store it in a breathable bag. Moth protection is recommended for genuine natural sheepskins, particularly if the sheepskin is stored seasonally.
Sheepskin as decoration: ideas for the home and events
Sheepskins are versatile decorative elements – whether in a cosy Scandinavian-style home or at the next medieval market. A natural white or brown sheepskin draped over a sofa or armchair instantly creates a hygge atmosphere without needing much else. The texture of genuine sheepskin deliberately contrasts with smooth surfaces and brings a natural, tactile element into the room.
- As a rug or bed runner: XXL skins measuring 110–120 cm are real room-fillers – particularly the Irish skins in brown or the spotted Icelandic sheepskins attract attention.
- Seat cushions (40×40 cm): Practical for chairs and benches at home, but also as seating at medieval market stalls or in a camp tent. Available in white, black and spotted.
- On the bed: Placed over a duvet, a sheepskin adds texture and warmth – particularly in the autumn and winter months.
- Spotted skins as eye-catchers: Black-and-white or brown-and-white skins create striking accents and look particularly effective in bright rooms.
- For events: At medieval markets, Viking festivals or LARP events, sheepskins quickly create an atmospheric ambience – as floor coverings, wall hangings or camp decorations.
Prices and what you get for them
Seat cushions in 40×40 cm – ideal as a first experience with genuine sheepskin. Perfect for chairs, benches or as a small decorative element. Why sheepskins aren’t cheap: Every skin is a natural product with unique dimensions, handcrafted tanning and European origin – not a standardised mass-produced item.
Full-size skins approx. 100 cm – Swedish, Irish or Icelandic. Ample surface area for a sofa throw, rug or bedding. White tanning for a natural look and pleasant feel.
XXL skins up to 120 cm with a denser pile, Nordland sheep shoulder skins in S/M and L/XL. More surface area, special breeds, specific tanning. For re-enactment outfits and as an atmospheric investment for your home.
Origin and tanning: What to look out for when buying
| Tanning | Suitability | Origin / Special features |
|---|---|---|
| White tanning (alum tanning) | Authentic / Reenactment | England, Ireland, Sweden, Iceland – gentlest method, soft leather, not machine washable |
| Medical tanning (Relugan) | Everyday use / Family | England – machine washable at 30–40 °C, ideal for baby skins and seat covers |
All raw hides come from England, Ireland, Sweden and Iceland – exclusively by-products of meat production. Tanning takes place in Northern Europe. As a rule of thumb: the denser and more even the pile, the higher the quality of the hide. White tanning is traditionally the gentlest method and results in a particularly soft leather on the reverse side – though at the cost of not being machine washable. If you wish to clean a skin regularly or use it as a baby skin, you should opt for the medicinally tanned version.
Whether for your medieval camp, as a Viking shoulder rug or simply as a cosy home accessory – you’ll find genuine sheepskins made in Europe here in various sizes, colours and tanning styles. Browse through the collection and find the perfect skin for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Lambskin comes from young animals and tends to have a finer, softer pile. Sheepskin comes from fully grown sheep and is larger and more robust. In trade, both terms are often used interchangeably – but technically speaking, this is not correct. Lambskin is better suited for seat cushions and baby skins, whilst full-size sheepskin is the better choice for rugs, shoulder blankets and camping use.
Genuine sheepskin has a leather backing – soft, slightly textured and with a typical leathery smell. Faux fur has a woven or fleece backing. Individual hairs from genuine fur curl slightly like sheep’s wool and do not snap. In a burn test, genuine fur smells of keratin (like hair), whilst synthetic fibre smells of plastic. As a price guide: full-size genuine sheepskins cost at least €37.
Sheepskins are natural products with individual dimensions, pile thicknesses and colour nuances – not a standardised mass-produced item. Artisanal tanning in Europe is more labour-intensive than industrial mass processing. White tanning (alum tanning) is particularly gentle and time-consuming. Furthermore, the raw hides come from meat production and are carefully selected – high-quality hides are simply scarcer than synthetic fibre imitations.
That depends on the tanning method. White-tanned (alum-tanned) sheepskins should not be washed, as the leather will harden and become brittle. These skins should be cared for by regular beating and gentle wiping with a damp cloth. Medically tanned skins (Relugan) are machine washable at 30–40 °C using wool detergent – after washing, dry flat; do not use heat sources.
Sheepskins are versatile: as a sofa or armchair throw, rug or bedside rug at home; as a seat cover for chairs and benches; in medieval camps as a seat pad by the fire, a sleeping mat in a tent or floor covering; as a Viking shoulder cape for re-enactment costumes; or as a decorative accessory at medieval market stalls and LARP events.