Discover the diversity of our cowhides

Discover the variety of cowhides for your interior

Would you like to buy a cowhide for your interior but aren’t quite sure which color, pattern, and size to choose? Let me take you through the wide variety of cowhides available. Every cowhide is 100% unique—there’s no second one like it. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy and warm rustic atmosphere, add a playful touch to your sleek modern interior, or find a softer element for your industrial decor, our cowhides offer a wide range of possibilities to turn your house into a home. Discover in this blog all the ways you can put the finishing touches on your interior so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

In this blog about the diversity of cowhides

1. The diversity of cowhides
2. The Different Colors of Cowhides
   2.1. The classic colors of cowhides
   2.2. Cowhides with solid colors
   2.3. Cowhides with rare and unique colors
3. Cowhides with special patterns
   3.1. Tricolor Normandes (brown, black, and white)
   3.2. Brindle cowhides (mottled)
   3.3. Salt & pepper cowhides (speckled)
   3.4. Hereford cowhides (reddish-brown with white)
4. The different sizes of cowhides
5. Different types (breeds) that we (regularly) have in our collection
   5.1. Mixed-breed cowhides
   5.2. Normande cowhides
   5.3. Holstein-Friesian cowhides
   5.4. Texas Longhorn cowhides
   5.5. Hereford cowhides
6. Conclusion

The diversity of cowhides

The diversity of cattle breeds is enormous—did you know, for example, that there are more than 800 different breeds? Each breed has its own unique qualities, characteristics, and charms. This variety is also why cowhides are so highly valued in interior design. The great thing about cowhides is that they are genuine natural products; every cowhide is completely unique, and no two are exactly alike.

The variety of colors, sizes, and patterns ensures that there’s always one that perfectly matches your interior style—whether you’re completely into the rustic style with earthy tones, or perhaps you prefer a sleek, modern style, in which case a cowhide can add a playful touch and break up the clean lines, or maybe you’re into industrial designs because of their rugged look—in that case, a cowhide can add extra warmth and softness. It’s this combination of natural beauty and uniqueness that makes cowhides so popular in interior design.

The different colors of cowhides

With more than 800 different cattle breeds and every cowhide being 100% unique, the diversity is enormous. This diversity in colors, patterns, and textures has been a source of inspiration for designers and enthusiasts of natural materials. As a result, we’re seeing cowhides used more and more often in interior design, for example as rugs. From the traditionally black-and-white spotted (typically Dutch) hides to deep, rich brown tones and even those rare silver-gray hides. Let’s take a look at all the different colors available:

The classic colors among cowhides

The most well-known color in the Netherlands is the typical black-and-white spotted cowhide. These come, for example, from the Holstein-Friesian breed, a truly Dutch cattle breed. They are known worldwide for their high milk production. In addition to the black-and-white hides, another true classic is the brown-and-white cowhide. Just like the Holstein-Friesians, these can be white with brown spots, but brown is one of the colors with the greatest variety of shades.

Cowhides in solid colors

Solid-colored cowhides are a beautiful addition to your interior. They bring warmth and ambiance, and their solid color makes them a subtle addition that exudes elegance and tranquility without being overpowering. Some options among the solid-colored cowhides include:

Black: Beautiful, solid, deep-black cowhides are rare. They create a deep and rich atmosphere, making them a chic addition to, for example, a minimalist interior, but they also stand out beautifully in modern interiors.

White: These are even rarer than the solid black hides. Pure white is a color that occurs only very rarely. These hides fit beautifully into interior styles featuring light colors and soft earth tones, such as Scandinavian and minimalist interiors. They contribute to a serene atmosphere and a sense of calm.

Brown: Brown cowhides can range from very light, almost beige, to deep chocolate brown. Solid brown cowhides create a warm ambiance, perfect for establishing an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Brown actually fits into virtually any interior style, from rustic to modern.

Cowhides with rare and unique colors

In addition to the classic and solid colors, there are also very unique colors of cowhides. For example, there are gray cowhides; this is a rare color because there simply isn’t a specific breed of cattle that produces a particular type or pattern of gray hides. The shades of gray can range from deep gray (almost anthracite) to a very subtle light gray. Gray hides are one of the most popular colors because they look beautiful in virtually any interior style. Due to their popularity and limited availability, these hides are usually a bit more expensive.

In addition, there are also cowhides in taupe and champagne shades. These colors are also considered rare because there is no specific breed of cattle that exclusively produces these colors. Hides in these colors are more commonly found in more luxurious interiors.

Cowhides with special patterns

The diversity of cowhides in terms of color is so vast that, in addition to their beautiful colors, they also offer various patterns—from solid to spotted to mottled and everything in between. Each one is even more special than the next. The unique patterns, combined with the various colors, allow you to choose a truly one-of-a-kind rug; some of these distinctive patterns include:

Tricolor Normandes (brown, black, and white)

Tricolor cowhides typically come from the Normande cattle breed. This breed is known for its beautiful tricolor coat consisting of black, white, and brown. The brown color can range from light to deep dark brown. The spots can also be large, small, or a combination of the two. But the beauty of these cowhides is that they can also feature a brindle (mottled) pattern. In addition, Normandy cowhides often have slightly longer hair.

In addition to the tricolor pattern found in Normandes, there may also be hides that feature the tricolor pattern but are not Normandes. These may, for example, have a more “distinct” spotted pattern, such as that seen in typical Friesian-Holstein cattle.

Brindle cowhides (mottled)

Brindle, also known as mottled, is a combination of different colors that run in “stripes” across the cowhide. These are usually brown hides with black stripes, but they can also be light in color, such as beige with white stripes or white with gray stripes; the latter two are very rare. Despite the striped pattern, the hides still have a calm, understated appearance. Because they are usually darker in color, they create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Salt & pepper cowhides (speckled)

Want something a little more eye-catching? Then take a look at what’s known as “salt & pepper” cowhide. The name pretty much says it all—they feature a speckled color pattern. They can have speckles in virtually any color. Most often, the base is white with black or brown speckles (or a combination of brown and black speckles). It’s a playful pattern that you often see in more modern interior styles.

Hereford cowhides (reddish-brown with white)

The Hereford cattle breed is the only breed with the characteristic reddish-brown color. The contrast between the deep reddish-brown and bright white creates a striking element while remaining balanced, allowing the cowhide to radiate calm and warmth and thus fit into any type of interior. Herefords often have a white “stripe” running across the neck and/or back and a white belly.

In addition to these special cowhides with unique patterns and colors, there are many more variations and possibilities, but the colors just discussed are reasonably available. Choose the colors and patterns that appeal to you the most and create a unique, warm, and above all, inviting interior.

The different sizes of cowhides

In addition to the various colors and patterns, cowhides also come in different sizes. This allows you to perfectly match your new cowhide to the spot where you want to place it. The smallest cowhides we carry are our mini cowhides; these are die-cut and always measure 90x60 cm. The smallest size of cowhides we carry are the XS cowhides; these are smaller than 2.00 m² and are therefore perfect for smaller spaces or if you simply don’t want to cover your entire floor. In terms of length, the XS hides are approximately 150 cm long.

In addition, we also offer S-size hides measuring approximately 2.01–2.99 m². These are slightly larger than the XS hides but still subtle enough to use if, for example, you have a smaller room, such as a living room or bedroom.

The M/L category of cowhides, ranging from 3.00 to 3.99 m², are the most common sizes. This size is most often used in medium to large spaces such as your living room, bedroom, sitting area, and even your dining room. In addition, we also offer large XL hides, ranging from 4.00 to 4.25 m²; these are also very suitable and are often used in living rooms and bedrooms.

The very largest hides in our collection are the XXL hides measuring over 4.25 m²; these are truly enormous and perfect if you want the cowhide to stand out and draw attention in your interior—they offer a truly luxurious look.

No two cowhides are the same size. Just like the colors and patterns, the sizes are also completely unique. Whether you want to add some extra ambiance to that smaller room or create a statement piece in your living room, the great thing about the different sizes is that there’s always a cowhide available that fits perfectly in your desired spot.

Different species (varieties) we have (regularly) in our collection

In our extensive collection of cowhides, you’ll always find a generous and diverse selection of hides from various breeds. Our suppliers and tanneries always keep a diverse selection in stock, and we always select the most beautiful hides. Our collection therefore consists of a variety of sizes and colors. Cowhides you can find in our collection include, but are not limited to:

Mixed-breed cowhides

These are cattle that do not specifically belong to one particular breed. A typical meat cow as the tannery calls it. These can usually be recognized by their more unique coloring and patterns. Because they do not belong to a specific breed of cattle, these hides are truly one in of a kind.

Normande cowhides

Normande hides are known for their beautiful tricolor pattern and slightly longer hair. They always create a cozy and warm atmosphere. This versatile breed is known for its high milk and meat production, making it a favorite among farmers and ranchers. Would you like to learn more about Normande cowhides for your home? Then be sure to read our blog post about Normande cowhides.

Holstein Friesian cowhides

These cattle are truly Dutch and are known for their black-and-white spotted hides. The typical Dutch dairy cow. These are true classics among cowhides and in Dutch interiors. Because these are dairy cows, they are less readily available compared to, for example, mixed-breed cowhides.

Texas Longhorn cowhides

We also regularly have cowhides from Texas Longhorns in our collection. These are striking yet subtle due to their colors and patterns. They exude the authentic Wild West vibe, and while they fit into any interior, they naturally come into their own if you have a Western-themed interior.

Hereford cowhides

Hereford cowhides are known as the authentic reddish-brown cattle breed. With their deep reddish-brown color, almost always combined with white, they bring rustic beauty and warmth to your interior. Thanks to their natural reddish-brown tones, they fit very well into various interior styles.

In addition to the hides listed above, we very occasionally also carry special cowhides such as those from Scottish Highland cattle, Galloways, Belgian Blue, Lakenvelders, etc. Each cattle breed has its own unique colors, patterns, and hair type. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something truly unique, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our collection.

Conclusion

With the wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns among cattle breeds, you’re sure to find a cowhide that perfectly complements your interior style. Whether you’re all about the classic style, prefer a rustic look, or lean more toward a modern or minimalist style, a cowhide always adds an extra touch of warmth and character. Because the hides are genuine natural products, you’ll always have a cowhide that’s 100% unique, even if the cow is from the same breed. This makes every hide a unique and exclusive piece for your home, with options ranging from traditional black-and-white spotted patterns to rare gray and champagne tones—and everything in between. But in addition to the colors, you can also opt for a unique pattern, ranging from the playful salt & pepper to the famous tricolors and brindles. Finally, the variety of sizes ensures that you can always find the perfect fit for your rooms—from large to small, there’s always a suitable option.

Do you need help choosing your new cowhide?

Would you like a new cowhide but are having trouble deciding and would appreciate some extra help and advice? I’d be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. That way, you can make an informed choice and select the cowhide that perfectly suits your wishes and needs. You can contact me at +31 6 17521363 (during business hours), send an email, or stop by in Boxmeer, the Netherlands (by appointment only) to experience them for yourself.