Cowhide Ottomans

Caroline Patterson Interior Design Expert

Caroline is a young, New York-based interior designer and home decor writer, obsessed with textiles and designer furniture. Backed with rigorous training from a prestigious design school, as well as a profound understanding of material quality and fabric care, she offers spot-on advice on how to furnish your place with reliable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing pieces.

Updated 10/05/2021

Everyone loves an ottoman. But a cowhide ottoman, now that is something special. They are made of the best leather, tanned to perfection, and will be a nice place to rest your weary feet after a hard day, or a seat when you have guests over. They come in many colors to match your existing leather furniture and will complement your living space nicely.

Buying Guide

Cowhide ottomans are certainly not for everybody, but if you think you'd like to have one in your home, let's talk a look at some of the designs which are available to you. They are a good choice if you are opting for a cowboy or old Western theme in your home, or even just within one particular room of the home. However, you don't need to decorate the entire room in the same style, as these items of furniture fit well alongside many other themes.

What are the most common patterns of cowhide ottomans?

Choosing the right pattern is key to ensuring your décor is well suited. Here are some of the patterns you'll find.

Traditional cowhide pattern: This is the most authentic pattern and is often made from leather. Generally either white and brown or white and black, it looks just like something out of a Western movie.
Fluffy fabric: Another type of fabric which you may have seen when looking at cowhide ottomans is a fluffy fabric. This is usually polyester or cotton covered with fluff or feathers for ultimate comfort. This is suitable if you don't want the cowhide pattern but you still want to acknowledge the Western style of ottoman. It's a low-key choice which is every inch as comfortable as it looks.
Brown leather: Similar to the cowhide pattern mentioned above but without the white patches, a brown leather pattern is another common choice for these ottomans. Slightly worn leather can be made to look in great condition but old, rustic and authentic, which could be the look you want to go for. Various shades of brown leather allow you to get the perfect shade for your home, whether it's dark brown, tan or a lighter beige.

The pattern which the ottomans have been upholstered with is very important since this is the main color and the main thing that people will see when they look at the item.

What different designs of cowhide ottomans are there?

The design of the ottoman you choose may depend on several factors, including the intended use of the furniture. The most popular designs chosen by homeowners are:

Storage ottoman: A traditional ottoman provided some extra storage space for the room, so if you want to be as authentic as possible, choose a cowhide ottoman with a seat that lifts to allow storage of magazines, paperwork, and other items. These are chunky and available in various materials, including wood and leather.
Elegant ottoman: On top, the seat is a cowhide pattern with brown and white patches. The legs of an elegant ottoman are curved and rounded, sturdy enough to hold the weight of an adult but with a delicate and sleek appearance. Manufactured from chrome or glass, the legs of this ottoman can add grace and class to any home.
Drum shape: A chunky and comfortable style, this style it similar to the storage ottoman but does not provide storage. Instead, it is incredibly sturdy and durable, providing huge amounts of comfort and allowing plenty of portability. The circular seat which is normally around 20 inches in height can even be used at the dining table when extra seating is needed.