The IKEA Rens/Ludde and Tejn rugs appear very similar, but the critical difference is in their material: the Rens/Ludde is real sheepskin, while the Tejn is a synthetic faux fur made from polyester. This primary difference impacts their texture, price, and care requirements, with the Rens/Ludde offering authentic warmth and feel at a higher cost, and the Tejn providing a budget-friendly, easy-care alternative.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right cozy rug from IKEA for your home.
IKEA Rens/Ludde Sheepskin Rug
The IKEA Rens/Ludde is IKEA's authentic sheepskin rug, prized for its natural softness, warmth, and luxurious texture. While the "Rens" name has largely been phased out, the "Ludde" is its direct successor and essentially the same product. Each rug is unique, with slight variations in size, shape, and wool texture, making it a one-of-a-kind addition to drape over a chair, place on a bench, or use as a small accent rug.
- What it is: A genuine sheepskin rug known for its super-soft, plush feel and natural insulating properties.
- Key features: Natural wool fibers that are inherently soft and soil-repellent, unique variations in each piece. It can be used as a rug or a decorative throw.
- Price: Around $44.99
- Dimensions: Approximately 2' 7" x 3' 3" (80x100 cm), though dimensions can vary slightly as it's a natural product.
- Materials/Construction: 100% authentic sheepskin and wool. This provides a natural, breathable, and unmistakably premium texture.
- Style: Organic, cozy, and Scandinavian. It adds natural texture and warmth to minimalist, modern, and rustic interiors alike.
- Pros: Unmatched softness and authentic feel. Naturally soil-repellent and durable when cared for properly. Breathable material that's warm in winter and cool in summer. Each rug is unique.
- Cons: More than double the price of its faux alternative. Requires more delicate care - cannot be machine washed. As an animal product, it's not suitable for vegan households. Can yellow over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
This rug is for someone who values the authentic look, feel, and character of real sheepskin and is willing to invest a bit more in price and careful maintenance for a luxury accent piece.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/ludde-sheepskin-white-30166467/
IKEA Tejn Faux Sheepskin Rug
The IKEA Tejn is the incredibly popular and affordable faux alternative to a real sheepskin rug. Made from durable synthetic fibers, it mimics the look and feel of sheepskin impressively well for its price point. It’s a versatile, practical, and animal-friendly choice for adding a touch of cozy texture to any space without the high cost or delicate care requirements of the real thing.
- What it is: A faux sheepskin accent rug made from 100% polyester, designed to look and feel like real sheepskin.
- Key features: Bright white color, soft synthetic pile, uniform shape and size, and machine washable for easy care.
- Price: Around $17.99
- Dimensions: Approximately 2' 2" x 3' 3½" (65x100 cm), with a consistent size and shape across all units.
- Materials/Construction: The pile is 100% polyester and the base fabric is 100% polypropylene, making it entirely synthetic and durable.
- Style: Modern and versatile. Its bright white appearance and clean shape make it a great fit for contemporary, glam, or kid-friendly spaces.
- Pros: Highly affordable - less than half the price of the Ludde. Very easy to care for and is machine washable. Vegan and cruelty-free. Durable and stain-resistant, making it great for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.
- Cons: Lacks the breathable and luxurious feel of real wool. Can look matted or worn more quickly than real sheepskin over time. Its uniformity can make it look less natural or premium.
The Tejn is a no-nonsense choice for anyone on a budget, requiring an easy-to-clean solution, or preferring a vegan alternative without sacrificing the cozy aesthetic.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/tejn-rug-white-30229077/
Rens/Ludde vs. Tejn Comparison
Materials & Texture
This is the most important distinction. The Ludde's real sheepskin wool is incredibly soft, breathable, and plush with a slightly varied, organic texture. No two are exactly alike. Running your hand across it feels dense and undeniably luxurious.
The Tejn, being 100% polyester, feels soft to the touch, but the synthetic nature is noticeable. The fibers are finer and silkier, but they don’t have the same dense, springy quality of real wool. Over time and with use, the synthetic fibers can sometimes become matted, while real wool tends to be more resilient.
Care & Durability
The Tejn is the clear winner for ease of care. You can simply toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or places where spills might occur, like a child's bedroom or a breakfast nook. It’s built for practicality and convenience.
The Ludde requires more careful handling. Real wool is naturally soil-repellent, so minor spills can often be blotted out. However, for a full cleaning, it requires professional dry cleaning to avoid damaging the hide. Machine washing will ruin the leather backing. While the wool fibers are very durable, the hide itself needs to stay dry.
Price & Value
With the Ludde typically costing around $45 and the Tejn at just $18, the price difference is significant. For less than the price of one Ludde, you could buy two Tejns. If you're decorating on a tight budget or want several of these rugs to scatter around, the Tejn offers incredible value.
The value of the Ludde is in its authenticity, superior texture, and natural material. It's an affordable-luxury item that provides the look and feel of high-end decor pieces, making it a good value for someone who prioritizes authentic materials.
Style & Versatility
Both rugs are highly versatile style-wise and instantly add a cozy hygge vibe to a room. The Ludde's off-white, natural coloring and unique shape lend themselves well to Scandinavian, rustic, or bohemian decor that celebrates natural textures. It looks fantastic draped over a mid-century modern armchair or placed beside a bed on a dark hardwood floor.
The Tejn's uniform shape and brighter white color feel slightly more contemporary and can work well in glam, modern, or even minimalist interiors needing a pop of soft texture. Its low price and easy maintenance make it a practical choice for layering over other rugs, using on a desk chair, or as a cozy pet bed.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are great accent rugs, but they are designed for very different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities.
Choose the Rens/Ludde if:
- You prioritize the authentic, luxurious feel of real sheepskin.
- You want a unique, one-of-a-kind decor piece with natural variations.
- You're placing it in a low-traffic area like over a chair or as a bedside accent.
- Your budget allows for the higher price point (around $45).
- You don't mind the more delicate care instructions (spot-clean or dry-clean only).
Choose the Tejn if:
- You are on a tight budget or want to buy multiple rugs.
- You need an easy-to-clean, machine-washable rug for a busy household with kids or pets.
- You prefer a vegan, cruelty-free product.
- You need a rug with a uniform size and a bright-white color.
- Practicality and convenience are more important to you than authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between IKEA Rens/Ludde and Tejn?
The primary difference is the material. The Rens/Ludde is made from 100% genuine sheepskin, while the Tejn is a faux sheepskin rug made from 100% synthetic materials (polyester). This affects their feel, price, and how you clean them.
Which IKEA sheepskin rug is softer?
Both are very soft, but most people would agree the real sheepskin on the Ludde is softer, denser, and more luxurious to the touch. The Tejn is soft in a silky, synthetic way, while the Ludde's wool feels more plush and natural.
Can you wash the IKEA Tejn rug?
Yes, the Tejn is machine washable. IKEA recommends using a cold, gentle cycle and then air drying. This is a major advantage for homes with kids, pets, or high-traffic areas.
Can you wash the IKEA Ludde sheepskin rug?
No, you should NOT machine wash the Ludde. The water and agitation in a washing machine will damage the leather hide backing, causing it to become stiff and cracked. It should be aired out, vacuumed, and spot-cleaned. For deep cleaning, it needs to be professionally dry-cleaned.
Do these rugs shed?
The Ludde, being a natural product, may shed some fibers initially but this generally subsides. The synthetic Tejn sheds very little, if at all.
Is the IKEA Ludde rug ethical?
IKEA states that all their sheepskin products, including the Ludde, are by-products of the meat industry. This means the animals were not raised solely for their hides. However, for those uncomfortable with animal products, the 100% synthetic Tejn is the better choice.
Which rug is better for lying on the nursery floor?
For a baby or child's nursery, the Tejn is often the more practical choice because it is machine washable. Spills and accidents are inevitable, and the ease of cleaning the Tejn makes it a lower-stress option for parents.
How can I make my Tejn rug look fluffy again?
If the Tejn fibers start to look a little flat or matted from use, you can gently brush them with a pet grooming brush or a wide-toothed comb to help separate the fibers and restore some of the fluffiness.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
