Sheepskin Materials | Natural Material for Interiors

Let the Material Lead.

Genuine sheepskin and reindeer hide are natural materials whose qualities are shaped by nature. Wool, hair and hide come together in a material defined by its structure, texture, tone and natural variation.

At BääBää, we work closely with these materials - selecting each hide for its individual qualities and understanding how its characteristics influence its use. On this page, we share our knowledge of what distinguishes a well-made hide, how natural wool differs from synthetic fibres, and what to consider when choosing a material for your space or project.

The Qualities of Genuine Sheepskin

Always Individual
Wool and Hide in One Material
Warmth and a Calming Tactile Feel
A Soft, Living Surface
Breathable
Made to Last
Helps Soften the Acoustics

Genuine natural materials do not remain entirely unchanged - and that is part of their appeal. Over time, the surface of a sheepskin develops a natural patina, shaped by use and its surroundings. Rather than losing its character, the material gains depth and develops a character of its own.

What Defines a Quality Sheepskin?

A quality sheepskin is recognised first and foremost through the material itself. The wool or hair should have a healthy, well-developed texture and an even overall appearance, while the leather should be intact and carefully finished. When a hide is well selected and properly processed, it retains its natural qualities, softness and character through use.

Natural variation is an essential part of genuine sheepskin. The structure, tone, length and density of the wool can vary from one hide to another, as can the natural surface of the leather. These differences are not imperfections to be eliminated, but part of what gives each sheepskin its individual character and identity.

Explore the Character of Natural Materials

natural hides → dyed hides →

short-wool → long-wool →

gotland → curly →

Material You Can Feel

Softness tells only part of the story. Natural materials and synthetic alternatives differ in the way they feel beneath the hand, respond to touch and movement, and change with use over time.

A material reveals itself through its texture, warmth, weight and surface. Its origin and how it has been processed shape these qualities, while natural variation gives each hide its own tactile character.

Understanding these details allows you to choose a material not simply for how it looks, but for how it feels, wears and becomes part of a space.

Genuine Sheepskin vs. Synthetic Alternatives

Characteristic	Genuine Sheepskin	Synthetic Sheepskin
Material	Natural wool and hide come together as one material, creating a nuanced, tactile surface with depth, texture and natural variation.	Synthetic fibres such as polyester and acrylic tend to have a smoother, more uniform surface. Unlike genuine sheepskin, they lack the natural variation in texture, structure and fibre character.
Feel	Soft, warm and deeply tactile, with a rich surface character shaped by the natural wool.	Smooth and soft with a consistent, uniform surface. Synthetic fibres can be more prone to static.
Breathability	Naturally breathable, wool helps balance warmth and moisture for lasting comfort.	Breathability varies by fibre and construction, but synthetic fibres generally provide less natural moisture and temperature regulation than wool.
Temperature Regulation	Naturally helps retain warmth in colder conditions while remaining comfortable in warmer surroundings.	Provides warmth, but lacks wool’s natural ability to help regulate temperature.
Individuality	No two pieces are quite the same - each carries its own natural variations in tone, texture, shape and wool.	A more uniform and consistent appearance, with less natural variation from one piece to another.
Longevity	With proper care, genuine sheepskin can remain beautiful and functional for many years, and can often be repaired when needed.	Longevity varies with the fibre and construction, while repairs can be more complex and less practical.
Ageing	Develops a natural patina over time, gaining depth while retaining its character.	Wear is often visible on the surface of synthetic fibres.
Material Origin	A natural material, sourced as a by-product of the meat industry. Free from synthetic fibres and plastic-based materials.	Typically made from fossil-based raw materials and can release microplastics through use and washing.
End of Life	Biodegradable at the end of its useful life under suitable conditions, as a natural animal-based material.	Not biodegradable and may persist in the environment for a long time after disposal.
Care	Light, regular care such as gentle shaking and airing is usually enough. Washing is rarely needed.	Often requires washing, which can gradually wear the material and shorten its useful life.

Nothing Genuine Can Be Replicated.

A Living Tactile Quality

Wool naturally responds to its surroundings, remaining comfortable across the seasons. It feels cool in warmer conditions and warm when the air turns cooler.

Natural Texture

Perfect uniformity belongs to industrially produced materials. In a genuine sheepskin, nature reveals itself through every fibre, nuanced tone and subtle variation - creating a surface with depth and texture.

Ages with Character

Unlike many synthetic materials, genuine sheepskin does not lose its character with use. Over time, it develops a natural patina, adding depth and making each piece increasingly individual.

BääBää Material Library

Sheep Wool as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Sheep wool
Origin: Natural fibre
Biodegradable: Yes, under suitable conditions
Contains microplastics: No
Thermal insulation: Excellent
Breathability: Excellent
Care: Easy

The Qualities of Wool

Naturally Warm and Breathable

The natural structure of wool fibres traps air, helping to provide insulation in cooler conditions while allowing heat and moisture to move through the material. This contributes to wool’s comfortable feel across changing temperatures.

Moisture-Responsive

Wool can absorb and release moisture vapour without immediately feeling damp. This natural moisture management contributes to its comfortable feel in a range of conditions.

Resistant to Odours

The structure and chemistry of wool can help limit the retention of odours. As a result, wool products often benefit more from regular airing than frequent washing.

Naturally Resilient

Wool fibres are naturally elastic and can recover from compression and everyday use. With proper care, quality wool can retain its softness, structure and tactile character for many years.

Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Sheep wool and sheepskin
Origin: Natural material
Biodegradable: Yes, under suitable conditions
Contains microplastics: No
Thermal insulation: Excellent
Breathability: Excellent
Care: Easy

Sheepskin is a natural material in which wool and hide form a single, tactile whole. The softness, breathability and insulating qualities of wool meet the strength and structure of the hide, creating a material that is warm, durable and comfortable to use.

Every genuine sheepskin is individual. The texture, curl, tone, density and natural shape of the wool vary according to breed, origin and wool type. These natural differences are part of what gives each hide its character - a material quality that cannot be reproduced through uniform manufacturing.

The Qualities of Sheepskin

Naturally Comfortable

The natural structure of wool fibres traps air, helping to provide insulation in cooler conditions while remaining comfortable as temperatures rise. This gives sheepskin its characteristic warmth without feeling overly heavy.

Breathable and Moisture-Responsive

Wool naturally breathes and can absorb and release moisture vapour, helping to maintain a comfortable feel across changing conditions.

Soft Yet Resilient

The combination of a soft wool surface and durable hide creates a material that is both tactile and hard-wearing. Wool fibres are naturally elastic, while the hide provides structure and strength.

Resistant to Odours

The structure of wool can help limit the retention of odours. As a result, sheepskin often benefits more from regular airing than frequent washing.

Naturally Individual

No two sheepskins are quite the same. Variations in tone, wool structure, density, curl and shape give every hide its own natural character.

Ages with Character

With proper care, genuine sheepskin can remain beautiful and functional for many years. Over time, the material develops a natural patina shaped by use and its surroundings, adding depth while retaining its character.

The Feel of Sheepskin

Sheepskin has a naturally soft, warm and tactile feel. The wool’s structure, density and fibre characteristics all influence how each hide feels to the touch and in use. Long wool has a light, flowing quality, while dense short wool can feel softer, fuller and more velvety.

The hide itself is also part of the experience. Carefully tanned sheepskin leather has a supple, natural surface that allows the material to remain flexible and pleasant to handle.

Applications of Sheepskin

Sheepskin is a versatile natural material suited to interiors, furniture and a wide range of design applications.

Chairs, armchairs, sofas and benches
Floors, rugs and layered interior compositions
Beds, reading spaces and children's rooms
Pet beds and resting areas
Upholstery, interior products and bespoke design projects

BääBää Perspective

The quality of a sheepskin is not determined by wool length or appearance alone. Breed, origin, wool density, tanning, finishing and intended use all influence how a hide feels, performs and ages.

At BääBää, we look at the material as a whole. Each sheepskin is considered individually for its texture, tone, structure, wool characteristics and intended application - selecting the material for what it naturally brings to the finished piece.

Discover Our Sheepskins

Icelandic Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Icelandic sheep wool and sheepskin
Wool Structure: Naturally double-coated
Wool Length: Long
Texture: Airy and richly textured
Applications: Interiors, design, upholstery and bespoke projects
Care: Easy

Icelandic sheepskin is recognised for its long, flowing wool and distinctive natural texture. The wool combines an airy structure with a soft, tactile character, creating a material with depth, movement and a strong visual presence.

Icelandic sheep wool naturally consists of two types of fibre. The longer outer fibres provide structure and protection, while the finer underwool contributes softness and insulation. Together, these fibres create the characteristic lightness, texture and volume of Icelandic sheepskin.

Every Icelandic sheepskin is individual. Wool length, curl, density, lustre and natural tone can vary from one hide to another, giving each piece its own distinctive character.

The Qualities of Icelandic Sheepskin

Long and Airy Wool

The long wool of Icelandic sheepskin creates an open, flowing surface with natural movement and volume.

A Naturally Layered Wool Structure

The combination of longer outer fibres and finer underwool gives the material its characteristic texture, softness and insulating qualities.

Light in Feel, Rich in Texture

Despite its generous wool length, Icelandic sheepskin has an airy feel. Its open fibre structure creates volume without making the material feel dense or heavy.

Natural Movement

The long wool falls and moves naturally, responding subtly to touch, light and its surroundings. This gives Icelandic sheepskin a distinctive presence within an interior.

Rich Texture

Wool length, curl, density and lustre vary naturally. These differences create depth across the surface and make each sheepskin individual.

The Feel of Icelandic Sheepskin

Icelandic sheepskin has an airy, soft and richly tactile feel. The long wool moves lightly beneath the hand, creating a generous surface with natural volume and depth.

The exact feel varies between hides. Some have finer, more flowing wool, while others have denser or more pronounced texture. This natural variation is part of what makes Icelandic sheepskin such a distinctive material.

Applications

Icelandic sheepskin is particularly suited to spaces where its long wool and natural texture can be appreciated.

Armchairs and sofas
Benches and chairs
Bedrooms and living spaces
Interior styling and layered compositions
Upholstery and bespoke furniture
Design projects where long wool forms part of the visual language

BääBää Perspective

The quality of an Icelandic sheepskin is not defined by wool length alone. Density, fibre structure, lustre, natural variation, tanning and the finish of the hide all contribute to how the material feels and performs.

At BääBää, each Icelandic sheepskin is considered individually - selected for its wool character, texture, tone, shape and intended application.

Explore Our Icelandic Sheepskins

Gotland Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Gotland sheep wool and sheepskin
Wool Type: Naturally curly
Wool Length: Short to medium, depending on the hide
Texture: Silky, curly and lustrous
Applications: Interiors, design, furniture upholstery and bespoke projects
Care: Easy

Gotland sheepskin is recognised for its naturally curly wool, subtle lustre and distinctive tactile character. The curls create a richly textured surface in which light catches the wool from different angles, revealing depth and nuance across the hide.

The wool has a naturally soft, flowing structure with a characteristic curl that gives Gotland sheepskin its recognisable appearance. Natural variations in curl, density, lustre and tone mean that every hide has its own expression.

The Qualities of Gotland Sheepskin

Naturally Curly Wool

The wool forms soft, three-dimensional curls that give the surface its distinctive texture and natural volume.

A Natural Lustre

The wool has a subtle natural sheen that catches the light gently, bringing out the depth and structure of the curls.

Rich Texture

The combination of curl, density and fibre structure creates a tactile surface with a refined sense of depth.

Nuanced Natural Tones

Gotland sheepskin is particularly associated with nuanced grey tones, ranging from soft silver-grey to deeper graphite shades. Natural tonal variation gives each hide its own character.

Naturally Individual

Curl, density, wool length, lustre and tone vary naturally from one hide to another. These differences are part of the material rather than something to be made uniform.

The Feel of Gotland Sheepskin

Gotland sheepskin has a soft, tactile feel with a naturally textured surface. The fine curls give the wool a distinctive character, while its subtle lustre adds a refined visual quality.

Each hide feels slightly different depending on its wool density, curl structure and fibre characteristics.

Applications

Gotland sheepskin works particularly well where natural texture and understated lustre can become part of the design.

Armchairs, sofas and design furniture
Interior styling and layered compositions
Bedrooms and living spaces
Upholstery and bespoke furniture
Interior and design projects where natural texture is part of the overall material expression

BääBää Perspective

The quality of a Gotland sheepskin is defined by more than curl alone. The balance between curl structure, wool density, lustre, tone, hide quality and finishing all contribute to the character of the material.

At BääBää, each Gotland sheepskin is considered individually, with attention to its natural texture, tonal depth, wool structure and intended application.

Explore Our Gotland Sheepskins

Short-Wool Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Sheep wool and tanned sheepskin
Wool Type: Short and dense
Wool Length: Short
Texture: Dense, soft and velvety
Applications: Interiors, furniture and everyday use
Care: Very easy

Short-wool sheepskin is recognised for its dense wool structure, velvety softness and understated appearance. The shorter wool creates a smooth, refined surface that allows the natural character of the material to come through without a pronounced texture.

Its dense wool makes the material particularly comfortable to use. It feels soft against the skin while retaining its structure well through everyday use. The restrained appearance also makes short-wool sheepskin easy to combine with different interior styles.

The Qualities of Short-Wool Sheepskin

Dense Wool Structure. Short wool creates a dense, even surface that feels exceptionally soft while retaining its shape and character through use.
Velvety Feel. The shorter fibres create a smooth, close surface with a soft, velvety feel.
Easy to Combine. Its restrained texture works naturally across different interiors, adding softness without introducing a strong visual statement.
Made to Last. Dense wool can withstand regular use and, with appropriate care, retain its softness and structure over time.
Natural Comfort. The natural properties of wool make short-wool sheepskin comfortable to use throughout the year.

The Feel of Short Wool

Short-wool sheepskin has a smooth, soft and velvety feel. Its dense surface provides a consistent sense of softness without the movement of longer wool, making it particularly well suited to seating and other areas of frequent contact.

Applications

Short-wool sheepskin is particularly suited to spaces where practicality, durability and understated aesthetics come together.

Dining chairs and benches
Armchairs, beds and sofas
Workspaces and living areas where additional comfort is desired
Interior and furniture projects calling for a calm, refined material surface

BääBää Perspective

The quality of a short-wool sheepskin is defined above all by the density and condition of the wool, its softness and the quality of the finished hide. A well-selected hide has a balanced wool structure and a carefully finished leather surface, allowing the material to retain its natural character through use.

Explore Our Short-Wool Sheepskins

Long-Wool Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Sheep wool and tanned sheepskin
Wool Type: Long and abundant
Wool Length: Long
Texture: Full, airy and richly textured
Applications: Interiors, design and furniture
Care: Easy

Long-wool sheepskin is recognised for its generous wool, soft drape and distinctive natural texture. The longer fibres bring warmth, movement and depth to an interior in a way that shorter wool cannot replicate.

The length of the wool allows natural variations in tone, curl and fibre structure to become part of the surface. Light and movement reveal these details differently throughout the day, giving each sheepskin its own expression.

The Qualities of Long-Wool Sheepskin

Rich Natural Texture. Long wool creates a generous surface in which the natural movement and structure of each fibre remain visible. It brings softness and depth to an interior.
A Living Surface. Long wool responds subtly to light and movement, creating natural variation across the surface. This gives the material a sense of depth that uniform or synthetic surfaces cannot reproduce.
Distinctive Natural Character. Straight, wavy or curly wool can give long-wool sheepskins very different expressions. The natural growth direction and fibre structure make every hide individual.
Natural Softness. Long wool has a soft, tactile feel. Its generous fibre structure adds comfort to seating and other areas intended for relaxed use.
A Material with Presence. Long-wool sheepskin works equally well as a functional natural material or as a more expressive element within an interior.

The Feel of Long Wool

Long-wool sheepskin has an airy, soft and richly tactile feel. The longer fibres move lightly beneath the hand, creating a generous surface with natural volume and depth. The length, density and structure of the wool all influence the feel, giving each sheepskin its own character.

Applications

Long-wool sheepskin is particularly suited to spaces where natural texture forms part of the overall interior composition.

Armchairs and sofas, adding softness and a distinctive tactile element
Bedrooms, bringing warmth and natural texture
Benches and lounge seating, adding comfort
Upholstery and design projects where the texture of natural materials is an important part of the design

BääBää Perspective

The quality of a long-wool sheepskin is not determined by wool length alone. Wool density, fibre strength, natural lustre, structural balance and the quality of the tanned hide all influence how the material looks, feels and develops through years of use.

Explore Our Long-Wool Sheepskins

Curly-Wool Sheepskin as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Sheep wool and sheepskin
Wool Type: Curly
Wool Length: Short to long, depending on the hide
Texture: Three-dimensional, tactile and distinctive
Applications: Interiors, design and furniture
Care: Easy

Curly-wool sheepskin is recognised for its three-dimensional wool structure, natural elasticity and richly textured surface. The curls form naturally within the wool, giving every sheepskin its own expression. The result is a material that feels soft, responds naturally to touch and brings depth and character to an interior.

The strength of the curl, curl formation and wool density vary according to breed, origin and the individual hide.

The Qualities of Curly-Wool Sheepskin

Naturally Curly Wool. The curls form naturally within the wool, creating the characteristic appearance of the material. Each sheepskin has its own individual curl pattern.
Three-Dimensional Texture. Curly wool creates a surface where light, shadow and fibre structure interact naturally, giving the material depth and visual movement.
Soft & Tactile. Curly-wool sheepskin has a naturally soft and comfortable feel. Its textured wool surface adds comfort to seating and other areas of everyday use.
Timeless Character. The natural curl creates depth and variation that cannot be achieved with a uniform wool surface. Its distinctive texture gives the material a character that remains engaging over time.

The Feel of Curly Wool

Curly-wool sheepskin has a soft, supple and airy feel. The curls create a naturally dimensional surface that gives the material its distinctive tactile character. The exact feel varies according to wool density, curl structure and fibre length.

Applications

Curly-wool sheepskin is particularly suited to spaces where the texture and structure of the material form an important part of the overall composition.

Armchairs and sofas, as a soft tactile element
Benches and chairs, adding comfort and texture
Bedrooms, as a warm natural material
Furniture upholstery and interior projects where the natural structure of the material is part of the design

BääBää Perspective

The quality of a curly-wool sheepskin is reflected in the balance of its wool structure, the natural formation of the curls and the density of the wool. At BääBää, these characteristics are considered together with the quality and finish of the hide, as they all contribute to the material's overall character.

Explore Our Curly-Wool Sheepskins

Reindeer Hide as a Material

Material Facts

Material: Reindeer hair and hide
Hair Type: Naturally hollow fibres
Hair Length: Short
Texture: Soft, dense and lightweight
Thermal Insulation: Exceptional
Applications: Interiors and decorative use
Care: Very easy

Reindeer hide is one of the distinctive natural materials of the North. Its soft, naturally hollow hair has evolved to protect reindeer in Arctic conditions, creating excellent thermal insulation within an exceptionally lightweight structure.

Every reindeer hide is naturally individual. Hair length, colour and markings vary from one hide to another, creating a surface that is entirely its own. Natural tones can range from rare pale and white tones through to warm browns and deep, almost black shades.

The Qualities of Reindeer Hide

Exceptional Thermal Insulation. The hollow structure of reindeer hair traps air efficiently, giving the hide excellent insulating properties. This structure has evolved to help protect reindeer in Arctic conditions.
Lightweight Natural Material. Despite its strong insulating properties, reindeer hide remains remarkably light and easy to handle.
Naturally Individual. Hair colour, length and natural markings vary from one hide to another, making every piece unique.
Soft Surface. The dense hair has a remarkably smooth, silky feel that gives reindeer hide its distinctive tactile character.
A Material Shaped by the North. The properties of reindeer hide have developed in response to the demanding conditions of the northern climate. Its structure is a direct reflection of its natural environment.

The Feel of Reindeer Hide

Reindeer hide has an exceptionally light, silky and warm feel. The naturally hollow hair traps air efficiently, helping the material retain warmth while maintaining its lightweight, airy structure.

Applications

Reindeer hide is particularly suited to interiors where natural northern materials form part of the overall composition.

As a wall-mounted piece or distinctive interior detail
Cabins, restaurants and hotel interiors
Design and interior projects where genuine natural materials are central to the concept

BääBää Perspective

The hollow structure of reindeer hair gives the material its exceptional insulating properties, but also makes it more sensitive to repeated friction than sheep wool. For this reason, reindeer hide is best suited to interior applications and lighter use, allowing its natural surface and character to remain beautiful over time.

Explore Our Reindeer Hides

BääBää Material Notes

The Shape & Size of Genuine Sheepskins

Natural sheepskins and hides are never exactly the same shape or size. Each hide reflects the breed, age and natural growth of the animal, which means small variations are always present. The stated size is generally based on the hide’s longest length and widest point, while the natural shape can vary considerably. Some hides are narrower and longer, while others are broader or more rounded.

At BääBää, every sheepskin is carefully measured and graded so that its size classification reflects its actual dimensions as accurately as possible. Natural variation, however, is an essential part of the character of a genuine sheepskin.

How We Measure Sheepskins

Length is measured from the highest point of the hide to the opposite edge, including the wool.
Width is measured at the widest point across the centre of the hide, including the wool.

Length

Width

Need Help Choosing the Right Size?

Natural Colour and Tonal Variation

The tones of genuine wool vary naturally. Even within a single sheepskin, lighter and deeper tones may appear across the surface, changing subtly with the light and viewing angle. This natural variation gives each hide its own character and creates a sense of depth and nuance that is difficult to reproduce in artificially coloured materials.

The Way Light Meets Wool

Natural wool can appear subtly different depending on the light and viewing angle. The structure, direction and natural lustre of the fibres affect how light and shadow move across the surface, revealing different tones, textures and depths.

Shadows settle naturally between the fibres, curls and variations in the wool, while areas touched by light appear lighter and more defined. As the light changes, so does the expression of the surface. This is part of the character of genuine wool - a tactile, dimensional material that responds naturally to its surroundings rather than appearing completely uniform.

A Natural Material That Develops Patina

Natural wool responds to use. The fibres may temporarily compress under pressure, such as when sitting or resting on the material, but can regain their natural loft through gentle shaking and airing.

Over time, the material develops a natural patina shaped by use and its surroundings. Rather than remaining completely unchanged, genuine wool acquires subtle changes in texture and character that become part of its identity. This ability to develop with time is one of the qualities that makes natural materials so enduringly valued.

Natural Marks on the Hide Side

The hide side of a genuine sheepskin may show subtle natural markings, variations in pigmentation or other traces formed during the animal’s life. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not generally affect its durability or everyday use.

Rather than imperfections, they are part of what makes each hide authentic - visible traces of its natural origin and individual history.

The Origin of Our Materials

BääBää sheepskins and reindeer hides are natural animal-based materials sourced as by-products of the meat industry. Using these materials for long-term interior and design applications gives them a considered purpose beyond their original use.

Our materials are sourced from selected suppliers in the Nordic countries and across the EU. We consider origin, material quality and processing when selecting hides for the BääBää collection. Each hide is carefully tanned using modern ECO-TAN tanning methods that meet applicable European requirements for quality, safety and environmental performance.

Before a hide becomes part of the BääBää collection, it is assessed individually. We look at characteristics such as wool structure, density, natural tone, surface quality and the overall condition of the hide. Natural variation is an essential part of this assessment - not something to be removed.

This approach allows us to select materials for their individual qualities and intended use, while preserving the natural character that makes every genuine sheepskin and reindeer hide different.

Sheepskin Solutions for Professionals

BääBää works as a material partner for businesses seeking genuine natural materials for considered design and interior projects. We work with designers, brands, furniture manufacturers and other professionals who value material quality, responsible sourcing and a considered approach to natural variation.

Every project begins with understanding how the material will be used. We help identify the right sheepskin or reindeer hide based on the requirements of the project - considering factors such as wool type, density, size, tone, structure and intended application. The aim is to ensure that the material works both visually and practically as part of the finished design.

For Professionals, We Offer

Project-Specific Material Selection. Materials selected according to the requirements, application and visual direction of the project.
Curated Material Sorting. Sheepskins and reindeer hides can be selected and sorted by size, tone, wool type, structure and overall material quality.
Bespoke & Special Projects. Custom material solutions ranging from individual pieces to larger project quantities.
Material and Design Support. Practical guidance throughout the process, from initial material selection and sampling to development and final application.

Partner with BääBää?