Sheepskin on the chair: which size should you choose?
- , by Sanne Schoo
- 4 min reading time
A sheepskin on a chair is warm, feels wonderfully soft and makes a chair truly inviting. But then comes the question I get asked almost every day: ‘What size do I actually need?’ Because sheepskins are not square pieces of fabric, this can be a bit of a puzzle. In this blog, I explain how it works and tell you what works best in practice.
How is a sheepskin actually measured?
This is always step one. Because a sheepskin is a natural product, each skin has its own shape and curves. That is why we measure them in a standard way:
- Length: from the centre at the top to the left or right at the bottom
- Width: at the bottom at the widest point
Sometimes a skin appears larger or smaller due to the wool, but the measurements are correct.
The sizes we sell most
The dimensions are listed for each skin, but in general you can assume the following sizes:
| Size | Average dimensions |
| Lambskin | 100 × 60 cm |
| Large | 110 × 60 cm |
| XL | 115 × 70 cm |
| Extra large | 125+ × 80 cm |
| Double rug | 170 × 65 cm |
The larger the chair, the more attractive a slightly larger rug will look. But... that's where my size advice comes in.
Practical advice: this usually fits best
Because I get a lot of questions about sizes, I'd like to share what I see with customers (and at home):
Dining chairs
110 to 115 cm almost always fits well here.
That's Large or XL.
That size covers the seat and part of the backrest. Do you want the entire backrest to be covered? Then XL works best.
Armchairs / lounge chairs
Armchairs are often wider and deeper, so my advice is:
- XL or Extra large
This looks calmer, sinks less and you sit comfortably in a large chair.
Office chairs
With office chairs, you don't want the fur to get caught between the wheels. That's why:
- Large (110 cm)
It provides a soft seat without extra wool on the bottom.
Recliner chairs / Stand-up chairs
Extra comfortable chairs or chairs for seniors usually have a long back with a seat and
- Double-length sheepskin
- Extra large sheepskin
This looks calmer, sinks less and you sit comfortably in a large chair.
About sinking and sliding (an elastic sheepskin tensioner works wonders)
On smooth chairs, a sheepskin can sometimes take on a life of its own and slowly slide down. That's why I always use our sheepskin tensioner (an elastic band that you put around the chair). This keeps the sheepskin upright in the back and you don't have to keep “hoisting” it.
A nice advantage: with such an elastic band, the fur does not have to hang completely over the backrest, which means you can sometimes get away with a smaller size.
Double fur: for those who want everything in one piece
For large armchairs or chairs where you want a generous look, there is also a double cover: these are two covers that we sew together in our workshop. It then runs in one piece from the back, over the seat to the front. It looks luxurious and stays in place well.
These double covers are also ideal for reclining armchairs.
Long or short wool? Quick summary:
- Long wool → fluffy, warm, real winter corner style
- Short wool → calmer, less voluminous, practical for intensive use
For chairs, most people choose long wool, purely because of the cosy effect. But short wool is certainly no less beautiful — it just depends on your interior. In general, our covers have a wool length of approx. 8 cm, unless otherwise stated.
My brief summary
To keep the whole story clear, here is my quick answer:
✔ Dining chairs: 110–115 cm
✔ Armchairs: 115–125+ cm
✔ Office chairs: 110 cm
✔ Senior chair: 125+ cm or double skin
✔ Full back + seat? Go one size larger
✔ Afraid it will sag? Use an elastic band
✔ Heavy use? Short wool is more practical
And remember: a sheepskin is not a rectangle, so look at how it falls, not the exact number.
Finally
If you are unsure, feel free to send us a photo or ask a question. That's what we're here for. Take a look at our entire collection of sheepskins for inspiration.
Tip: on the right-hand side of the sheepskin page, you will find an option to filter by size. Good luck!
Sanne
