Skip to main content
A royal ram with a gold chain, unknown artist, c. 1585

Afterglow · Room 1, Materials and care

How to Choose a Wool Throw or Sheepskin Rug: A Buyer's Guide

Unknown artistA royal ram with a gold chainc. 1585Cleveland Museum of Art · CC0 · hung

Move to light the painting

Overview

The guide, in short

Choose merino for a soft, drapey throw and llama or a merino-llama blend for extra warmth. For rugs, sheepskin is soft and layerable; cowhide is flat, durable and hides wear.

Sheepskin Cowhide
Underfoot Soft, plush, deep pile Flat and dense
Best rooms Bedrooms, nursery floors, layered over flat-weave rugs Living rooms, under a coffee table, busier spaces
Foot traffic Lower-traffic spots Stands up to traffic
Shows wear Can show footprints and vacuum lines Hides them

Choosing the throw

Fiber first. Merino is fine, breathable and soft against skin, so it works year-round; quality merino isn't itchy. Llama adds warmth and a heathered look, and a handwoven merino-llama blend gives you both. A looser weave feels airy and layers well; a denser one holds its shape. For a chair, 50" x 60" works; for a sofa, 50" x 70" or larger.

Made to order

Many handwoven throws and large designer hides are made after you order, so check the lead time before gifting. Made-to-order pieces are final sale, and the product page says so.

Care

Wool resists odor and stains, so airing and spot-cleaning cover most needs. Blot spills with cool water and a mild wool-safe soap; hot water can felt the fibers. Check the care label before any machine wash. Fold heavy throws for storage, with cedar against moths. Shake or gently vacuum hides with the pile, blot spills quickly, and keep both out of strong sun.

Shop: Wool throws · Sheepskin rugs · Cowhide rugs · Merino pillows

On the way out

The museum shop

Take one home

Tri Cowhide Lumbar Pillow

$230.00

Buy now
Patagonian Cowhide Pillow

$230.00

Buy now

Buy now goes straight to checkout with just that piece. Each piece's own page has its full details.

Browse the rooms of the shop

Collections of independent brands; each piece's own details win.