Object Lesson: IKEA Cowhide Rug

OK, it’s not exactly necessary to use the hides of animals as rugs, especially now that we’ve discovered things like wool. (Demetri Martin has a great bit about bearskin rugs. Not only do we put an unnecessary pelt on the floor, we keep the head on because “we want to know who this was.”)

But, as you may know from reading this blog, I’m so not a vegetarian, so…this new cowhide rug at IKEA is pretty fab. The “KOLDBY” is only $249, versus the usual $800 price tag you’d usually see at a fancy boutique. If you can manage to not spill red wine all over it, it would make a nice addition to a den or living room, especially layered over a plain rug like the HELSINGÖR ($99-$199), below.