Green cowhide rugs and furniture
Everyone is interested in going green and this also applies to our homes, the furniture choices we make, and the things we surround ourselves with. Making eco-friendly decisions about the soft furnishings in your home or office can make a huge difference in our impact on the planet and on everyone’s health. The global green movement has attracted a large number of innovative designers who now prefer to use eco-friendly options. The biggest current trends in interior design use recyclable and sustainable materials, such as wood, vintage furniture, and also nature-friendly materials such as cow hides.
Cow hides have become increasingly popular in recent years, mainly due to their uniqueness, beauty, and durability. If you are on a path to finding unique and eco-friendly decor furniture, cowhides are your best option.
One of the most important, but often overlooked, aspects of environmentally sustainable cow hides is their durability. Some may say that the cost of cowhides is relatively high, but opting for cowhides can save you money in the long run, even if it is initially more expensive.
Well made cowhide rugs are very durable, flexible and soft to the touch. The hair can be straight and very short, or an inch or longer and wavy, depending on the hair of the cow. It is understandable that you will not find two cows exactly the same and therefore each cowhide will vary in color and shape. This makes them so beautiful and a unique “green” decorating option that can work in so many different lifestyles.
Cowhide rugs can be divided into several color groups. The most common are black and white, brown and white, tricolor and brindle. Brindle refers to a smooth stripe of colors mixed with the cow’s fur. A rarer and more expensive color is off-white or cream.
Cowhide rugs are most frequently imported from South America, where the largest importers of cowhide would be Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. The market for cowhide is also well established and has long been traded in countries such as Morocco and Egypt.
As a rug, cowhide can be used in its original large cow shape or cut to any size to fit a specific space in your home. Circular patchwork rugs are also very popular, benefiting from the combination of a choice of colors and hair.
Another design option is to use cowhides as upholstery. They are often used as seat covers on chairs, bar stools, or to cover the top of a side table. Cowhides can also be inserted into the headboard and footboard panels of a bed. There are some amazing design touches that we can achieve by using cowhides in more subtle ways, such as cushions, table runners, wallcovering, or even a mirror frame. The ideas are endless.
Caring for a cowhide is relatively easy. It can be vacuumed or taken outside and tapped with a pen or other stick to remove dust and dirt. Spills and stains can be cleaned up with soap and water. Steam cleaning that uses a minimal amount of water can also refresh a cowhide.