Forget Linen—These Shearling Chairs Are Trending in a Big Way

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As shopping editors who love to constantly swap out decor, we tend to not get too attached to new trends that hit the design scene. That said, some are so good that we know we’ll never want to bid them farewell. One such trend is the shearling chair, a hallmark of 1950s Scandinavian design.

Not to be confused with midcentury modern, Scandinavian design shares quite a few of the classic characteristics—minimalistic, understated, and practical—but there’s something warmer and more comforting about furniture hailing from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. A shining example of that observation is the beloved shearling chair, which has seen a much-welcomed resurgence in recent years.

And when we say shearling, we’re talking about chairs covered in sherpa and wool, both faux and real. To get the scoop on all things shearling, we spoke to Nidhi Kapur, founder and CEO of Maiden Home, a sustainable furniture brand we can't get enough of. "At its core, shearling is elemental—genuine, unruly, sensational," Kapur explains to House Beautiful. "It adds visual interest to accent pieces, effortlessly blending a silhouette of luxe, touchable texture with tailored comfort."

Though it’s not necessarily a seasonal material, shearling is best enjoyed in the winter because it’s extra cozy. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite shearling chairs just in time for the colder months. So if you’re in the market for a warm and inviting piece of furniture to curl up on this fall and winter, peep our top picks from the likes of Target, Eternity Modern, and, of course, Maiden Home.

Dawson Barrel Chair

Though it's versatile enough to place in just about any space, we picture this seat in a warm home office. Plus, even if this minty hue isn't exactly you color, you have to admit that it's gorgeous and totally unexpected. Otherwise, snag it in black, pale blue, white, or light gray. No matter what you get for your space, it will catch eyes in all the right ways.

Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair

If you're looking at this chunky shearling chai and wishing that the adorable stool was included, we have good news for you: it is! If, however, you'd rather opt out of the sweet addition, you can save more than $100. The plush, nubby upholstery aside, this chair is easily one of our favorites because or it's overstuffed seat and rounded back, which is designed to make you feel like you're being enveloped in a hug every time you take a seat. How's that for comfort? One satisfied reviewer says, "The chair looks stylish, the seat is comfortable and comes with a cushion for added back support and the boucle fabric feels amazing. The assembly process for this chair was very fast, with no mess, and the installer removed all the packaging. Can't fault anything."

Harper Shearling Accent Chair

Taking a seat in this low-profile accent chair is like being wrapped in a hug, courtesy of its gently curved back. With its plush seat and rounded ash legs, this feathery shearling chair is easily one of our favorites.

Hart Upholstered Armchair

Most Scandinavian furniture is swathed in pale colors, but this Pottery Barn chair is completely customizable when it comes to the fabric. Our top picks are the ivory and camel (as pictured here) in teddy faux fur. We imagine this charming armchair in the nook of a home library with a cozy throw blanket draped across the back.

Swivel Barrel Chair

Stick to the classics and order this swivel chair in white or opt for something bolder and swipe the navy, forest green, bubble gum pink, or mustard yellow. No matter which color you choose, you'll have a hard time standing back up after taking a seat in this super-comfortable chair.

The Jane Dining Chair

Elevate your dining table with a stylish chair that allows your dinner guests to feel right at home. Maiden Home's artisan partners hand select each hide, meaning every seat is sure to be the best one in the house.

James Accent Chair

There's something really inviting about low-profile furniture. This Sarah Sherman Samuel-designed lounge chair is a perfect example of what we mean. The thick legs and faux sherpa upholstery only make us want to stay curled up a little longer.

The Perry Chair

Go for something lush and glam! The price tag is a bit steep, but, well...look at this stunner. Maiden Home advises avoiding long shaggy hair and opting for neutral colors.

Arctander Clam Chair

Eternity Modern is famous for its collection of midcentury-inspired wares, and this shearling beauty inspired by Arnold Madsen's 1944 Clam chair is proof. This version, however, is more durable with a molded fiberglass shell and faux sheepskin upholstery.

Baldwin Sherpa Sectional

Buy just one of PB Teen's chair cushions for a cool, cozy armless seat, or snag several and add an ottoman or two for a big, fluffy sectional perfect for movie nights.

Mara Hoffman Chair

One collaboration we can't resist is fashion powerhouse Mara Hoffman and West Elm. One of the best pieces from her capsule collection is her namesake chair, which is covered in ivory shearling.

Algiers Chair

With tiny hidden legs, the 100% shearling Algiers chair is like the inside of a slipper. Super-soft and crafted with perfect proportions in mind, it's pretty much irresistible. Did we mention it's on sale?

What should you consider when buying shearling upholstered furniture?

"When narrowing down on the style, try to avoid long shaggy hair and opt for neutral colors," Kapur says. "It is best to find a tight curl with a close shave and dense wool hide, ideal for creating a luxurious piece your family will love for years to come."

How do you clean shearling furniture?

"Shearling is a natural hair on hide which makes it a hardy material," Kapur notes. "As with any natural material, it’s important to have an appreciation for its organic beauty and unique character. In order to keep the luxe, touchable textural, and natural dimension of shearling, we recommend [the following] tips for specific care and maintenance."

• Using an upholstery attachment with the rotary setting turned off, vacuum your shearling on the highest setting to remove any dust and debris.

• For spot cleaning, gently pat the stain using a mild liquid detergent and a damp sponge as quickly as possible.

• To remove knots and tangles, use a wooden bristle brush to revive the natural texture.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and high heat to prevent sun spots and fading.

• If deep cleaning is necessary, use a professional service specializing in leather or sheepskin.

Why trust us?

Kapur sources Maiden Home's 100% pure shearling in partnership with Moore & Giles—one of America’s oldest and most revered leather companies—so she knows a thing or two about shearling furniture.

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