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! π
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. π
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. π
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. π
You nailed it, Sarah! What a transformation.
Thank you Janice! I’m so glad you like it, too! π
What an inspiration! I love the rug! And I love that you admit to the struggle it took to get to the final piece! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Beth. And I’m so happy that you like it! π Have a great day!
So I guess it wouldn’t work with a berber kind of rug? Probably would feel stiff and icky. That’s the only kind of used rug I have. Well, that and a house full of carpet! (Yuck!)
Sorry, Sheila. You’re right – I don’t think I’d recommend it for a berber style rug. I think I would be stiff and not-so-cozy. I believe this will only work for tightly woven rugs, like jute and sisal. And I hear you on the carpet. Our third floor and our bedroom has carpet and I’m so not a fan. :-/
I did this as well, I think I’ll just buy one next time! I spent a ton on paint and way too much time since I painted zig zags!
Oh! Yes, the zig zags would take a long time – and I agree about the paint. I was glad to have tons of leftover paint on hand so this project didn’t cost me anything. π Have a great day!
I love that rug and thank you for the shout out π on my rug endeavors. Now that I see your rug I see that we must have bought the exact same rug (great minds and all) I think I want to paint mine again this summer to something more awesome, and this time I’ll paint the border like you did. But, that’s only if it survived being left out for a few days after it started raining. It was dry before we rolled it up, but we’ll see. But back to your awesome rug…..
I love the bright white and the black border, it’s such a classic look and it really sets the stage for the entire room!!
Thank you Toni! And thanks for the inspo! <3 π
This rug is perfect in your space. I do wonder if you might share more about the texture. How does it feel under foot?
Your curious friend,
Lisa
That’s a great question, Lisa! I would liken it closest to an outdoor rug. It’s not soft or cushy at all (but it really wasn’t one of those rugs to begin with). It was more of a tightly woven jute-style rug. Now, since it’s painted, it’s definitely more “heavy duty” feeling. But it’s easy to sweep clean and is holding up really well so far. I hope that answers your question – have a great day!
Why is there no picture of you doing a cartwheel?
Can we still be friends if the word “paint” and “rug” give me hives.
I was screaming at my computer, “No…Don’t do it!”
But gosh does it look pretty!!! I forgive you π
Keep painting #allthethings.
LOL!!!! You crack me up! And you know I’m going to keep painting all the things…?