How to Hang Cowhides

Cowhides have become a decorating staple in many households around the globe. Normally harvested from cattle being used for meat products, cowhides are tanned and the hair preserved to keep them looking nice and smelling fresh. They add style and flair to nearly every decor, and can give your home a rustic, western feel in no time. Hanging cowhides takes a bit of time and patience, but a newly decorated room is well worth the effort.

Things You'll Need

• Cowhide
• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Select a spot in your room for the cowhide. Most cowhides are rather large, so you will need a big wall free of obstructions for maximum visual impact. Measure both your cowhide and the wall with the measuring tape to make sure it will fit on your chosen wall.

2. Hold the cowhide up against the wall and move it into the position you want it to hang in. Have a helper assist you in moving and turning the hide, as most cowhides are quite heavy. Try a number of different positions until you find your favorite one before nailing it to the wall.

3. Place your first nail against the cowhide and gently hammer it into the wall, beginning with the uppermost edge of the hide closest to the ceiling. Add another two or three nails spaced evenly along the top of the hide to hold it firmly in place.

4. Continue nailing around the edge of the hide, pulling it firmly to prevent folding. Have your helper smooth the hide against the wall as you nail to eliminate any bumps or wrinkles that might occur.

5. Stand back and look over the hide once you are finished to make sure it is tight against the wall. Add in an extra nail or two if you notice any gaps on the hide or any raised areas that might not lie flat against the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Short, thin nails with small heads work best for hanging your hide. You want the heads to be big enough to help support your hide but not so large that they distract from the hide itself.

• Never allow children to use a hammer or nails unsupervised. Both implements can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.

References

• Country Sampler: Country Decorating Ideas
• Newton County, MS: Tanning Hides