Tuesday, June 07, 2016
Friday, June 03, 2016
Cow hide rugs offer a unique and practical addition to modern homes. While these rugs are well known for their rustic beauty, they are also amazingly long lasting and can even be a healthy alternative to synthetic rugs. It is no wonder, then, that many homeowners are decorating their living spaces with cow hide. Here are the biggest benefits of cowhide rugs.
Natural Beauty
Natural in shape as well as color and pattern, cowhide rugs enhance earthy living spaces well. Black, white and brown earth tones perfectly complement unpainted wood and red brick floors and walls. Patterns vary significantly on cowhide rugs and include speckled and solid colors as well as spots. For rooms rich in natural light, decorators may prefer darker or more heavily patterned cow hides. Conversely, darker rooms may be best balanced with cowhide rugs containing more light-colored areas.
Versatility
The variations in natural cow hides suit these rugs to plenty of settings, but the availability of dyed rugs expands decoration possibilities further. In contemporary homes, natural cowhide rugs can counterbalance synthetic materials and minimalism. Using dyed cow hides, homeowners can add a naturally styled yet bold statement to their rooms. The color range of dyed cowhide rugs is massive, but pink, orange and blue ones are not uncommon.
Durability
Cow skin is often turned into leather, a material known for its incredible durability. It may come as little surprise, then, that cow hide rugs are also able to withstand heavy wear without falling apart. Cow hide rugs are made from single pieces rather than smaller parts stitched together, so there are no seams to worry about breaking. There is no thread to unravel, and rubber pieces will not fall off over time. This easily suits cowhide rugs to long-term placement in busier parts of the home.
Easy Maintenance
Cow hide rugs are simpler to maintain than other rugs often are. If dirt collects on a cow hide, one can clear it away with a hand brush. A vacuum can also be used without brush attachments. When spills occur, a damp sponge can be used to wipe it up immediately. The cow hide will not allow spills to sink through to the floor underneath. Occasional deep cleaning can be performed with a gentle cleanser, such as a light mix of water and vinegar, using a moist sponge.
Hypo-Allergenic
When cow hide rugs are tanned, natural oils are used rather than synthetic chemicals, which can irritate the lungs of people with respiratory problems. Unlike synthetic rugs, cowhide rugs do not undergo a period of off-gassing after purchase. At the same time, potentially offensive fragrances are absent. All of these factors combine to make cowhide rugs ideal for those with asthma or allergies.
Cow hide rugs can be preferable to synthetic rugs for many reasons. With their combination of bucolic charm and aesthetic options, these rugs are a natural choice for decoration. The lack of maintenance only adds to the other benefits of cowhide for making these rugs a sustainable choice in homes, businesses and other spaces.