Cowhide vs. Calfhide: Picking Out a Rug

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make, when it comes to a cowhide rug, is whether to choose a cowhide or calf hide rug. Here is what you need to know when picking out a rug.

Cowhide vs. Calf hide

In the simplest of terms, cowhide is the hide of a full grown cow, while a calf hide comes from a calf. Because of this, calf hide is smaller and not as thick. The grain on the calf hide rug also tends to appear finer.

Even though they are smaller, calf hide rugs can be as expensive or even more expensive as a cowhide rug. They also are generally softer to the touch and more difficult to make so are more unique. Besides rugs, calf hide is often used to make handbags and gloves and shoes.

Cowhide rugs, because they come from a fully grown cowhide, are of course larger and tend to be a little more durable and will shed less quickly than calf hide.

All Cowhide is Beautiful

When it comes down to it though, all cowhide (both cowhide and calf hide) are beautiful and will make a great addition to your home.

Cowhide rugs come in variety of different colors and sizes and will accentuate any room in your home. 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.

One of the best qualities of cowhide is its versatility. From a traditional living room to a contemporary family room, cowhide works great in every space. Here are some fun tips on how to use cowhide.

• Get a little romantic: 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.
• Warm up a modern space: 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.
• Take your kitchen up a notch: 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.
• Soften 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.

For the best quality in both cowhide and calf hide always choose Brazilian. In Brazil, the top manufacturers use special chrome salts and oils in the tanning process to ensure the highest quality and softest hides.

Knowing exactly where your cowhide is coming from can also allay any ethical concerns about animal cruelty in the making of your rug. The cowhide industry only uses skin from cows who were raised for meat and milk. When cows are farmed for meat and dairy products, the skin is a natural by-product that would go to waste if it wasn’t recycled into rugs and other items. It will give you peace of mind to know that a cow wasn’t killed so you could have an area rug in your dining room. In Brazil, the cows are also raised and cared for in better, more humane conditions as well. Always look closely into the background of the company you are considering purchasing from.

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.

For more information on purchasing and caring for cowhide rugs, call Cowhide Outlet today. They can help you find the rug of your dreams.