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Thursday, February 27, 2014

MY THOUGHTS ON COWHIDE RUGS


Up until a few years ago, I never expected to have a cowhide rug in my home.  My home isn't lodge-y or rustic, and I didn't think it was my style.  Boy, was I wrong!  Cowhides can be a very chic accent in many different styles of homes (check out this one from the office of the show home I visited last year!).

I've always been drawn to the zebra printed hides, but last year when I came across a deal I couldn't pass up at Sam's Club I tried a regular hide in my living room.  I brought 3-4 home to try out and settled on this one.  I know you all have seen it, but I've never blogged about it specifically.



As I've been refreshing my breakfast nook, I've thought all along how great a hide rug would look layered over my natural rug under the table.  Since I already had the spotted hide in the living room, I planned to get the zebra printed hide that I've always loved.  Then on a whim I threw a zebra blanket under the table to get an idea of what it would look like, and I didn't like it.  It needed more color variation.  I'm not giving up on a zebra hide someday, but it wasn't right for this spot.

So, while keeping an eye out in local stores and on the internet, I came across Cowhide Rugs, which sells their product through their Facebook site.  I began stalking the page to see what new rugs were posted each day.  These were just about the best prices I've seen, and I love how the exact rug that you're buying is pictured along with the exact size.

I watched for months, knowing I wanted a mid-sized rug with some white and black.  When I saw this one I pounced!


I've tried it in the living room and under the kitchen table, but I'm keeping it in the kitchen for now.  I'll probably switch them back and forth.


David is the nicest to work with.  I asked a few questions over the phone which he answered very knowledgeably, paid, and had my rug a few days later!

It was more beautiful than I expected, and I was surprised that the hair was longer than my other one. There is such a great combo of colors...white, black, and browns.  I know people definitely have their own opinions about hide rugs, but they feel SO good underfoot!  And, they are virtually indestructible.  I vacuum mine or take it outside and shake it out, and am totally unconcerned if there's a spill on it, it's easily scrubbed off.

Now, here's the deal that David taught me when shopping for hides.  My rug from Sam's has folds that won't flatten out and curls up on parts of the edges.  That's because it was tanned with formaldehyde.  I'm just going to share his words with you...I thought this was such good information if you're in the market.

"The rug (I) purchased is Chromium tanned, which is the most sophisticated means to tan a hide.  A chromium tanned hide will smell more like leather and leave the hide supple, not stiff.  The best tanned hides derive from Brazil or Colombia.  Hides from Argentina or Mexico are generally very stiff, have a strong chemical odor and will eventually begin to curl up around the edges.  Cleaning your cowhide is simple, because Mother Nature continues to protect the cowhide, it is virtually impossible to stain.  The worst enemy is very tiny particles of rocks or gravel collected from shoes or boots.  The reason is over time, the added weight from day to day pressure will eventually cause the hair to pull free from the leather base.  This is easy to prevent either by shaking out your cowhide or vacuuming it periodically."  -David of Cowhide Rugs

By the way, I asked him about the curling edges and he said the best thing you can do is get some sharp scissors and trim it off.  It will eventually get worse and become a tripping hazard if left alone.

So, I still love my "bargain" rug too, but can definitely tell the difference in the new one I purchased.  And actually, considering the better quality and little bit bigger size, I consider it just as much of a bargain.

David regularly posts new photos of available rugs and has an actual store in Wichita, Kansas.  If there's something you're looking for but don't see, feel free to ask!  He carries the zebra rugs too although they aren't pictured very often.  I believe he also has some of the crazy-popular metallic splattered rugs!


So, my Breakfast Nook is one step closer to being finished.  Just one project left, and here's a hint:


What about you?  Do you own a hide rug or do they creep you out a bit?  I'm a fan!


***DON'T FORGET***

Tomorrow we'll be here bright and early for our first ever Best of the Nest Link Party!  The party will open at 8:00 a.m. EST, and I can't wait to see what your best project was for February!  



*I purchased my own cowhide and this is not a sponsored post.  I just love to pass along sources and products I love!

Linking up with:  Uncommon Designs Monday Funday

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Would you like to comment?

  1. gorgeous rugs! iwas so not a fan, but then over the last year i became one... and now i have one.... and adore it....evolution! :)
    can't wait to see the nook!

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  2. I can't believe you found that hide at Sam's. How awesome is that?!

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  3. I never thought about them until I kept seeing them show up over and over in "high" end rooms in the mags! As you, I looked on the internet and discovered :
    http://www.rawhidecompany.com/?gclid=CPTu9fqg068CFQSynQodTyJ0bg
    Ordered one in mostly black with a little white. It is absolutely great!!!! I named it "Honey Bell" ! Two months later I ordered another one and her name is "LuLuBell"! She has more white. I have had them in many different spots.
    Question: Do our dining chairs cause any problems moving back and forth? I have had them in my entry and under my cocktail table. I LOVE THEM!

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  4. Looks fabulous in your space! I love the look - perfect for layering and a different shape, but they do creep me a out a little haha.. maybe a synthetic DIY is in order like Brittany Makes!

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  5. I love cowhides! We bought a real one and my husband couldn't stand the feel of it, so we traded it out for a faux. Either way, I think the look is so chic and I love how yours look in your house!
    Kelly @ View Along the Way

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  6. You made a great choice with size and colors of your cowhide - it looks awesome in both spaces!! And the tips for what to look for when you buy a cowhide are golden - I haven't had any problems with curling or creases in the one I have in our guest room but that was just by luck. I've got to figure out the size and color I want for our office and give your buddy David a call!

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  7. I love the look of them in your home! So gorgeous.

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  8. Great tips, what a wonderful source! It looks fabulous in your kitchen, and I love mine for all the same reasons, it's white and I don't worry about a thing!

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  9. You make them look so good! Can't wait to see the new settee!!!!

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  10. I love cowhide rugs....if/when we sell our house and buy a bigger one, I plan to look for a rug to go under my breakfast table.....I love your rug and thanks for sharing the information on purchasing one.

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  11. I recently added one to my home from World Market. I LOVE IT! I never thought I would like them either, but wow it really makes a statement.
    Love yours!
    Leslie
    House on the Way

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  12. I have been wanting a cowhide rug for several years. Someday I will get one!

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  13. I've wanted one for a long time...and now I have valuable information to search with when I'm ready. Thanks so much for sharing!

    xo
    Pat

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  14. I really love it Jennifer! Your home is absolutely attractive with complete accessories. The couch, the table, the chandelier and the classy curtain, all exquisite. One classy rug chic!

    Sebastian of
    Tropical Life Style

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  15. I love cowhide rugs. I am kicking one around for my office, but still haven't decided yet. It would be great if I could find a deal on one :) Happy Weekend! xo K

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  16. I don't but I know I will someday! I absolutely love them and I love how you layered them in your rooms Jennifer! I was contemplating a rectangular shaped one before, but I think the organic shape of the natural ones are way better!

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  17. You have amazing style. I love your décor and how you pulled everything together. :)

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  18. They're really a great aesthetic. Pretty offbeat too, if you think about it. In all the ways that is sublime and not showy, yet clearly standing out. The patch of blacks could lull us to complacency though, in how they can help us get away with some of the stains. We should shake this off, and make certain they're put through periodic and rigorous cleaning.

    Dallas Rug Cleaner

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  19. So cute. I love the pillows too. Where did you find the leopard print pillows?

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  20. Where can I buy those round back chairs?

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  21. Based on your glowing recommendation, I called David and ordered a zebra printed cowhide rug from him today. I can hardly wait to receive it! I'll definitely be blogging about it later this month.

    www.gustoandgraceblog.com

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  22. Thanks again so much for this helpful source and information. I LOVE my new Zebra print rug from Discount Cowhides! https://gustoandgrace.wordpress.com/2015/03/02/zebra-print-cowhide-rug/

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  23. I love it! So beautiful. Thanks for sharing informative content on Modular Office Furniture. That plant is awesome!

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  24. Our cowhide has never been used as a rug. During the winter, we put it on our bed over a light comforter. It is from Brazil and very soft, supple, and sturdy.

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  25. Where are the leopard pillows from?!?!

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  26. Jennifer, I have searched and searched for the ebony waverly "williamsburg blue bird" fabric but have been unable to find it, can only find it in the blue ? any thoughts on where I might be able to get some ??? thanks

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    1. Hi there! That's not quite the right style name. I posted all the info. here, have you seen that? Start there and let me know if that helps! :) http://www.dimplesandtangles.com/p/faqs.html

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    2. I'm seeing some on ebay possibly? If you're on Instagram, you might try sending a DM to @wmbgbrand and asking them if it's still available. I'm not seeing it online either. :(

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    3. I tried that link an it didn't work, I found some on amazon, deep blue it is called chambray, it that it? is it black and white or deep blue and white , not indigo but a deep blue???

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    4. Mine are black and cream, and I do think "ebony" was the colorway. There is a blue and cream too that is the indigo. Looks like mine has maybe discontinued because I don't see it anywhere either. Contacting Waverly or Williamburg directly via Twitter or IG might be your best shot.

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  27. Where is the best place to buy? I bought one on Amazon & it smelled so horrible I couldn't leave it in my house, very nauseating smell. It was suppose to be from Brazil. Paid $269 plus tax.

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    1. I've been very happy with the one I bought from the store linked in my post above, Cowhide Rugs on Facebook.

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