Recycled Fur Throws & Fur Blankets - FAQ
Ouno Design's recycled fur blankets and area rugs are made entirely from high quality vintage fur coats, both men's and women's. The top surface is pieced fur or sheepskin. Fur throw backings are sewn from the best vintage fur coat linings in a minimalist Japanese style; fur and sheepskin area rugs are backed in durable dark grey tent cotton canvas. Fur throws can be used over beds, sofas, chairs or really anywhere you like. Our sheepskin or fur rugs can be used as bed or wall coverings floor-coverings, and as area rugs in low-traffic areas. Our throws and rugs are sturdy, luxurious, soft and warm, and they look beautiful year round.
Do you buy fur coats?
We only buy fur coats under special circumstances. We have a large supply of vintage coats we acquire at bulk prices and cannot afford to pay high prices for individual coats. We will consider buying a coat if the price is relatively low and the coat is rare or in unusually good condition. There are many vintage coats on the market and sadly they do not command high prices these days unless they are truly exceptional.
How many vintage coats does it take to make a fur throw or rug?
It can take a surprising number of fur coats to make a single fur blanket or carpet. Depending on the size of coat, we need between 2 and 7 coats for a 4' x 6' throw (standard size), and between 4 and 9 coats for a 5' x 7' throw (very heavy, large size, covers the end of a king size bed).
Will Ouno make custom-designed throws, rugs or pillows?
We regret that we are no longer able to take custom orders.
How big is a standard throw? And which types of fur are used?
More delicate pelts such as rabbit work best in the standard 4' x 6' size, while tougher more durable pelts such as sheared beaver or sheepskin work well for the large 5' x 7' size of throw or rug. Mink is strong too, but because it is striped - and striped differently for every coat - it is difficult to produce a uniform mink throw, though the effect can be interesting. We like rabbit and beaver because they are readily available, especially in Canada; they come in solid colours; and they're extremely soft to the touch. We make throws out of whatever vintage furs are currently available. Rugs are best made from tougher hides, usually sheep or lambskin or hides of hooved animals (cowhide etc).
Is a fur blanket hard to care for?
No. Fur is easier to care for than you might think, and it tends to look clean and soft for a very long time if well-cared for. Most pets tend to leave it alone (a small minority of cats will try to remove hair - if your cat nibbles your hair, it may attack fur). You should be prepared for some small amount of shedding - this is natural with hides (especially rabbit) and with most carpets. For fur care, please see our "About Our Materials" page.
What about the use of fur?
For our thoughts about using vintage fur, please click here
USA buyers and Free Trade
USA BUYERS: All Ouno Design products are designed and made in Vancouver, Canada. Since all goods are Canadian-made they are customs-tax-exempt for USA buyers.
