Updated July 2026.
To choose a decorative hide, first define its use (sofa throw, floor rug, chair pad), then decide between a real sheepskin and a synthetic version based on your budget and beliefs. Maintenance then depends on the material: brushing and airing for real hide, gentle washing for faux fur.
What is a decorative hide used for?
A hide instantly warms up a room with its material and texture. Three uses are most common:
- As a throw on a sofa, armchair, or at the end of a bed, to soften a somewhat rigid seat.
- On the floor, as a small rug or bedside rug, to place your feet on a soft material upon waking.
- As a round chair pad, to dress up a dining chair or stool.
Real or synthetic sheepskin: how to choose?
Two families coexist, and they should never be confused. Real sheepskin is a natural woolly hide: each piece is unique, dense, and durable. The synthetic version is a faux fur woven from polyester, vegan, and easy to wash. An imitation is never presented as a real hide: the exact material is always indicated on the product sheet, and the word "leather" only refers to the backing of a truly animal hide, never a synthetic material.
| Criteria | Real sheepskin | Synthetic version |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Lambskin, natural hair | Faux fur made of polyester |
| Feel | Dense, each hide is unique | Regular and uniform |
| Care | Brushing, airing, delicate wool wash | Often machine washable at 30°C |
| Suitable for vegans | No | Yes |
How to care for a hide based on its material?
Proper care depends entirely on the material. Never wash a real hide like faux fur.
Real sheepskin
- Shake it, then brush the hair in its natural direction with a soft-bristled brush or a carding brush.
- Air it in the shade and avoid direct sunlight or radiators, which can harden the leather.
- In case of a stain, blot it without rubbing with a little mild soap, then let it dry flat.
- A full wash is rare: hand wash or use a delicate wool program at 30°C, never tumble dry.
Synthetic hide
- Most often machine washable at 30°C, on a delicate cycle with gentle spinning.
- Dry it in the open air, flat, away from a direct heat source.
- Once dry, brush it to fluff up the pile and restore its softness.
Fenalor's tip: Before any washing, refer to the sewn-in label. It indicates the correct temperature and program, and a real hide does not follow the same rules as faux fur.
What sizes to choose?
The size is chosen according to the furniture to be dressed:
- Throw 60 x 180 cm: to drape over a sofa, chaise longue, or the end of a bed.
- Hide 50 x 85 cm: the size of a lambskin, ideal for an armchair, stool, or as a bedside rug.
- Round pad Ø 35 cm: to soften a chair or stool.
Feel free to layer a hide with other textiles (cushions, throws) to play with textures, or place it as a small rug at the foot of a seat.
Hides and animals: cohabitation
Cats and dogs love the softness of a hide, and the question of cohabitation often arises. Real sheepskin is durable and resistant to claws, but it retains hair: regular brushing is sufficient to maintain it. The synthetic version, machine washable, is easier to clean after an animal's visit. In both cases, place the hide flat or secure it so that it does not slip.
Distinguishing real hide from synthetic hide
The difference is visible and palpable, and checking the label is the first reflex: a real sheepskin is sold as such, while a synthetic hide indicates its textile composition, usually 100% polyester. Visually, a real hide has a soft leather backing, an irregular beige color, whereas the synthetic version is mounted on a woven or knitted backing, perfectly regular. The pile follows the same logic: naturally uneven in length and density on one side, homogeneous and calibrated on the other. The outline of a real hide is organically cut, with no two pieces identical, while a synthetic hide is identical from one piece to another. A real hide is also heavier for the same surface area. Neither is inherently better: the word "leather" only refers to the backing of a truly animal hide, never a synthetic material, and we indicate the exact material on each product page for our hides.
What hide color to choose for your interior?
Color has an even greater impact than size. Ivory and cream tones lighten a room and work almost anywhere, but they show marks quickly: reserve them for a reading armchair or the end of a bed, away from high-traffic areas. Greys and taupes are the most forgiving for everyday use; they absorb dust and pair well with both linen and black metal. Brown, hazelnut, and black provide contrast and character on a light-colored seat, an ecru sofa, or natural rattan. A simple rule helps decide: choose a hide that contrasts with the furniture it adorns, not in the same tone, otherwise it disappears. On a dark armchair, a light hide, and vice versa. Finally, limit yourself to two visible hides per room; beyond that, it starts to look cluttered. To choose the seating it will adorn, read our guide on how to choose a living room armchair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean a real sheepskin?
Regularly brush the wool with a soft brush and air the hide in the shade. For a stain, blot it with mild soap without rubbing. A complete wash is done by hand or on a 30°C wool program, then dried flat, never tumble-dried.
Is a synthetic hide machine washable?
Most often yes, at 30°C on a delicate cycle with gentle spinning, checking the label. Air dry it, away from a radiator, then brush the pile once dry to restore its fluffiness.
What size hide for an armchair?
A 50 x 85 cm hide, the size of a lambskin, perfectly adorns an armchair, draped over the backrest or placed on the seat. For a sofa or the end of a bed, a 60 x 180 cm throw covers a larger length.
Are hides suitable with a cat or dog?
Yes. Real hide is durable but retains hair, which regular brushing removes. The synthetic version, machine washable, cleans more quickly. Secure the hide so it stays in place despite the animal's movements.
To find yours, browse our selection of hides and all our textiles.
To delve deeper into materials, read our guides: rattan, caning, and seagrass and the 5 mistakes to avoid when decorating a refined interior.
