Cowhide rugs are natural, elegant, and practical for many good reasons. If you suffer from allergies and don’t enjoy long hours of deep cleaning the rugs – cowhide is a perfect choice. These rugs will add a touch of a rustic look to any interior. Unfortunately, there are a few cons of the cowhide rugs that you better know before committing to the purchase. In this post, we will analyze the main pros and cons of cowhide rugs that you have to consider before getting one for yourself.
Pros of Cowhide Rugs
I can never walk past a cowhide rug in a store without touching its silky surface. These natural rugs are very inviting. What makes them so popular among thousands of homeowners? Let’s see!
PRO#1: Unique Design
The unique markings and textures of each hide make every rug one-of-a-kind. You will never find two exactly the same cowhide rugs. Cowhide rugs are available in many colors and shades – from light brown to midnight black. You can choose the rug based on your interior color scheme. Moreover, cowhide rugs all have different sizes. Some sellers even offer XXL cowhide rugs that can cover the whole seating area in the living room. There are endless rug variations, the choice is yours!
PRO#2: Easy to Clean
Many people assume that cowhide rugs are difficult to care for, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, cowhide rugs are actually quite easy to clean. Like all leather items, they require little but specialized care.
Most spills can be blotched up with a damp cloth, and more stubborn stains can be treated with a mild detergent. Unlike other types of rugs, cowhide rugs will not shrink or bleed when wet, so you can feel confident that you won’t damage them by trying to clean them.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to clean cowhide rugs, where we explain all the processes in detail.
Best of all, cowhide rugs are naturally resistant to dirt and dust, so they won’t show wear as quickly as other types of rugs. As a result, they are an ideal choice for busy households.
PRO#3: Pet and Kid Friendly
What’s a pet-friendly rug? It’s safe for the paws, stomach, and nose! Cowhide rugs have naturally short piles, so they won’t trap the nails and cause any pain. Plus, they are not treated with chemicals, so even if your dog chews a bit, it will be fine. Cowhide rugs don’t have toxic substances on the surfaces, so they are very family-friendly.
Moreover, cowhide rugs are naturally slip-resistant. If your kids or pets run over the rug, the chance of it moving and slipping is very small.
Unlike other materials, cowhide is naturally resistant to stains and spills. And if your pet has an accident on the rug, you can simply spot-clean it with a mild soap. Best of all, cowhide rugs are designed to withstand heavy traffic, so they can handle even the most energetic pets.
PRO#4: Long Lasting
There is a common misconception that cowhide rugs are not durable. That’s not true! Not only are they stylish, but they are also extremely durable. Cowhide is a natural material that is highly resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. It is even more durable than leather.
In addition, cowhides are easy to care for and will retain their beauty for many years with proper care. When shopping for a cowhide rug, be sure to choose one that is of high quality. A good quality rug will have been handcrafted from start to finish and made from genuine cowhide. such rugs are not only more durable, but they are also more valuable as an investment.
With proper care, a cowhide rug can last a lifetime.
PRO#5: Non-Flammable
If you have an open fireplace, or just care about your house safety, cowhide rugs are a great choice. They are low flammable. Much less flammable compared to synthetic polypropylene, nylon, or olefine rugs. Cowhide rugs don’t contain rubber, so even when they burn, they don’t emit dangerous toxic fumes. This might not be the main reason to choose them, but a pleasant bonus to have, just in case.
Cons of Cowhide Rugs
Unfortunately, when it comes to cowhide rugs, there are a few cons that you have to keep in mind.
CON#1: Not All Cowhide Is Ethically Sourced
If you know how cowhide rugs are made, it’s only natural that the first thing that comes to mind is the well-being of the animals. Luckily, most cowhide rugs are a by-product of the meat industry. It means that animals are not killed for the sole purpose of their skins. If the skins were not used for the rugs, they would be thrown away. I hope that knowing that a cow wasn’t murdered so that you may have a cowhide rug will provide you with a sense of relief and peace of mind.
However, there are still some manufacturers who kill perfectly healthy cows for the sole purpose of skin. That’s why we recommend checking the manufacturer’s FAQ before committing to a purchase, and seeing how the cowhide was sourced.
CON#2: Have a Natural Smell
Like any natural leather product, cowhide rugs have a distinct smell. Some people enjoy the smell of leather and find it comforting, while others find it to be overpowering. In any case, the smell of a cowhide rug is likely to be a bit too strong for some people. Additionally, the smell can be difficult to remove, even with a thorough cleaning. For people who are sensitive to smells or who prefer a more subtle scent in their home, cowhide rugs may not be the best option.
The smell will likely go away with time, especially if you keep the rug in a well-ventilated area.
CON#3: Hard to Walk On
If you’re used to fluffy soft rugs that melt under your feet as you walk – hear this: “Cowhide is the exact opposite”. They are naturally thin, so if you want to have any cushioning effect, you have to use them in combination with a rug pad. A felt rug pad or a thick PVC rug pad will add some softness to the rug. If you’re unsure which rug pad to choose, don’t forget to check out our guide.
Cowhide rugs can be very difficult to walk on. The tough hide is not particularly comfortable to stand on, and the rug can also be slippery. As a result, many people choose to place their cowhide rugs in low-traffic areas, such as dens or studies.
CON#4: Curled Edges
Unfortunately, curled edges are a very common problem with cowhide rugs. The hair on the hide is attached to a thin layer of skin, and when this layer dries out, it shrinks and causes the hide to curl up at the edges.
But what do you do when the edges start to curl? Here are a few tips to help you fix curling edges on your cowhide rug. First, try misting the rug with water, and then use a heavy book to weigh down the edge. Second, you can try using double-sided tape or carpet binding tape to adhere the edge to the floor. Finally, if all else fails, you can take the rug to a professional for repair. With a little care, your cowhide rug will last for years to come.
To prevent curling edges from happening, regularly mist the hide with water, but it’s still something to keep in mind if you’re considering a cowhide rug for your home.
CON#5: Slippery
Cowhide rugs are not great for high-traffic areas because they are slippery. The slippery surface of cowhide rugs comes from the natural oils in the hide. These oils make the surface of the cowhide rug smooth, which may cause some slipping and tripping. On the bright side, the slippery surface of cowhide rugs makes them easy to clean.
To make sure that your cowhide rug stays in place no matter what happens – use a good rug pad. This advice applies to all types of rugs, not only cowhide.
CON#6: Prone to Mold and Mildew
One of the biggest problems with cowhide rugs (as with other leather goods) is that they are prone to mold and mildew. If a cowhide rug gets wet, it can take days or even weeks for it to dry completely. This creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
In addition, cowhide rugs can rot if they are wet for a long time. As a result, it’s important to take steps to prevent mold and mildew growth on your cowhide rug. The best way to do this is to keep the rug in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting it wet during cleaning. If you do get the rug wet, be sure to dry it thoroughly as soon as possible. Use a fan or a hairdryer (not hot!) to speed up the process.
I hope these cons haven’t put you off getting a cowhide rug. If you’re willing to take the time to care for your cowhide rug, it can still be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home décor.
Conclusion
After considering the pros and cons of cowhide rugs, it’s clear that they are not for everyone. They are durable, and beautiful, and add a bit of luxury to any home. While they are not cheap, they are an investment that will last for many years.
The only major downside is that they are not very comfy to walk on. If you know how to clean them properly and use a good rug pad, cowhide rugs are a great way to add style and sophistication to any room.