It’s remarkable how well cowhide works in different settings, and it’s available in a wide range of colors. Best of all, cowhide is usually inexpensive, easy to find and adds a striking touch to any room. Here are some easy ways to incorporate cowhide into your decor:

1 Replace your table runner: Place a small cowhide or calfskin ( cowhidesinternational.com) on an angle across a table, add an arrangement, a couple of tall candlesticks, and you’ve got an instant conversation piece.

2 Hide your dining room chairs: Looking for a cool replacement for standard upholstered chairs? Cowhide’s got you covered. Cut with a sharp blade and staple gun onto seats.

3 Hide a wall: In a small space, cowhide can be an unexpected wall covering.

4 Display hides as art: Using an artist’s canvas, stretch a hide around the sides and staple.

5 Layer your rugs: Placing a cowhide on top of an existing rug adds interest and looks sensational. They look especially warm on top of sisal rugs.

6 Warm up techno decor: If you have a sleek, contemporary office with lots of tech appeal, a cowhide makes a fabulous contrast. Hang one on a wall or use it as a rug.

7 Pursue your animal interests: Cowhides are available in other animal styles, too. You can easily find hides stamped with zebra or tiger stripes and in colors to go with any decor.

8 Recover cushions: If the dog chewed up the cushions on your favorite leather chair, have them recovered in cowhide. The contrast will look chic and the new cushions will feel great.

9 Hide your headboard: A cowhide headboard is easy to fashion from a standard fabric-covered headboard – and gives you a soft spot to lean against in bed. Simply wrap and staple.

10 Jazz up your bath: Who says a rug in the bath has to be cloth? Cowhide can quickly warm up a cold tile floor and looks fabulous, too.

Check out Houzz.com for more ways to use cowhides. If you’re shopping for cowhides, you can find them at Ikea ( ikea.com), Pottery Barn ( potterybarn.com) and Ebay ( ebay.com). Prices range from $75 to $500.

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