Cow Hide

Our cowhide rugs are genuine Brazilian hides, hand-selected from thousands of skins with only a small percentage making the cut. Each one comes through in natural tones from white and grey mixes through to brown and white blends, so no two rugs look the same.

Sizes generally sit between 180cm and 230cm, though exact dimensions vary slightly with each hide since this is a natural product rather than a manufactured one. A cow hide rug works well as a standalone floor feature, layered over an existing rug or carpet, or even used as a throw over a chair or bench seat.

Because these are real hides and not synthetic reproductions, quality and finish are checked closely before a piece makes it into stock. Our range of cow hide rugs in NZ is sourced with this same standard applied to every hide.

Rug Placement Ideas

Living room. Placed under a coffee table or off to the side of a sofa, a cow hide rug adds texture without dominating the space the way a full-sized fabric rug might.

Home office or study. A smaller hide under a desk chair brings warmth to a room that often has hard flooring, and it holds up well to a rolling chair.

Hallway or entryway. A cowhide's irregular shape suits a narrow hallway better than a rectangular runner in some homes, giving the space a bit of character right at the entrance.

Layered over carpet or another rug. Many customers place a cowhide rug directly over existing carpet or a plain rug to add a feature layer, particularly in a bedroom or reading nook.

As a throw, outside of the floor, a cowhide can also sit over the back of a couch, an armchair, or a bench seat as a textured accent piece.

How to Care for Your Cowhide Rug

Shake it out or vacuum lightly. A regular shake outdoors or a light vacuum with no beater bar removes dust from the hair without damaging the hide underneath.

Spot clean rather than wash. For marks or spills, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it air dry naturally. Avoid soaking the hide or putting it through a washing machine, as this can damage the leather backing.

Brush occasionally with a soft brush. Brushing in the direction of the hair keeps it looking smooth and helps prevent matting over time.

Keep away from prolonged moisture and direct heat. Damp conditions can affect the hide over time, and placing it too close to a heater or fireplace can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

Rotate it if it's in a sunny spot. As with any natural material, prolonged direct sunlight can unevenly lighten the tone of a cowhide rug, so rotating it now and then helps keep the colour consistent.

FAQ

Is this a genuine cowhide or a synthetic reproduction?
These are genuine Brazilian cowhide rugs, hand-selected for quality and finish. They are not printed or synthetic imitations, so natural variation in pattern and tone is expected.

Are all cow hides the same size?
Since these are real animal hides rather than manufactured rugs, no two are perfectly identical in outline or dimension. Listed sizes are approximate and represent the overall span of the hide rather than an exact rectangle.

Do cowhide rugs shed hair?
A small amount of shedding is normal in the first few weeks, especially along the edges. This settles down with light, regular brushing and typically stops once the hide has been in place for a while.

Can a cowhide handle daily foot traffic?
Yes, a genuine cowhide rug is a durable natural material and holds up well in living areas and hallways. It is a good idea to avoid dragging furniture across it, since this can pull at the hide rather than the backing.

Will a cowhide rug work with underfloor heating?
Low-level underfloor heating is generally fine, but consistently high heat directly under the hide can dry it out over time. Keeping the rug away from any single concentrated heat source is the safer approach. Customers shopping for cow hide rugs in NZ often ask about this given how common underfloor heating is in newer builds.