Tips on How to Pick a Quality Cowhide Rug

A cowhide rug is one of those versatile pieces that can either be a focal point in a room or be the subtle connection for all the other elements in the room. However, despite all the benefits of purchasing a cowhide rug, the whole process can be a little intimidating. Here are some tips on how to pick a quality cowhide rug:

Know the Source

Not all cowhide is equal and where it comes from does matter. Cowhide rugs from Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and France are considered the gold standard of the cowhide industry. These rugs are tanned using special chrome salts and oils that keep the hides soft and supple. If ethical manufacturing processes are also important to you, then you will also love that these manufacturers are against animal cruelty and only use skins from the meat and dairy industry. Don’t be afraid to ask about this when doing your research.

Physically Test the Quality

There are also physical ways you can test the quality of a cowhide rug. There is the bunch test where bunch up the rug and then let it slowly unroll. If it is a high quality rug, then it will roll out easily without any wrinkles. You can also use your nose to see if it smells like genuine leather. Quality cowhide will also have a shiny, healthy sheen to it. What can make testing out a rug before you purchase it a challenge is that most cowhide rugs are sold online which means you can’t inspect the rug before purchasing it. If that is the case then make sure that the company you are purchasing from has a good return policy. Once it is delivered, do your tests and if you are not happy with the results, then you can return it.

Maintaining the Quality of your Rug

It doesn’t just end with the buying process. For your rug to stay in tip top shape you need to maintain it properly. While cowhide rugs, in general, are very durable and don’t require special maintenance, you still need to take care of them. Make sure you vacuum them on a regular basis and if you accidentally spill something on them, then wipe it up immediately with a dry cloth. Just make sure wipe in the same direction of the hairs. You can also use a mild detergent with a damp cloth for tougher spills. Cowhide rugs can be a major investment so it is important that you treat it like one. When you do, it will last you a very long time and can even be passed down in your family.

Showcasing Your Rug

Now that you know how to buy and take care of a quality cowhide rug all that is left is enjoying it. It is an acquisition to be proud of so you will want to display it in a way that shows it off to its best advantage. While there is no limit to the ways you can use a cowhide rug in your home, to help get your creative juices flowing, here are some sources of inspiration:

Add a touch of romance

The soft, luxurious feel of cowhide is perfect for any room where you want to bring a touch of romance. Imagine what it will be like to be able to curl up in front of your fireplace on your soft cowhide rug with your love. Or add a white cowhide rug to your bedroom to transform it into a romantic boudoir.

Soften a modern aesthetic

If you tend to prefer modern lines and an industrial feel, don’t think there is no room for cowhide. It can soften the typically colder modern look using metal and glass, and add a bit of charm and color to a monochromatic palette.

Add some sophistication to your kitchen

While the kitchen is always the hub of the home, for practical reasons we all tend to keep it purely functional so it can be easy to keep clean. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with decorating it though. A cowhide rug can take the room up a notch in sophistication and bring some warmth to the kitchen floor.

Spice up your neutrals

If you tend to stick to neutral colors because you are afraid of making color blunders, then a cowhide rug can be just what you need. It is the perfect way to add some color and texture in a more subtle way. Spice up your home without having to take big risks.

Complement your bright colors and patterns

The rules of design are not as strict as they used to be so you don’t need to be afraid of mixing bright colors and patterns. As long as they are some connection between each piece no matter how subtle, they will all work together. Cowhide can actually soften bright colors and complement other patterns in a room.

Use it as a tapestry

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to cowhide rugs. Besides putting them on the floor, try one on the wall as a tapestry. It can add color and warmth to your dining room which will make dinner parties so much more interesting. Now that you have the right tools for picking out a quality cowhide rug, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take your home style up a notch. There are so many different shapes, sizes, colors and patterns of cowhide rugs that there is definitely one out there that is right for you. You can choose from black, white, brown and white, tri-color, brown, white and black and brindle. If you like the patchwork look, you can also get patchwork rug. And even if you are looking for something funkier, you can get cowhide rugs dyed pink or acid metallic washed. There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to decorating with cowhide. Want to learn more about how to pick a quality cowhide rug? Contact Cowhide Outlet today?