Tricolor is perhaps the most distinctive cowhide available. Three colors in a single hide, with a pattern that varies completely from hide to hide—this means you’re bringing a truly unique natural product into your home. Below, I’ll tell you where these hides come from and what to look for.
Why choose a tricolor cowhide?
The big advantage of tricolor hides is the combination of colors: black, brown, and white together complement virtually any color palette in your home. Whether you have warm wood tones, a neutral sofa, or rugged materials, a tricolor hide blends in effortlessly.
What’s more, the hair on Normandy cowhides is often just a bit longer than on other cowhides. That makes them wonderfully soft and pleasant to walk on. And it has all the familiar qualities of a genuine cowhide: it lasts for years, is naturally non-slip, and every piece is unique.
The Normandy breed
The Normande (or “Normande”) originates from the Normandy region of France. This breed is unique because of its characteristic tricolor coat, almost always a mix of brown, white, and black. It is precisely this natural combination that makes the Normande so popular for interior decoration. It’s also a sturdy breed, which means you’ll often find these hides in larger sizes.
In addition to their use as rugs, tricolor hides are also frequently used for further crafting—such as cushion covers, bags, small accessories, or upholstering a chair or sofa. Their rugged, natural beauty makes them incredibly versatile.
Fits into any interior style
Whether you prefer a rustic and cozy style, minimalist modern, or rugged industrial look, a tricolor Normandy cowhide adds a unique touch to any space. Its warm appearance and playful colors bring both comfort and style, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in every room.
Here’s how to use a tricolor cowhide in your home
- As a rug: lay it out on a dry, flat floor, in the middle of the living room or under the coffee table. Sturdy, naturally non-slip, and extra soft thanks to its slightly longer hair.
- Over the back of your sofa: drape it loosely over the backrest or armrest for extra warmth and a touch of luxury.
- On the wall: as wall decor, a tricolor hide is a real eye-catcher and a beautiful alternative to a painting.
Need some inspiration?
Curious to see how a tricolor cowhide looks in different interiors? Get inspired by photos I’ve received from customers, or check out even more in the inspiration room.
What size do you need?
The Normandy breed is a sturdy one, so you’ll find these tricolor hides mainly in larger sizes: M/L, XL, and XXL. For a spacious living room, choose a large hide (XL or XXL) that really makes a statement as a centerpiece rug; feel free to place it slightly under your couch or coffee table. For a slightly smaller space or in front of the couch, an M/L is a good choice. I measure every single hide myself—if you’re unsure about the size, check out my blog post on how I measure the hides to see how I do it. I’ve categorized the hides by size:
- XS: smaller than 2.00 m²
- S: 2.01–2.99 m²
- M/L: 3.00–3.99 m²
- XL: starting at 4.00 m²
- XXL: the very largest pieces
Prefer a different color?
Is a tricolor Normandy cowhide not quite what you’re looking for? Don’t worry—there are plenty of other options. Take a look at these, for example:
Complete the look
Want to put the finishing touches on your interior? Pair your tricolor cowhide with matching cowhide pillows or luxurious coasters, or place a wonderfully soft sheepskin next to it for even more warmth. Looking for a small accent piece instead? Then check out the mini cowhides.
Need help choosing?
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. Customers rate us a 9.7, and 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.
Are you unsure about a specific hide or would you like some advice? Feel free to call or email me, or make an appointment to visit our showroom in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. Together, we’ll choose the tricolor cowhide that best suits your interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tricolor cowhide?
A tricolor cowhide features a coat in three colors: black, brown, and white. These come from the Normande, a French cattle breed with a distinctive tricolor pattern. Because the colors are distributed differently on each hide, every piece is completely unique.
Where does the Normandy breed come from?
The Normande (or “Normande”) originates from the Normandy region of France. The breed is known for its distinctive tricolor coat and is therefore widely used for interior decoration.
Are tricolor hides softer than other cowhides?
Often, yes. The hair on a Normandy cowhide is usually slightly longer than on other cowhides, which makes it extra soft and comfortable to walk on.
Will I receive the exact tricolor cowhide shown in the photo?
Yes. Each hide is photographed, measured, and numbered individually. The hide in the photo is exactly the one you’ll receive—one of a kind.
What size tricolor cowhide do I need?
Normans are a large breed, so you’ll mainly find them in sizes M/L, XL, and XXL. For a centerpiece rug in a spacious living room, choose an XL or XXL; for a smaller space, an M/L will suffice. First, measure your floor area and choose a hide that’s large enough to cover it comfortably.
How do I care for a tricolor cowhide?
Very low maintenance. Cowhides have short to medium-length hair: vacuum it occasionally on a low setting, without a rotating brush. Shaking it out is difficult and not necessary. Dab any spots with a slightly damp cloth. You can find detailed tips under “Cowhide Care and Cleaning.”
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