Using a sheepskin outdoors? Tips for care and comfort

A sheepskin rug can be used outdoors as long as it is properly cared for. Thanks to natural lanolin, the wool is self-cleaning and water-repellent. Protect the leather on the underside by bringing the rug indoors during rain or fog. Airing it out and shaking it out regularly is enough to maintain the wool’s quality and softness.

A sheepskin on your chair is more than just comfort; it’s an invitation to linger outside a little longer, even when it gets chilly. Natural materials can withstand a lot, but wool does require a little extra care when used outdoors. After all, how do you deal with the elements without compromising quality? In this guide, you’ll find a practical approach to wool care. You’ll learn how to make the most of the natural strength of the fleece, so your garden remains a place where you can truly unwind all year round.

Why wool is the ideal outdoor companion

Wool is actually a very clever creation of nature. It has the unique ability to effortlessly adapt to the current temperature. On a cool spring evening or a late summer night, a sheepskin retains your own body heat. It acts like a natural heater that gives off just the right amount of warmth, so you can enjoy those extra hours outside without getting cold.

But wool does more than just keep you warm. Especially on hot days, it’s a pleasant addition to your outdoor furniture. Because wool naturally breathes, it wicks away heat and moisture. As a result, a chair with a sheepskin never feels sticky or stuffy, even when the sun is beating down. It’s a level of comfort you simply can’t achieve with synthetic materials.

The real secret behind wool’s power is lanolin. This is a natural wool grease found in the fibers. You can think of it as an invisible protective layer. It ensures that dirt and a small amount of moisture (think of the light mist on a foggy morning) don’t immediately penetrate the core of the fleece. As a result, the wool stays clean and fresh on its own for a very long time. A good sheepskin is therefore not only a beautiful, soft addition to your garden, but also a very practical choice that you can enjoy all year round.

Is a sheepskin rug water resistant? Outdoor care & guidelines

While a sheepskin rug is naturally water-repellent, it is not designed to be fully waterproof. Natural materials are made to last, but a little attention now and then works wonders. You don’t need to spend hours on it; think of maintenance mainly as a way to keep your outdoor space fresh. Since wool naturally repels dirt, all you really need to do is give nature a helping hand. Shake out the rug regularly outdoors and restore the softness of the fibers by brushing them occasionally. The fresh air does the rest. To maintain the quality of both the wool and the leather, follow these simple guidelines:

Situation	What to do?	Why
Refreshing	Air it outside in the shade	Fresh air removes odors and restores the fibers.
Rain or mist	Bring it inside in time	Wool can handle moisture, but the leather will turn stiff.
Stains	Dab immediately with a damp cloth	This prevents liquids from soaking into the core of the wool.
Cleaning	Never put it in the washing machine	This removes the natural oils and damages the hide.
Drying	Let it air dry slowly indoors	Direct heat from radiators or sun can cause the leather to crack.

By making these simple steps part of your outdoor lifestyle, you’ll ensure that your coat only gains more character over the years. It’s the most natural way to keep your coat in top condition.

Does sunlight fade sheepskin? Color and texture tips

No two sheepskins are alike, and that’s exactly what makes them so beautiful. A sheepskin is a natural product that lives and reacts to its environment. Do you have a naturally white or brown sheepskin? Then you’re in luck; the pigments in this wool are naturally formed and remain beautifully colorfast outdoors. With dyed skins, it’s wise to keep them in the shade a bit more, so the color retains its depth and doesn’t fade in the bright sun.

The length of the wool also determines how you experience the skin. A short-haired, curly skin is wonderfully low-maintenance and easy to use; the hairs always spring back into their natural shape. If you opt for the atmospheric, long hair of, say, an Icelandic coat, that requires a little extra attention. It’s almost a meditative moment: by occasionally shaking out or brushing the long fibers, the coat retains its airy volume. It’s a small gesture that ensures the softness is preserved, so you can step outside every day with the same joy.

The great thing about a sheepskin is that nature has already done most of the work for you. A quick refresh every now and then is enough to keep the wool soft and fresh for years. That way, with minimal effort, you’ll always have a comfortable spot outdoors, no matter how often you use the sheepskin.

Sheepscoat

The soft wool from the Sheepscoat adds warmth and comfort to any chair or bench. This Tesselaar sheep has grazed on the undulating meadows of the UK, where the salted sea air gave the sheep a soft and beautiful pelt. This Sheepscoat is a natural high quality, pure and genuine product and a perfect match to complete your Fieldchair. Attach the Sheepscoat with the loop to the Weltevree Fieldchair or roll it up to form a soft cushion. The Sheepscoat is available in two colorways.

€99.00

View Product

Fieldchair + Sheepscoat Brown

Simplicity at its best: the clever construction makes this Fieldchair Lounge Chair very comfortable and easy to store. Find a nice spot in the garden and unfold the chair. Lean back and relax while enjoying the sunset, a good book or the crackling fire of the Outdoor oven. Grab a Sheepscoat for extra comfort. The Weltevree Fieldchairs, designed by Floris Schoonderbeek, are made of sustainable Larch wood. To extend the life of your furniture, we suggest you to give it an oil treatment annually. With proper maintenance, folding and winter storage, you can enjoy the Fieldchairs for years to come.

Various options from €279.00

€378.00

Fieldchair + Sheepscoat White

Simplicity at its best: the clever construction makes this Fieldchair Lounge Chair very comfortable and easy to store. Find a nice spot in the garden and unfold the chair. Lean back and relax while enjoying the sunset, a good book or the crackling fire of the Outdoor oven. Grab a Sheepscoat for extra comfort. The Weltevree Fieldchairs, designed by Floris Schoonderbeek, are made of sustainable Larch wood. To extend the life of your furniture, we suggest you to give it an oil treatment annually. With proper maintenance, folding and winter storage, you can enjoy the Fieldchairs for years to come.