About Us / FAQ (Preview)

Everything you need to know about iCowhide UK — who we are, our cowhides, shipping and returns. Tap a question to expand it.

What is iCowHide?

  • We are an international brand with branch offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, US and Europe, with two decades of experience in rugs and floor covering.
  • Our UK inventory is in North London and we usually ship within 48 business hours of an order being placed. (Contact us.)
  • We work directly with manufacturers in South America, which lets us offer the best products at the best prices.

Why are Brazilian cowhides better than woven rugs?

There are at least ten reasons:

  1. Exceptional durability: Brazilian cowhide rugs are renowned for their long-lasting nature and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
  2. Unique patterns: each rug has a one-of-a-kind pattern, lending a distinct touch to your decor.
  3. Hypoallergenic: ideal for those with allergies, as cowhide is naturally anti-allergenic.
  4. Easy maintenance: the natural resistance of cowhide to stains and spills makes cleaning hassle-free.
  5. Versatility: available in a variety of colours and patterns, matching different decor styles.
  6. Comfort: soft and comfortable underfoot, enhancing the overall comfort of your space.
  7. Sunlight resistance: resistant to fading, maintaining vibrant colours even with sun exposure.
  8. Sustainable: a by-product of the meat industry, so using these rugs helps minimise waste.
  9. Improves room aesthetics: a well-placed cowhide rug adds warmth and visual interest.
  10. Pet-friendly: durable and easy to clean, well suited to households with pets.

How is the quality of your products?

  • The images on our web store are of the actual products, except for a few items which we note in their product info — the piece you receive is the piece you purchased.
  • We separately measure every piece, so you know how the product will fit in your room before you order.
  • We import directly from the best and most conscious producers in the world, so we can offer the best quality at the best prices while making sure our products are made in fair conditions.

Where do you ship from, and what is your shipping policy?

  • We ship from our London inventory in Camden. Standard shipping is free for all of the UK, including Northern Ireland. We also offer fast (up to 3 working days) and express (next working day) shipping at checkout.
  • Read the rest of our shipping policy.

How long does delivery take?

Our free Standard shipping takes 4–7 working days. Fast (up to 3 working days) and Express (next working day) delivery are also available at checkout. For express next-day deliveries, place your order before 7am — next-day orders placed on Friday before 7am are delivered Monday, otherwise Tuesday.

Do you offer gift boxes? How do they arrive?

Our standard deliveries ship in plastic bags, but our Fast and Express deliveries arrive in slim, plain cardboard boxes (50 x 35 x 10cm) that are perfectly suitable for gifts.

Cowhide gift box packagingCowhide gift box packaging, opened

What is your rating on Trustpilot?

Our previous customers have left nearly 400 reviews on Trustpilot and have given us an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Every customer is automatically invited by Trustpilot to leave a review and we have no control over them. (Read all our Trustpilot reviews.)

How can I style cowhide rugs?

Cowhide rugs fit well with several decor styles, including:

  • Rustic / lodge: cowhide's natural texture and earthy colours complement the rough-hewn aesthetic of rustic interiors.
  • Western / cowboy: as a by-product of the livestock industry, cowhide adds authenticity to Western-style decor.
  • Bohemian / eclectic: cowhide's versatile look and texture add interest to bohemian or eclectic spaces.
  • Modern / minimalist: the clean lines and neutral colours of many cowhide rugs fit well with modern or minimalist decor.

Cowhide rugs can complement a variety of decor styles and be used as an accent piece to add texture and warmth to any room.

Are your cowhides ethical?

  • Leather in all its forms has always been, and will always be, a by-product of the meat industry. No cows are ever killed for their skins — it would be inhumane, unnecessary, and not even economical to waste a whole cow to sell its hide for £200.
  • Billions of people eat meat worldwide, and millions of cows provide for that. There's a huge oversupply of skin, and if it isn't used for a good purpose it goes to landfill and is wasted — unfortunately most of it is. Using the skin as a rug or other leather product solves that problem rather than creating one.
  • We work closely with the best tanneries in South America, who buy skins from slaughterhouses that are under strict supervision.

How do your offers and discounts work?

We run multiple promotions at any given time for our email subscribers. They work on most sale items, but our clearance sale items are usually excluded. Join our mailing list via the pop-up or the form below this page to receive offers and promotions.

What is your refund and return policy?

  • If you're not 100% happy with the product you've received, let us know within 14 days of receiving your order via this form and we'll email you a prepaid return label. (Read our full return policy.)
  • Our UK office serves our UK customers directly, so you'll receive the high-quality customer service you'd expect from a local company.

How do you clean and maintain cowhides?

  • Our natural cowhide rugs are effortlessly easy to maintain and simply don't hold dust and dirt the way normal carpets and woven rugs do. All they need is a frequent shake or vacuum — just be sure to clean in the direction of the hairs.
  • In the case of a spill, apply light pressure with a clean towel to soak up liquid, then apply warm soapy water to the affected area and blot dry. Brush the hair in the direction of the follicles to keep it soft and lustrous.
  • Please don't beat the rug, as this can cause damage.
  • If treated with care, your new cowhide rug will last for many years.

How can I get rid of creases in my cowhide rug?

There are several methods you can try: reverse-rolling the rug in the opposite direction of the crease and leaving it rolled up for a few days, placing weighted objects such as books or furniture on the creased area, dampening the crease and applying weight, or using heat from a hairdryer on low (or a steamer) to warm the area and working the crease out by hand.

Cowhide rugs are natural products and may have variations and imperfections that add to their unique beauty — these methods can reduce the appearance of creases but may not completely eliminate them. It's important to handle your rug with care to avoid damaging the delicate hair fibres: avoid direct sunlight or heat, and use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean it as needed.

Why are you so amazing?

Sorry. We can't help it! 😎

iCowhide UK team