A Little Known History of Cowhide Star Rugs

Have you ever wondered why cowhide star rugs are so popular? It comes from the strong emotions attached to the single white star which is an integral part of the official flag of the U.S. state of Texas.

Texas got the nickname “The Lone Star State” as a reminder of its struggle for independence from Mexico. Texas was originally a province of Mexico until it fought and won its independence between 1835 and 1836. The 1836 flag of the Republic of Texas had only a single white star.

And when Texas became part of the United States on December 29, 1845, the state flag of Texas also continued to have just the one lone star.

Legend has it that the original “Lone Star” was created by Henry Smith, the Governor of the Mexican Providence of Texas in 1821. He was signing some official papers and realized that Texas should really have a seal. So he cut off one the five-pointed stars on one of the buttons of his overcoat and stamped it onto the documents.

The Texas star as the white, 5-pointed star has been called also has come to represent western or country living and appears on lot of home decorations including the cowhide star rug. People love to have a cowhide star rug in their home because it makes them think of Texan pride or a love of a simpler, country style of living.

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. Besides the cowhide star rug, there are many colorful and rich varieties of cowhide rugs.

Most commonly natural cowhide rugs come in black, white, brown and white, tri-color, brown-white and black, and brindle. If you are more adventurous, you can even get cowhide rugs dyed a bright color like pink or one that is acid metallic washed. They even come in patchwork.

And while the cowhide star rug is mostly associated with western living, cowhide actually goes well with any style or theme in your home or office.

For example, a brindle or tri-color rug can bring in some different shades of black, white and brown that will bring some interesting contrast to the space without going with a really bold color like orange or purple. Or a soft black and white cowhide rug can give a luxurious feel to an otherwise stark room while a tawny brindle cowhide can offer some fun contrast to gray walls and black furniture. And if you want something a little on the funky side, you can include acid wash or dyed cowhide rugs.

Basically, cowhide can complement any style because it is very versatile and comes in different shapes, sizes, colors and patterns.

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.

In addition, cowhide rugs are very durable and last a long time so they are often passed down has family heirlooms which would be an added plus. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and have some fun with your decorating.

Another thing that makes cowhide rugs so great is that they can be used in just about any room in the house from the living room to the bedroom and work on top of a carpet or on a hardwood or tile floor.

Whether you go with the cowhide star rug or another style cowhide rug, you will love how your family and friends are impressed by how much sophistication and richness cowhide brings to your home.

Cowhide rugs can be a big investment so it is important to make sure you get a quality one that will last for generations to come. Contact Cowhide Outlet today for more information about their cowhide star rugs.