Dark cowhide rugs are a classic. Sometimes we even tend to think of them as too western, almost cowboy-like. That’s how much of a classic they are!

But a dark cow hide rug can give you a classy and elegant look, especially when combined with a modern or contemporary deco style.

I love using them in light rooms, or with light colored floors, as they bring to the table (ehem, floor) lots of texture. Not to mention how much of a statement they are.

A plain black cowhide brings shine to any room. Even though we might think of a black piece and think it’s too bold or not suited for everybody, I usually find they look awesome in almost any kind of rooms. When matched with lighter furniture and floors, they come to life, setting limits to a small space.

A properly tanned black hide will have very shiny hair, reflecting a lot of light and all the colors around it.

You’ll find a black hide will turn to a warmer tone in the evening and with artificial lights, and become a cold tone of black in the morning, when the sun is rising. This is how much light they absorb and reflect! A black hide definitely has a lot to give 🙂

Brown hides are the super classic cowhides by definition, don’t you think? You’ve seen them a million times… But did you know each and every single hide is different from the other?

A brown hide will give you a softer look, warmer than a black one, while still being bold and daring.

A great way to work with a classic brown hide is to layer it with some other kind of rug, resulting in a very special and unique look.

Brown and dark beige colors will help tone down loud colors, warm up any kind of room and blend your furniture with your floors.

The same idea is represented in the photo below, cold tones on the walls, sofa and mirror coffee tables, when combined with a brown hide the whole room turns welcoming and warm instead of being cold and distant!

When working with very light and crisp floors, like the bedroom below, a super vintage and classic brown hide area rug brings a familiar and cozy feel to the whole room.

A modern space almost always benefits from a classic piece. A super dark chocolate brown hide rug can bring the whole room together, as with this example below, where they used a very specific green for the walls, added some art and plants. The modern industrial lamp and simple curtains match perfectly the modern style of the chairs. And finally, the cowhide rug that blends everything, cherry on top. Just lovely!

Thank God for Pinterest and all the wonderful inspiration! You can see a lot more on our Ideas for Cowhides Board. 🙂