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A Comprehensive Guide to Styling and Caring for Bear Skin Rugs

Rustic, textural and emanating the spirit of untamed wilderness—over the ages, bear skin rugs have held an undeniable allure and prominent place across diverse interiors. 

From artificial replicas to responsibly sourced pelts, today’s market offers an array tailored to modern tastes and spaces. As unique home accents with quite literal warmth, when thoughtfully incorporated, few statements anchor a room with quiet confidence more boldly than a bear skin rug.

Table of Contents

• Types of Bear Skin Rugs
• Optimal Placement in the Home
• Proper Care for Longevity

Photo by Bearskin World

Types of Bear Skin Rugs

What The Hell Is Up With The Burt Reynolds Bear Rug Picture?

We can't talk about bear skin rugs without talking about THAT famous Burt Reynolds picture... The Burt Reynolds bear rug meme likely first emerged in the early 2010s, combining the iconic actor's famously provocative nude photo pose with the bizarre juxtaposition of his grinning face on a decapitated bear skin rug.

This surreal mashup may have been inspired by nostalgia for Reynolds' 1970s-80s celebrity peak, the inherent weird humor of mixing a sexy Hollywood star with a fierce stuffed bear, or some combination thereof.

While the exact creator is unknown, the meme's absurdist humor and irony between Reynolds' most famously nude photoshoot with the kitschy ruggedness of a bear rug visual matched the non-sequitur tone favored among early internet meme creators.

This odd yet amusing contrast struck a chord in online circles and launched the Burt Reynolds bear rug as a quirky photoshopped callback to the star icon's legacy.

Now that that's out of the way, let's move on to actual bear skin rugs...

Genuine Black, Grizzly or Polar Bear Skin Rugs

For authenticity, true bear skin rugs utilize hides from legally harvested black bears, grizzlies or polar bears. Rigorously vet vendors for necessary documentation like CITES permits ensuring ethical practices. Inspect pelts closely pre-purchase for any imperfections marring quality. Adhere to specialty care methods to maintain integrity of real fur overtime. When sourced conscientiously, few materials compare to the unparalleled magnificence of genuine bear fur.

Photo by Bearskin World

Faux Bear Skin Rugs

Indistinguishable at first glance, synthetic bear skin rug replicas capture the coveted visual without harming wildlife populations. Budget-friendly faux bear fur rugs typically consist of acrylic, polyester and modacrylic fibers woven and sheared with meticulous attention to mirror coveted shades and texture. Skillfully constructed, fake bear skin rugs resist shedding and need only basic cleaning for years of enjoyable use. An exceptional choice blending conscious luxury with responsible ideals.

Photo by Walmart

Optimal Placement in the Home

By the Fireplace

Few more fitting locations exist for bear skin rugs than fireside. Lush, organic texture and soothing neutrals enhance any flames’ draw for cozy gatherings. Use an ample sized area rug to encourage seating circles that fully immerse guests in the there’s-no-place-like-home comfort kindled by this pairing.

Bedroom Retreats

For serene sanctuaries, set plush novelty or petite faux bear skin rugs alongside beds. Welcome toes sinking into the shaggy pile first thing each morning to start relaxation from the ground up. Experiment with contrasting modern frames and linens against furs for sophisticated refinement.

Entryways

Make memorable first impressions with the quiet confidence of fur underfoot in foyers or mudrooms. Synthetic skin runners withstand elements trekked inside while introducing an air of rugged sophistication.

Photo by Roots Revived

Proper Care for Longevity

With routine attention, both natural and synthetic bear skin rugs thrive for years. Regular vacuuming prevents embedded dirt from deteriorating fibers over time. For genuine pelts, specialty conditioning oils nourish the hide. And always promptly treat stains while rotating occasionally to distribute wear evenly across the rug’s surface. When maintained diligently, your furry statement piece will elevate interiors through decades filled with wilderness-inspired wonder.