Living Room Looking Dull? Liven It Up with Cowhide Rugs

Is your living room looking a little lackluster lately? Maybe the furniture layout feels tired or the decor just seems uninspired. If your space is begging for some new life, one quick and easy upgrade is to add a cowhide rug. With their natural, organic textures and eye-catching patterns, cowhide rugs can instantly enliven a dull living room.

From choosing the right size rug to decorating and styling around it, we'll share tips to make your new cowhide the focal point of a revived living room.

Choose the Right Size Cowhide Rug

One of the first decisions when incorporating a cowhide rug is choosing the proper proportions for your space. You generally want to allow about 12 inches of bare floor showing around the edges of the rug. This creates a visually appealing border while preventing the rug from appearing too small or getting lost.

Alternatively, a larger cowhide can be used as a dramatic anchor for the living room's layout and design. Placing a substantial rug centrally beneath a coffee table or conversation area draws attention while also defining that zone as the primary sitting area.

Size Recommendations

• 5x7 cowhide rug - Great size for layering under a coffee table or console
• 6x9 cowhide rug - Provides ample coverage for seating areas
• 8x10 cowhide rug - Makes a bold statement as a focal point

Mix and Match Textures

One of the appeals of cowhide rugs is their lush, organic texture. You can play this up further by mixing complementary textiles throughout the rest of the living room.

Combine your cowhide rug with other natural materials like wool, silk, jute, or cotton for a cozy layered effect. The contrast between the nubby rug and smoother surrounding fabrics adds visual depth and dimension.

Velvet pillows and throws in deep hues complement the hide rug's ruggedness with their decadent softness. The opposing textures create inviting spaces that beg to be touched.

Textural Layering Ideas

• Velvet pillows on leather sofa
• Wool blanket draped over chair
• Jute floor pouf as side table

Create a Statement with Your Cowhide

Make your new cowhide rug a bold focal point by choosing one with an eye-catching pattern or color scheme. For example, a brightly colored Southwestern motif pops against a neutral backdrop. Or make a subtler statement with a graphic black-and-white hide.

Once you've selected your statement-making rug, arrange the living room layout around it. Position primary furniture like sofas and chairs atop the rug to showcase it. Limit competing colors, patterns, and accessories so the cowhide takes center stage.

Statement Cowhide Inspiration

• Black and white geometric pattern
• Colorfully painted abstract cowhide
• Natural brown and black spots and stripes

Pair Complementary Colors

While cowhide rugs make captivating statements, you still want to choose a rug that complements your living room's existing color palette. If your space features lots of warm earth tones, pick a cowhide with similar natural brown, beige, or tan hues. The subtle color connection prevents the rug from clashing.

For a crisp modern black and white scheme, a black and white cowhide rug reinforces the aesthetic. Or inject a brightly colored rug to contrast with neutral walls and furniture.

Color Combination Ideas

• Warm brown cowhide rug in earthy space
• White cowhide rug in clean white room
• Colorful rug pops against grey sofa

Arrange Furniture on Your Cowhide

Rugs help define distinct seating areas within an open concept living room. Place chairs, sofas and benches atop your new cowhide to create an intimate yet cohesive vignette.

Avoid heavy furniture that may compress the hide fibers over time. And rearranging furniture periodically keeps the layout fresh while protecting areas of the rug from excessive wear.

Cowhide Furniture Arrangement Tips

• Lounge chairs for casual conversation
• Sofa and coffee table for main seating
• Bench as end-of-bed accent

Decorate Around Your Cowhide Rug

Now that your cowhide rug is set as the living room's foundation, decorate and style the rest of the space to complement it. Add pillows and throws featuring patterns and colors drawn from the hide. The repeating hues and motifs visually tie the whole room together.

Limit competing prints to prevent visual clutter. For example, pair solids and simple stripes with a heavily patterned rug. Allow the rug to shine as the main event by keeping surrounding accents clean and minimal.

Cowhide Decor Ideas

• Pillows with rustic striped fabric
• Plaid cotton throw blankets
• Patterned ceramic garden stools as side tables

Style Your Cowhide in Different Design Aesthetics

From rustic cabins to urban lofts, cowhide rugs fit right in to a variety of decor styles when selected with the overall aesthetic in mind.

In a rustic space, play up the rug's natural origins by pairing it with reclaimed wood furniture, antler accents, and heritage textiles like quilts. For bohemian style, layer colorful patterned cowhides atop vintage rugs for free-spirited eclecticism.

Clean-lined spaces call for solid black or white cowhides to complement the modern look. And in formal living rooms, a muted cowhide adds a touch of organic interest without disrupting the elegant vibe.

Care for Your Cowhide Rug

Cowhide's durable leather surface can stand up to daily living when properly cared for. Give the rug a regular once-over with a vacuum's low suction or upholstery brush attachment. This lifts dust and dirt from the hide's textured crevices before it can settle in.

Immediately blot any liquid or food spills using a barely damp towel to lift the stain. Avoid excessive moisture that may discolor or damage the leather over time. Periodically have your treasured cowhide professionally cleaned to revitalize its look and suppleness.

Ready to introduce a dose of stylish texture into a lackluster living room? Few upgrades can revive a tired space as easily as rolling out a fashionable cowhide rug. With the right size and placement, you can transform the rug into a living room centerpiece and build your refreshed design around it. Mix up the textures, colors and patterns already present in the room by decorating with complementing accents. And caring for your investment properly will keep your new cowhide rug looking fabulous for years to come.