Cow print counter stools are having a major decorative moment lately. Their distinctive black and white pattern brings eye-catching style to kitchen islands, home bars, and beyond. If you’re looking to work some cowhide motifs into your home, counter stools are a smart way to start.
But incorporating cow print patterns takes a bit of know-how so the look doesn’t feel random or overdone. From choosing complementary textures to clever display ideas, we’re sharing 10 foolproof tips to help you decorate with cow print counter stools like an interior design pro.
Choose the Right Base Color
A cow print counter stool’s base color impacts how its statement pattern fits into your existing decor. Opt for a black, white, or natural wood base to keep your cow print stools looking classic and versatile.
Black bases make cow print patterns really pop without clashing. White bases keep things light and airy. Natural wood bases emphasize the rustic cowhide textures.
Whichever base color you prefer, stick to one consistent choice across all your cow print stools for a pulled-together look. Mixing black, white, and wood bases together risks looking disjointed.
Best Base Color Combinations
- White cow print stools with a light marble countertop
- Black cow print stools against a white quartz island
- Natural wood cow print stools paired with oak shelves
Decide on Tufting or Smooth
Cow print counter stools come in smooth seats or deeply tufted designs. Tufting adds extra dimension to the cow pattern through its visual texture and shadows. But smooth seats keep the focus directly on the iconic black and white cowhide motifs.
So should you choose tufted or smooth cow print counter stools? Here are some deciding factors:
- Tufted – Ideal for traditional design schemes interested in classic charm.
- Smooth – Great if aiming for a more contemporary, streamlined look.
You really can’t go wrong either way. Just decide if you want to enhance the pattern through tufting or let the print make the main statement itself with a smooth seat.
Clever Tufted vs. Smooth Cow Print Stool Pairings
- Tufted with reclaimed wood beams and antique rugs
- Smooth with sleek marble counters and industrial pendants
Select Complementary Textures
Cow print counter stools aren’t just eye-catching due to their iconic black and white pattern. Their material texture also draws interest through contrast. That’s why selecting complementary textures for your cow print stools to play against is key.
Some winning cow print/texture pairings include:
- Distressed leather stools with reclaimed wood shelving
- Faux cowhide seats and marble waterfall countertops
- Wool upholstery cow print and antique bronze hardware
Layering complimentary textures creates depth and dimension while keeping your cow print stools looking polished instead of random. Feel free to mix matte and glossy surfaces too for extra style points.
Layer in Metallic Accents
Warm metallic finishes like brass, bronze, and rustic copper help accentuate cow print patterns in a subtly glam way. They bring out the white and soften the contrast of the black against the cowhide backdrop.
Some effortless ideas for integrating metallics with cow print counter stools include:
- Aged brass pendant lights above cow print barstools
- Antique copper cups and mugs casually displayed on open shelves
- Wrought iron and glass kitchen lanterns flanking a cow print stool dining area
Gleaming metals and cow print patterns just naturally go hand-in-hand. So don’t shy away from bold mixed metal choices to make your cow print pop even more.
Incorporate Rustic Elements
The rustic barnyard origins of cowhide prints mean they combine beautifully with other frontier-inspired accessories. Incorporating reclaimed woods, distressed leather, and textural natural fibers plays up the Western aesthetic in a harmonious way.
Some rustic finds ideal for accenting cow print counter stool decor include:
- Reclaimed barn wood open shelving
- Galvanized metal bucket vases with woven jute plant hangers
- Wagon wheel chandeliers or sconces
Little rugged, rural touches go a long way in making cow print stools the star while still celebrating the pattern’s countryside roots through decor. So don’t be afraid to pile on the rustic elements.
Use Contrasting Patterns
Cow print’s ultra-bold motif holds its own against other loud patterns. In fact, pairing it with contrasting prints prevents cowhide from feeling overwhelming on its own.
Some of our favorite patterns for mixing with cow print counter stools include:
- Black and white buffalo check
- Southwestern tribal rugs
- Herringbone and plaid textiles
If opting for pattern-on-pattern looks, make sure to vary the scales so cow print and its paired print don’t compete. For example, choose cow print counter stools with a large-scale tribal rug featuring smaller details.
Clever Contrast Pattern Pairings
- Cow print stools + black and white checkerboard floor
- Cow print chairs + rustic plaid pillows
Display Your Style
Finding fun ways to show off your snazzy new cow print counter stools helps you decorate like a creative pro. Instead of just lining them up neatly around your kitchen island, get adventurous with your styling and placement.
Some eye-catching ideas for putting your cow print counter stools center stage include:
- Grouping around a counter height dining table
- Placing in front of open glass cabinet shelving to see them while prepping cocktails
- Using different heights for visual interest
- Hanging a pot rack overhead to draw the eye upwards
Highlighting cow print counter stools as part of an experiential kitchen or bar space always ups the style factor. So consider stool placement as part of your overall room design.
Make a Bold Color Statement
While cow print Counter stools themselves make a wildly bold decorative statement, you can turn up the volume even more with eye-catching color choices. Vivid accent walls, bright kitchen islands, and colorful built-in cabinetry help cow print pop.
Some accent shades that really amplify cow print stool patterns include:
- Sage green walls
- Deep blue lower cabinetry
- Vibrant fire-engine red quartz countertops
And don’t shy away from colorful floors either. Layering brightly tiled rug inserts underneath cow print stool seating areas draws even more attention below.
Bold Color Combos
- Yellow island + black and white cow print stools
- Navy perimeter cabinets + cream and black spotted stools
Cluster for Maximum Impact
Who said you only need one or two cow print counter stools? Clustering three or more makes a seriously stylish statement. Mix up shapes, heights, and bases for lots of customization too.
Some tips for creatively clustering cow print counter stools include:
- Flank the ends of a kitchen island or bar
- Circle around a round counter height table
- Line an entire wall of counter space
- Use extra-tall tractor seats mixed with standard counter heights
The more cow print stools, the better we say! Building custom groupings shows pro-level designer skills for sure.
Creative Clustering Combos
- 3 black based stools + 2 white based stools
- Backless cow print seats + cow print stools with backs
Proper lighting showcases cow print counter stools in the best possible way. Use a combo of ambient, task, and accent lighting fixtures to create a well-lit cow print display.
Some flattering lighting tips include:
- Statement pendants over cow print bar stool areas
- Sconces or picture lights mounted behind cow print seating
- LED strip lighting shining underfoot or overhead
- Stylish table lamps illuminating nearby cow print
Enhance both form and function by lighting up your cow print counter stool decor. When cow print is visible and easy to admire, your design instantly looks more professional.
With a few essential cow print counter stool styling strategies under your belt, you can incorporate this pattern into your home. Have fun coming up with clever new ways to showcase cow print’s unique allure – we can’t wait to see what you create!
