What’s a girl to do when she wants a new rug but her budget is tight? REALLY tight? Like, “my jeans after an all-you-can-eat buffet” tight?

She breaks out the paint, THAT’s what! 😉

A while back, I needed a rug for my $100 room makeover. However, the rules were: no sponsored posts and no using stuff you’ve gotten free for review from a company. But when you’re trying to make the biggest bang for your buck WITHOUT blowing your budget? Well, I’ll show you…

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My First Intro to the Painted Rug Idea

My friends over at Small Home Soul and My Thrifty House had both painted rugs this past year. And when I found myself with my back up against the wall, desperately in need of a pretty rug for my office, I asked them how their painted rugs were holding up. Both responded, telling me their rugs were doing great (and theirs were outdoor rugs!) – so I charged ahead, full steam. If their rugs, being used outdoors, were doing well, then certainly a painted rug would hold up well in my home office.

I dug into one of our closets and pulled out a rug that had been given to me by my Mom. As you can see, there was nothing “wrong” with it. Except the color.

I tried it in the office “as is” – but it had lots of greenish undertones in it and it just wasn’t going to work. I wanted light and bright and this certainly wasn’t it.

Supplies Needed for your Painted Rug

• old rug you don’t like
• leftover paint
• paint roller handle
• thick-nap paint roller
• roller pan
• extendable roller handle
• flat surface on which to work
• time
• patience (optional, but highly recommended)

The Process

I’d love to tell you that I slapped on two coats of paint and it was done. Quick and easy.

However, it was not quick.

Easy, yes (it’s not hard to roll paint on a rug).

Quick, no. You see, apparently rugs soak up paint like a sponge.

This project almost pushed me over the edge and I almost gave up on it numerous times. It looked horrible. And more horrible. Then it was the mostest horriblest hottest mess ever. I thought there was no way it was going to give me the look I wanted.

But THEN, at some point around the 1,435,673 coat of paint (I exaggerate. but only slightly.) I started to see a glimmer of hope. This just goes to show that TRULY – given enough paint, you really can make anything you want to make. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😉

Behold…..THE HOT MESS.

Finally, after all the many coats of paint (I used leftover wall paint), I decided it needed a bold black edge.

I grabbed more leftover paint and worked my way carefully around the rug. And IT took only one coat! (yay for small wins!) Lol!

Sorry for the weird lighting in that pic ^^

Is it perfect? No. Do I care? No. Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Finished Painted Rug – Totally Worth It

I am happy to tell you that when all is said and done, I am beyond delighted with how the rug turned out. I may or may not have done a cartwheel after I put it up in my office. It was perfect! It was THE look I was going for and totally brightened up my space! Praiseallujah!!! My $100 room makeover was a smashing success in my Home DIY book. 😉

Would I suggest painting a rug to you?

Well, let’s chat…

Do you have money for a new rug that gives you the look you want?

• yes: don’t bother painting a rug. Buy the one you want.
• no: dig out your leftover paint and a roller and paint that old rug.

Do you have a couple days to spare working on a rug? (the dry time is considerable)

• yes: Dig out the painting supplies and get to work on that old rug.
• no: Dig out your wallet and go shopping.

I hope this either:

1) gives you the courage tackle a painted rug project OR

2) gives you permission to spend the money on that rug you really love.

And if you choose to tackle a painted rug project? Make sure you have plenty of leftover paint on hand along with the above-listed supplies and go for it with gusto. You’ve got this!

And don’t forget…it’s gonna look like a hot mess before it looks amazing.

I’d love for you to tell me: do you think painting a rug is craziness? Is it something you might try, if you haven’t already? I’m all ears…and paint brushes. 😀