If you are redecorating and are looking for something classy, timeless and easy to work with, look no further than a beautiful, genuine cow skin rug. Cowhide has the ability to complement the interior design of any home. This is because cow skin is extremely versatile and rugs made from this durable animal hide can be found in a virtually limitless number of colours, shapes, patterns and sizes. Below are some tips on choosing the best cowhide rug for your home.

Choosing a Pattern

Perhaps the most commonly seen patterns are the classic black and white or brown and white cow skin motif. However, if you are more adventurous, you may want a metallic cowhide, or a genuine cow skin that features a patchwork design. The pattern you choose depends on a variety of things, including your personal taste, the current decor of the room in which the rug will be placed, and whether you are looking for an accent piece, a focal point, or you are simply investing in the rug for practical purposes.

If your new cowhide rug will be the room’s focal point, almost any pattern works. If your decor is classic, consider a traditional brown and white or black and white design for your rug. If the interior design of the room is eclectic, you may find that brindle, tricoloured, speckled, metallic or patchwork are the best choices. If your home’s decor is ultra-modern, abstract or contemporary, patchwork and metallic make particularly good choices.

If you are choosing your new cow hide rug as an accent piece, consider a rug in a bright black and white pattern or a brindle design. Such patterns will do the most to add a unique touch to the room. However, even classic cowhide patterns work well as accent pieces.

For a very striking look, choose a cow hide rug in a solid colour such as black or white. This is an especially good choice if you want to create contrast, such as a black cow hide rug placed over pale carpeting, or a white cow skin on top of dark hardwood flooring.

Selecting a Size

Because there are so many sizes from which to choose, you will not have any difficulty finding the perfect one for your home. If the rug will be placed in a large room, such as a living room or family room, it is a good idea to select the largest size available. This is because it will cover the floor adequately, and won’t be swallowed up by the other furnishings or accessories in the room.

However, if you are planning to use the rug differently, such as underneath a coffee table, you can get away with a smaller size. Just make sure it is large enough so that there is enough “left over” at each end of the table. You never want to have just enough for the legs to stand on, as such proportions would not be aesthetically appealing.

If you plan to place a cowskin rug in front of a sofa or armchair, choose one that you can centre in front of the furniture, but not one that is so long it expands beyond the armchair or sofa’s legs.

A smaller cowskin rug can also be used in a modest sized room, such as a nursery or study. Ultimately, however, the size rug you choose is simply a matter of personal taste and preference.

Caring for Your Authentic Cowhide Rug

You will be pleased to discover that genuine cowhide rugs require very little maintenance and no complicated cleaning is necessary. The most important thing to do is make sure spills are wiped up before they sink in, and this can be done with a damp cloth or sponge. Always make sure to rub in the natural direction of the hair, since this helps to maintain the beautiful, soft surface of the rug. You can also vacuum away dust and dirt with a gentle setting, or simply shake the cow hide rug outside occasionally to remove such particles.

With so many choices available, it is easy to find the ideal cowhide rug for your home. You may also wish to consider splurging on additional rugs to add a fashionable touch to multiple rooms in your dwelling. Regardless of which designs or sizes you choose, authentic cow skin rugs make a beautiful and practical addition to your home.