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The Best Faux Cowhide Rug

Last updated on September 30, 2022

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Real cowhide has long been used by humans to decorate domestic spaces, probably ever since they were domesticated in the 9th millennium B.C. Although consumers still buy authentic cowhide rugs, some avoid them because the hides consist of a cow’s skin and hair. Cruelty-free faux cowhide rugs have been around for ages and are trending once again. They create a western look and add rugged outdoor sophistication to home decor that will get you plenty of compliments.

Faux cowhide rugs are also more affordable and easier to clean than the real things, and some are even machine washable. They are generally made from synthetics like nylon and plastics, then processed into fibers that look and feel like cow hair. Some have thin piles, while others have medium ones; you might be able to find thicker piles, but these will not look as realistic. As for the patterns, muted options will look more natural, but many prefer these rugs with a more obvious faux appearance.

They come in different sizes, and the shapes usually resemble natural cowhide: overly rectangular, with rounded extensions for where the arms and legs would have been. Machine-made faux cowhide rugs will usually cost less than man-made versions, but you might not be able to see any difference in quality. They are often used as accent rugs, but the larger sizes can take up most of a room and become focal points. You can also put them on solid or patterned floors, as long as the tones complement one another.

Our Picks For The Top Faux Cowhide Rugs

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

NativeSkins Machine Washable Faux Cowhide Rug

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NativeSkins

Machine Washable Faux Cowhide Rug

Sized at 4.6 feet by 4.6 feet, this beautifully made faux cowhide rug is crafted from premium power-loomed polyester fibers and features an invisible locking edge design that makes it durable and easy to clean. This rug is also incredibly soft and has a non-slip suede backing.

Overall Take

Has a Western VibeYou'll feel happy and safe walking on this western-inspired rug on your bare feet!

 Runner Up

AROGAN Non-Slip Backing Faux Cowhide Rug

AROGAN

Non-Slip Backing Faux Cowhide Rug

Arogan's authentic-looking 4.6-foot by 5.2-foot rug is true-to-color, with a rich look and soft texture that is about as close to the real thing as you can get. The versatile area rug adds warmth, texture and patterning that will complement almost any room in your house.

Overall Take

So Rustic, Yet ModernWhy not put this large and durable faux rug in front of a fireplace or in your bedroom?

 We Also Like

Loloi II Stain-Resistant Faux Cowhide Rug

Loloi II

Stain-Resistant Faux Cowhide Rug

This stunning low-pile animal print rug is crafted from an acrylic performance fiber, but it looks and feels like high-quality wool and comes in different patterns and colors. These are designed in the U.S. by Loloi, a company that has won awards for rug innovation.

Overall Take

Cruelty-Free Bovine BeautyUpgrade your space with this stunning rug, featuring a soft fabric that feels like wool.

 Also Great

IMQOQ Low Pile Microfiber Faux Cowhide Rug

IMQOQ

Low Pile Microfiber Faux Cowhide Rug

Here's a great little cow-patterned rug that measures 3 1/2 feet and about 5 1/2 long, with a 0.31-inch-high pile. It's made from 100% microfiber and is meant to be used as an accent rug anywhere. It has a soft, furry feel on top with a non-slip latex backing.

Overall Take

It's Made From MicrofiberThis little faux cowhide accent rug with a cow print looks awesome anywhere.

What to Look For

  • Faux cowhide rugs have certain advantages over real cowhide, including the fact that cowskin can crease and crack over time, and you can’t fold them up like faux rugs.
  • Faux cowhide does not crack but may have creases when you first lay it down. These should flatten out after a short time.
  • Some faux cowhide rugs are machine washable, but most are not. To clean them, shake dirt and debris off outside (you can also use a beater bar) and spot-clean mild stains. Vacuum on the low pile setting.
  • If the rug becomes matted, use a wide-toothed comb and then a fine-toothed comb to revitalize it. Another option is a horse-style brush.
  • Have the rug professionally cleaned if stubborn stains remain.
  • If the rug does not have a built-in non-slip backing, place a rug pad beneath it.

More to Explore

You might be familiar with Clarabelle Cow, one of Minnie Mouse’s best buddies. Created by Roy and Walt Disney, Clarabelle first appeared in the 1929 short film “The Plow Boy.” She was depicted as the girlfriend of Horace Horsecollar, but she also stepped out with Goofy for a time.

Clarabelle was also in a 1930 short film called “The Shindig.” Interestingly, this early appearance caused controversy because she was not dressed and reading a risqué romance novel named “Three Weeks” by Elinor Glyn in this cartoon. This fact caused “The Shindig” to be banned in Ohio!

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