When used in a room's decor, rawhide brings a warm yet primitive feeling to its surroundings, adding a touch of homemade country. The color palette of this untanned leather ranges from creamy white, yellowish tan to caramel brown, depending upon the type and thickness of the skin. Rawhide makes a suitable lampshade covering, as its semi-translucent surface converts the glaring light of a lamp's bulb to a soft, emanating glow. The process of making your own rawhide lamp shade involves only basic leather-working skills, and proves less expensive than purchasing a ready-made rawhide shade.