Cowhides

A cowhide is perhaps the most versatile natural product you can bring into your home. It’s a rug, a mood-setter, and an eye-catcher all in one, and because every hide is unique, it adds something to your interior that no one else has exactly the same way. Below, I’ll tell you what to look for, so you can confidently choose the cowhide that suits your home.

Why choose a cowhide?

First things first: a cowhide lasts for years. While a synthetic rug becomes flat and dull after a few years, a good cowhide retains its natural look for much longer. You buy it once and enjoy it for a long time.

And then there’s the quality. My cowhides feature soft, full-bodied hair and supple leather, with a thickness of about 2 to 4 millimeters. You’ll feel the difference right away: not a stiff, cheap hide like you often see, but one that drapes smoothly and feels great underfoot. The hair is firmly attached (“always well-set”), and because the tanneries do a thorough job, any slight leather odor is completely neutralized. Good to know: cowhide is naturally non-slip, so it won’t slide all over the place on a smooth floor.

And then there’s that unique character. No two cowhides have the same pattern, color, or shape, so the hide you choose is truly yours. Not a hundred identical ones off an assembly line, but one of a kind.

Here’s what I think is the most beautiful story to share: a cowhide is a byproduct of the meat industry. The cows lived in the wild, and their hides would otherwise simply be thrown away, since the meat industry has no use for them. That’s such a shame, because it’s a magnificent piece of nature. By having the hides tanned, I give them a second life, and nothing goes to waste. The finest hides come from Europe and South America—the very places where the world’s best cowhides are produced. I’m constantly on the lookout for them, and I select each one by hand, because you can see and feel the quality right away.

Is a cowhide right for you?

Chances are you’ll recognize yourself in this:

• You’re (re)decorating your living room and looking for that one warm, natural focal point that instantly completes the space.
• You love authentic, natural materials and aren’t interested in yet another run-of-the-mill synthetic rug.
• You want to add warmth and texture—whether your interior is sleek and modern, rustic, industrial, classic, or Scandinavian.
• You want to give your reading nook, bedroom, entryway, or home office just that little bit of extra character.

Sound familiar? Then you’ve come to the right place. The beauty of a cowhide is that it fits right in with absolutely any interior style, from rustic and bohemian to sleek modern, industrial, classic, and Scandinavian. It’s precisely that versatility that makes it so appealing.

How do you choose the right cowhide?

Three things will help you get started: the size, the color, and what you’ll use it for.

Size. The size determines where your hide will look its best. I sort the cowhides by size, from XS to XXL. Want a real eye-catcher in the middle of a spacious living room? Then go for a large hide; the largest cowhides (XXL) look stunning as a central rug. A medium size (M/L) fits perfectly in front of a two-seater sofa or in a slightly smaller space. And a smaller hide (XS/S) is ideal as an accent, to layer over a larger rug, or to drape loosely over the back of your sofa. Not sure which size you need? In my blog post “How I Measure Cowhides,” I show you exactly how I measure them, so you’ll never be in for any surprises.

The color. The color sets the mood. Black-and-white cowhides are timeless and truly go with everything. Warm brown-and-white hides bring a lovely rustic feel, and tricolor hides—often from Normandy cattle—show off a rich pattern full of character. You’ll also find special varieties such as the reddish-brown-and-white Hereford, salt-and-pepper, and brindle. My rule of thumb: choose a color that’s reflected somewhere in your interior—in your sofa, your curtains, or your wood tones—and your hide will naturally fall into place.

Quality (and your budget). I personally hand-select each hide, so take your time to find that one pattern that makes you happy. Watching your budget? Then keep an eye out for my “second-choice” cowhides: hides with a minor imperfection, but with exactly the same warm look—just at a more affordable price.

How to use a cowhide in your home

• As a rug: by far the favorite. Place it loosely on a dry, flat floor, in the middle of the living room, under the coffee table, or next to your bed. A cowhide rug can easily withstand daily use and is naturally non-slip.
• Over the back of your sofa: drape it loosely over the back or armrest for extra warmth and a touch of luxury.
• On the wall: as wall decor, a cowhide is a real eye-catcher and a beautiful alternative to a painting. It looks stunning above the couch, in the stairwell, or in the entryway.

Looking for more inspiration? In the blog post “How to Use a Cowhide in Your Interior,” I show you the possibilities for each room. Are you creative? Then cowhides are also perfect for further projects, such as upholstering a chair or making accessories.

Need some inspiration?

I regularly receive the coolest cowhide inspiration photos from customers. Looking for ideas for your home or office? Get inspired in the inspiration room.

My advice

Is this your first time buying a cowhide? Then start with the size, not the color. That’s where most people go wrong: they fall in love with a beautiful hide that turns out to be just a little too small at home. What a shame! So first, measure your floor space and choose a hide that’s roomy enough—it’s perfectly fine if it extends a bit under your couch or coffee table; that actually looks great. The color? That will come naturally afterward.

Not sure about a specific hide? Feel free to call or email me. I photograph every hide myself, so I can tell you in detail exactly how big it is and just how soft it feels. Would you rather stop by to feel it for yourself? You can do so by appointment at our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. That way, we can choose the cowhide that best suits your interior together.

What a cowhide is less suitable for

Let’s be honest: a cowhide is leather, and leather and water just don’t mix. For long-term outdoor use, on the patio or in the garden, you’re better off choosing something else, and you should also avoid placing it in a damp room like the bathroom. It can stay out just fine in a dry, enclosed sunroom; just bring it inside briefly when it rains or in the evening. Indoors, on a dry floor, a good hide will actually last for years. Does it get wet once in a while? Don’t panic: just let it dry flat at room temperature—not on the radiator.

Order with confidence

You’ll receive the exact cowhide shown in the photo, you have a 30-day return window, and I include care instructions with every order. It’s no wonder our customers rate us a 9.7. For orders over €100, I offer free shipping within the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. In the Netherlands, you’ll usually receive it within 1–2 business days. Delivery to other countries may take a little longer, but barring any delays, your order will typically arrive at your home within a maximum of 7 business days.

And want to put the finishing touches on your interior? Pair your hide with matching cowhide pillows or coasters, or place a wonderfully soft sheepskin next to it for even more warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive the exact cowhide shown in the photo?

Yes. Each cowhide is individually photographed, measured, and numbered. The hide in the photo is exactly the one you’ll receive—not a similar one, but that exact one. That way, you’ll know exactly what your cowhide looks like before you buy it.

Are all cowhides unique?

Yes, no two cowhides are alike. Color, pattern, shape, and size vary from hide to hide, and that’s exactly what makes a natural product so beautiful. So the hide you choose is truly one of a kind.

Can a cowhide rug be used, even in a high-traffic area?

Yes. A cowhide is sturdy, naturally non-slip, and can withstand daily use and foot traffic, so it works perfectly as a rug in the living room or entryway. Place it loosely on a dry, flat floor. Any floor covering—including a cowhide—will wear out faster only in areas with extremely heavy foot traffic.

What size cowhide do I need?

That depends on the space. For a centerpiece rug in a spacious living room, choose an XL or XXL hide; in front of a two-seater sofa or in a smaller space, an M/L will suffice, and for an accent piece, an XS or S. First, measure your floor space and choose a hide that’s large enough—it’s better to be slightly too big than too small. The exact dimensions in centimeters are listed with each product.

Can a cowhide be placed on radiant floor heating?

Yes, a cowhide can definitely be placed on a floor with underfloor heating. Keep in mind, however, that the heat can slowly dry out the leather. So, give your hide a light mist of plain water about once every two weeks—a plant sprayer or mist sprayer works perfectly. This will keep the leather nice and supple and looking beautiful.

What should I do if my cowhide gets wet?

Let it dry flat at room temperature, with the hair side facing up. Do not place it on or near a heater, and do not use a hair dryer; rapid heat causes leather to shrink and harden. Gently blot any stains with a slightly damp cloth; never soak it.

Where do the cowhides come from?

Our cowhides come from Europe and South America, the very places where the world’s most beautiful hides are produced. They are byproducts of the meat industry: the cows lived in the wild, and their hides would otherwise be discarded. Tanning gives them a second life, and I hand-select each hide for quality.

Does a cowhide have a smell?

Generally speaking, no. Our hides are tanned as neutrally as possible, and any odors are thoroughly neutralized. A new hide may have a very faint leather scent at first, but that will fade on its own.

How do I care for a cowhide?

Very little maintenance, thankfully. Cowhides have short hair: just vacuum them occasionally on a low setting, without a rotating brush. Shaking out a cowhide is difficult, so there’s no need to do that. Dab any stains with a slightly damp cloth. With every order, you’ll receive care instructions, and you can find detailed tips on caring for and cleaning cowhides to ensure your hide stays beautiful for years to come.