I’ve Had This IKEA Rug for a Decade, and Now It Doubles as Holiday Decor

published Nov 12, 2023

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Light filled bedroom with sheepskin rugs and wooden rectangular storage cubical at the end of the bed. — Credit: Bronwyn D Burnett

When I decorate for the holidays, I’m always looking for ways to add an elevated but cozy touch to some of my favorite Christmas pieces: tabletop trees, miniature houses, and, of course, stockings on the mantel. That’s why, a few years ago, I also started adding one of my favorite IKEA rugs into the mix, and it completely transformed my seasonal decorations into a chic winter wonderland. Intrigued? Well, all you have to know is the ULLERSLEV sheepskin can make the perfect base for all your wintry vignettes.

A popular IKEA find for its soft feel and under-$40 price tag, the ULLERSLEV is arguably one of the best cheap sheepskin rugs out there. In fact, I’ve incorporated it throughout my home for over a decade by draping it across my couch ottoman and on top of my dresser. I’ve even layered multiples above my bed like a tapestry.

It wasn’t until I started using the rug as a fake snow alternative in my holiday scheme, though, that I realized its full cozy potential. Now, this IKEA sheepskin is my go-to for adding plush, white texture to any decorations, whether styled on my bookshelf, layered on top of a runner on my kitchen table, or placed under the houseplants on my fireplace for added festive winter vibes. I love that it looks and feels slightly more sophisticated than faux snow flakes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to leave out 24/7, and it’s way easier to clean up than fake flakes after the season.

If you’re on the fence about a real sheepskin, I hear you. IKEA notes on the website that its sheepskins have been sourced as byproducts from the food industry, and because the brand is against animal cruelty, they’ve implemented “traceability systems to verify that our requirements on animal welfare are being met.” However, the brand also offers a few faux sheepskin rugs that can create the same effect, whether you want to pair one with holiday decor or just have a comfy-looking winter accent.

For something even more budget-friendly, the TOFTLUND rug is an excellent alternative that’s less fuzzy and has a shorter pile than the ULLERSLEV. This makes it easier to use on tabletops with a lot of holiday figurines — think Christmas villages, advent calendars, and miniature evergreen trees — since it lays flat. Plus, the $14.99 price tag makes it arguably more DIYable, since you won’t feel bad about cutting it to fit the exact dimensions of your table or nook.

The shag SVINDINGE rug is another faux alternative to the ULLERSLEV. Constructed from recycled water bottles, it features a texture similar to that of real sheepskin rugs. There’s no shortage of styling opportunities for this under-$20 piece, too, whether it’s a mini tree skirt, draped across an accent chair (perhaps on top of a festive plaid throw blanket?), or simply layered on an entryway bench.

Whichever you choose, count on IKEA’s sheepskin accents to double as the perfect “snowy” anchor for your holiday tabletop or mantelscapes. And you can easily re-style them year-round!

Filed in:

Design

Holidays

IKEA