Decorating Guides
Underfoot: Your Guide to Hide
Natural, Dyed, Printed or Faux — Which Hide Do You Seek?
Cowhide rugs are one of those accessories that can add incredible flair to a room. They bring a textural and warm element to your interior. At one time, cowhide rugs were considered as an element of decor for the Western interior. Now, there are so many different types and styles that you can essentially incorporate cowhide into any room. There is a huge range in color and type of hides, so read along to if there's a style right for you.
Natural color: Brindle. Brindle cowhides fit into the natural color category. They vary from light to dark brown in color. Brindle cowhide rugs are perfect for that subtle touch in a space since the coloring is more gradating.
Natural color: Holstein. Holstein cowhides are great when you want high impact. They are are either black- or brown-and-white, showcasing large spotting. The rug in this space really draws your eye in and offers the type of contrast needed to support the room's bold black, white, and yellow color scheme.
Natural color: Exotic or tricolor. The tricolor or exotic cowhides usually have three or more colors. In this entry, a tricolor cowhide in white, brown, and black shades is the focal point.
Natural Color: Hereford. The hereford cowhide may be the quintessential cowhide. It is one of the warmer types of cowhides, showing off reddish-brown tones contrasting with stark white.
Natural color: Speckled. The speckled hide is typically white with smaller black or brown spotting. In this sitting area, the speckled hide perfectly complements the walnut and white leather Eames Lounge Chair.
Natural color: Salt and pepper. Salt and pepper hides are the opposite of speckled. They have a dark field color with lighter colored spotting. These look fantastic sitting atop light colored flooring, providing a space with contrast and drama.
Natural color: Solid. Solid hides can come in an array of colors from black to white to brown. Solid cowhide rugs are perfect when you simply want to incorporate some shape and texture.
Stenciled cowhides. Many times people think they have a true zebra, leopard, or tiger hide when these hides are cowhides stenciled and dyed to create a pattern resembling something more exotic.
Dyed cowhides. Many hides are available as dyed options. Incredibly vibrant colors are available that can really pop in a space. The dyed patchwork cowhide rug in this dining room is a stunning contrast in this neutral space.
Patchwork cowhides. The most exciting things coming out in hide flooring are some of the patchwork options designers are creating. These are no longer simply stitched patchwork squares, but unique patterns and combinations, from herringbone, to chevron, to running bond. The craftsmanship is gorgeous, and the styling can be incredibly creative.
Remember, unless you go the faux hide route, cowhides are a natural product. No hide is the same. If you plan to purchase a hide online or by catalog, be aware that not all hides will look the same as the product shots. Many hide websites have a catalog of images where they have photographed every single hide, so you are able to see the exact hide you are purchasing.
More: Browse cowhide rugs in the Products section
More: Browse cowhide rugs in the Products section
Primary categories of cowhide rugs:
• Natural Color
• Stenciled
• Dyed
• Patchwork
• Faux