A cowhide rug is a rug that is made out of the complete skin and hair of a cow.
It is then cured using either a chrome tanning method or a vegetable tanning process. Cowhide rugs are soft and durable rugs that retain the animal’s markings. In some cases, they are dyed to create unique prints.
Contrary to popular belief, authentic cowhide rugs can last for many years. With proper care, they can even last for up to 20 years.
Here is Why Cowhide Rugs Can Last for Very Long:
Cowhide rugs are normally made from cows raised for meat and dairy.
The hides from these cows are used for leather production or rugs. For cowhide rugs, they choose hides that have interesting patterns. Since hides are leather, they are extremely durable, just like any other leather, which is why they last for a very long time.
Do Cowhide Rugs Last as Long as Other Rugs?
Among all other types of rugs, authentic cowhide rugs last longer. They are one of the types of rugs that last the longest.
This is because cowhides are a type of leather that retains its natural color. Leather is extremely durable and does not wear out fast. They are slightly treated to remove any unpleasant odor.
Are Cowhide Rugs Worth the Money?
Cowhide rugs are typically very expensive, ranging from $200 to $500 for an area rug.
Some can even cost as much as $800. Price usually depends on the size and brand. Smaller rugs made of cowhides, or those the same size as doormats, can be from $100 to $200.
Each cowhide rug has a unique patterning and color scheme, as no two cowhides are the same. So when you buy a cowhide rug, where its natural color is retained, then you can be guaranteed that it is one-of-a-kind.
Cowhide rugs are good as accent rugs, as homeowners can use them to provide a focal point in a room. They also add warmth and an earthy tone to any room.
Cowhide rugs are very durable and can even be used in areas with heavy foot traffic. They do not wear out fast, and they are very safe for hardwood floors, as they will not scratch them. They are also good on tiled floors, just as long as you put an adhesive rug pad, so it does not slip.
Because they are made of natural materials, cowhide rugs are very safe for households with young kids or babies. These rugs are also hypoallergenic.
Because of all these, cowhide rugs are worth the money.
Do Cowhide Rugs Require Maintenance to Last Long?
Cowhide rugs are quite low maintenance, unlike other types of rugs.
Of course, you still need to care for them and maintain them to last long properly.
What Cowhide Rugs Last the Longest?
Most cowhide rugs pretty much have the same lifespan. They can all last for up to 20 years, sometimes even more.
It all depends on how they are maintained and cared for.
Authentic cowhide rugs last the longest. Be careful when buying cowhide rugs because some fake ones are on the market.
You do not want to be paying a high price for a fake one, only to realize it is not the real thing after it wears out quickly.
Here are ways to spot authentic cowhide rugs versus fake ones:
- Check the Material:Â A fake one would look flimsy compared to authentic ones that are very durable.
- Check the Texture:Â Authentic cowhide rugs are very soft and supple, with very intact furs. Fake ones would also feel soft, but watch out for patches of fur that would come off.
- Do the Bunch Test:Â When shopping for a cowhide rug, you can do this simple test where you bunch up the rug and let it unroll. Authentic cowhide rugs will retain their shape, while fake ones will have wrinkles when you unroll them.
When buying rugs in-store or online, ensure that the store you are buying from has a good return policy. This is so you can have a chance to return it when you are unhappy with it or if you are suspected that it is fake.
What Are the Most Durable Cowhide Rug Brands?
Many stores sell cowhide rugs that are durable and of good quality.
Here are some of the best brands for cowhide rugs:
Cowhides USA:
Being in the industry for more than 15 years now, Cowhides USA is a reputable brand of cowhide rugs, from natural-colored ones to printed or dyed ones.
They offer a wide assortment of natural, printed, solid dyed, and metallic acid-washed cowhide rugs in different sizes. This company believes in transparency.
Any blemishes or repairs will be shown in the picture or described in writing.
Photos of their products also show fire branding or insect bites, which is normal for cowhides but does not affect the overall quality of the rug itself.
Rodeo Cowhide Rugs:
Rodeo Cowhide Rugs is an online-based American company that sells cowhide rugs and ships internationally.
They offer a huge variety of cowhide rugs sourced from Brazil and Colombia. All of their cowhide rugs are recycled from the meat industry.
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They go through a tanning process that ensures minimal hair loss and gives the cowhide a clean leather smell.
Luxury Cowhides:
Luxury Cowhides is an online store that offers cowhide rugs sourced and imported from the best tanneries in South America.
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From natural cowhide rugs to printed ones to metallic ones and dyed ones, Luxury Cowhides has a huge assortment available, with competitive pricing.
Lambland:
Lambland is a British company that sells top-quality cowhide rugs.
They also offer rugs made out of sheepskins, goatskins, reindeer hides, and other natural materials.
This company has a large range of cowhide rugs originating from South America. Most of the rugs they offer to retain markings that make them perfect for creating that chic living look.
They have a huge range of black and white cowhides, brown and white cowhides, and more not-so-common tri-colored cowhides and striped cowhides.
Safavieh:
A reputable name in the rug industry, Safavieh has a nice collection of cowhide rugs, guaranteed to add that feel of luxury to your space.
They sell original cowhide rugs of exceptional quality.
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Cowhide from the Pampas region of Argentina is used to make their cowhide rugs. The individuality can be seen in the markings, color, and size variation.
How Do You Make a Cowhide Rug Last Longer?
With proper maintenance and care, cowhide rugs can last longer. Fortunately, cowhide rugs are pretty low maintenance and do not require much work, even if you put them in high-traffic areas.
Here is how to care for your cowhide rugs to increase their longevity:
Shake the Rug:
Shaking the rug outside or hitting it against the wall is an effective way to remove dust or loose dirt from the cowhide rug. Authentic rugs are very durable, and doing this will not cause any fur to fall out.
Vacuum the rug regularly.
Vacuuming the rug is also another effective way to clean the rug. This helps remove deep-seated dust or dirt in the rug that cannot be removed by shaking. You can vacuum your cowhide rug twice or thrice a week to keep it clean.
Clean Stains with a Brush or a Cloth:
Remove them using a brush with hard bristles in case of any stains. This is the most effective way to remove stains, especially greasy ones. Add eucalyptus oil to a cloth and use it to rub the stain away. For food stains, you can use a white cloth dampened with water mixed with a mild soap.
Authentic cowhide rugs have good quality, and they last very long, so we recommend getting one if you want one for your space.
They are quite durable and low maintenance, so even if you have kids or pets in your house, these rugs will last, and you will get your money’s worth.