The Best Faux Cowhide Rugs to Give Your Living Room a Western Touch
Faux cowhide rugs are a great alternative to real cowhide rugs, and a go-to choice for those who like seeing a bit of rustic or western theme reflected in their interior design. These rugs are made from synthetic materials that are designed to mimic the texture and appearance of real cowhide but without any ethical concerns or a high price tag. They’re durable, low-maintenance, and can be used in a variety of settings, from living rooms and bedrooms to office spaces and entryways.
But with that said, shopping for one of these is no easy feat with so many sizes, colors, and patterns to choose from. Don’t worry, though, this guide will help you find the perfect rug for your space. We’ll cover some of our top picks along with their pros and cons, as well as some key factors to keep in mind for making an informed decision. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned shopper, we’ll make sure you end up with one of the finest faux cowhide rugs in 2024.
The Most Premium Faux Cowhide Rugs in 2024
NativeSkins Faux Cowhide Rug
- Longest rug on the list
- Premium build quality with power-loomed polyester
- Soft and plush feeling
- Machine washable
- Relatively expensive
First up, we have the NativeSkins Faux Cowhide Rug. It’s one of the pricier options that we’ve shortlisted, which is partly because of its premium-quality synthetic materials and high-quality finish. The edges, for instance, feature an invisible locking stitching and the rug feels extra soft. You’ll notice how plush it is as soon as you walk over it barefoot, and it should maintain that feeling for a long period thanks to its durability.
Unlike real cow leather rugs, this one won’t develop any creases or cracks even when you fold it up for seasonal storage. Speaking of which, you can even throw it into the washing machine for an occasional rinse when needed and it’ll come out looking just fine, which is a testament to its sturdy build quality. With a length of 6.6 feet, it’s the longest rug among all our picks, which also makes it our top choice on this list overall.
MustMat Faux Cowhide Rug
- Lightweight and easy to fold
- Lots of different color options
- Comes at a competitive price
- The non-slip underside could be grippier
The MustMat Faux Cowhide Rug is the most versatile option in terms of its color options. This polyester rug is available in 13 different color combinations, most of which are designed based on natural cowhide patterns. A couple of them even have a white and black zebra pattern which can be a good match if you’re looking for an attention-grabbing rug to spruce up your living room decor.
But aesthetics aside, it has a number of useful features that make it a great choice from a practical standpoint as well. For instance, it has an effective non-slip finish underneath to keep it locked in place on your flooring. Plus, if it ever gets a bit too dirty for spot-cleaning, feel free to give it a spin in the washer as it’s machine washable as well.
Arogan Faux Cowhide Rug
- Very high value for money
- Great price for its quality and finish
- Shed-free and pet-friendly
- Easy to spot clean
- Relatively limited color options
If you’re looking for a well-made faux cowhide rug that doesn’t necessarily burn a hole in your pocket, you can’t go wrong with this one from Arogan. Despite its low price point, it’s built with a fully hand-crafted technique with a very soft texture and rich color. Based on the shade of your surrounding decor, you can get this rug in brown, saddle brown, or black — with each of them having a strong visual impact on your interior design.
Made out of high-quality suede, it’s advertised to be completely shed-free, making it a suitable choice for pet owners as well. Speaking of which, any happy little accidents can be easily spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and some soap. It also has a non-slip finish underneath so it won’t slide around even on smooth floors like tiles or polished wood.
nuLOOM Faux Cowhide Rug
- Available in many sizes
- Machine washable for maximum ease of cleaning
- Top-tier material composition with 28% acrylic
- Looks just like an authentic cowhide rug
- Classy designs and color options
- Most expensive option on this list
The nuLOOM Faux Cowhide Rug is the finest product we’ve included on this list, and its luxurious price tag will tell you as much at first glance. Despite the high ask, however, it’s still worth considering as everything about it screams premium. For instance, it’s the only one that features 28% acrylic in its polyester blend, which offers a host of benefits in terms of the rug’s durability, softness, and moisture resistance (as you’ll learn in the buying guide section later on in this article).
While some faux leather cowhide rugs have the tendency to look silly in real life (despite looking amazing in the pictures), this one does an excellent job of replicating genuine cowhides. You can get it in off-white, black, grey, and brown. We love how all the designs and color options are pretty low-key and not too flashy, which is another sign of its premium nature.
Rostyle Faux Cowhide Rug
- Most affordable faux cowhide rug listed here
- Very large dimensions for its price
- Has vibrant colors
- Slightly prone to wrinkles and creases
Being the only faux cowhide rug priced under the $30 mark in our collection, this value champ from Rostyle is the rightful heir of its “Most Affordable” award. With its vibrant shades of white and brown, it can effortlessly give your room a bohemian flair! But if you’re more of a minimalist, you can also go with the black variant for a more sober yet equally eye-catching design. At a 6.2-feet length, this rug is the second longest one so far — which is highly impressive for its extra small price tag.
Despite being so affordable, it’s durable enough to be thrown into your laundry machine (at gentle settings) for occasional deep cleansing. These features show that regardless of how tight of a budget you’re working with, you don’t have to compromise on the basics.
Faux Cowhide Rugs: A Buying Guide
Faux cowhide rugs can add warmth, comfort, and style to any space — and they’re more ethical, affordable, and practical than real leather ones! Sure, you won’t get the “cool” bragging rights of having a genuine hide rug — but it’s 2024, and making eco-friendly choices is way trendier (as it should be). Plus, these faux alternatives are much less of a headache down the line in terms of their ease of maintenance, cleaning, and even durability.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate the faux cowhide rug market!
Size and Shape
The size and shape of your new rug are crucial to make sure it fits your space right!
When choosing the size of your rug, consider the size of the room or area where it will be placed. A larger rug will anchor the space and create a cohesive look, while a smaller rug can add a pop of color or pattern without overwhelming the room. Measure the space where you plan to place the rug to get a sense of the dimensions you need in your new rug.
As for shape, rectangular rugs are a classic choice and work well in most spaces. Round rugs are a great option for smaller spaces or to add visual interest, while runner rugs are perfect for hallways or entryways. Consider the layout of your space and the intended use of the rug when choosing the shape that’s right for you.
Color and Pattern
Faux cowhide rugs come in a variety of colors and patterns, so choose a shade that closely matches your decor and personal style. Classic black and white cowhide patterns are always a popular choice, but there are also plenty of bold and colorful options available with a variety of brown shades.
If you have a lot of patterns and colors in your space, a solid-colored rug might be the right choice. If your room is more neutral, a bold or patterned rug can add some visual interest.
Material and Quality
Most faux cowhide rugs are made of polyester, but higher-end ones also have acrylic in the blend. If you have the budget for it, we recommend going with well-built options that will stand up to wear and tear over time. Look for rugs made from durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
Polyester is a popular choice for faux cowhide rugs because it is soft, durable, and easy to care for. It is also resistant to stains and fading.
Acrylic is another popular material for faux cowhide rugs because it is soft, durable, and easy to clean. It is also resistant to fading and moisture, making it resilient enough for outdoor use.
In addition to considering the material of the rug, you should also look for rugs that are well-made and have a high-quality finish. Some indicators for that are reinforced edges, sturdy backing, and a smooth and even surface. These features will help ensure that your rug lasts for years to come.
Care and Maintenance
With caring for your faux cowhide rug, make sure you buy one that’s easy to clean and maintain. For high-traffic areas, look for rugs that don’t stain too easily, and are easy to spot clean in case they do. You can also consider using a rug pad to protect the rug and help prevent slipping.
Some rugs (like most of the options listed above) are machine washable, which can be a game-changer for some in terms of long-term maintenance.
Price and Budget
When you’re in the market for a faux cowhide rug, try not to get carried away and always keep your budget in consideration to find the highest possible value for your money. Faux cowhide rugs are available at a range of price points, and the price can vary depending on the size, color, pattern, and material.
Polyester rugs are more affordable than acrylic rugs, but the latter are often more durable and longer lasting. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll either have to make a sacrifice on the material quality or size. But with no major budget constraints to worry about, a full-sized acrylic faux cowhide rug is the one to go for — assuming you’re shopping for a sizeable space to put it in, like a large living room.
No matter the price range you have in your mind, there’s certainly a faux cowhide rug out there that will fit your needs and style — so don’t be too quick to go over your budget and keep looking until you find exactly what you’re looking for!
People Also Asked
A: Yes, faux cowhide rugs withstand regular wear and tear well and are very durable. You can safely put them in areas that get lots of foot traffic in your house as they’re pretty easy to clean and require little maintenance to stay in good shape.
A: Some faux cowhide rugs are suitable for using them outdoors, but you should have a look at the rug’s user manual or product page for accurate information. If you plan on doing so, look for rugs made from moisture-resistant materials, such as acrylic, and be sure to store the rug indoors when it is not in use to prevent fading and unnecessary damage from being exposed to the elements.
A: To store a faux cowhide rug, roll it up with the backing facing outward and wrap it in a protective cover or plastic sheet. This will help protect the rug from dust and damage. Also try not to fold the rug as it can cause creases that may be permanent or tough to get rid of.
A: Yes, faux cowhide rugs are more affordable than real cowhide rugs. Real cowhide rugs can be expensive because of the high labor and material cost involved in their production. Faux cowhide rugs are made from synthetic materials that are cheaper and easier to produce.
A: Some faux cowhide rugs can be a viable option for pet owners thanks to their durability and ease of cleaning. However, it's important to consider the shedding and claws of your pets when choosing a rug. Look for sturdy rugs that are resistant to shedding and scratching, and be sure to trim your pet's nails regularly to prevent damage to the rug.