While Indoor/Outdoor rugs have become more attractive in the last several years, that doesn't mean they're at the height of design just yet. If you can't find one with enough personality, don't fear, just make one yourself — from a tablecloth!
Over at Design Share there's been a little thinking outside of the box going on. Tablecloths often have great pattern and design to them and can be found at inexpensive prices at end of the season clearance sales or discount retail outlets.
To turn one into a rug, all you need is a few coats of water based polyurethane and a rubber rug backer. A bit of double sided tape won't hurt either to help hold things together. Although this will feel soft under your feet, it won't be extra cushy like a plush rug will. It's perfect for areas that might see higher traffic or dirt. I'm eyeing the project right now for my basement, which has concrete floors in dire need of some sprucing up!
• Get the full rug making tutorial from Design Share
Image: Design Share
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great idea. i've found some great tablecloths for my kitchen but i've really been wanting to put a rug in there. still feel kind of weird about having a plush rug in the kitchen, so this should do the trick to liven things up.
Well, if you think tape is tacky, just use some kind of adhesive to make the backing permanent and flat.
This is a cool idea - waaay easier than painting a floorcloth, which I had investigaed some years ago, and which required some serious space and paint and prep. I'm thinking cool summer floorcloth for those dog-sheddy months.
I think poly coated fabric still looks like fabric, but a vinyl table cloth does not.
I lke the tablecloth you used. Where is that from?
What an awesome idea! That is great for a lot of college students who are on budgets and can't afford to purchase a living room rug and a table cloth is so much more affordable (and I've seen some cute prints too!)
Good idea... I got that tablecloth a few months ago on clearance at Target. Haven't used it yet.
I have that same tablecloth too and we got a new dining room table so I can't use it anymore. I can't wait to try this!!
This is a great idea!
Heck yes! World Market, here I come!
I'm in love with this room. Can I see more pictures, please? Possibly a list of where the person bought everything.
I bought that tablecloth at Target too - it's by Dwell Studio. I used it (and other tablecloths/fabric shower curtains) to make curtains for my windows. What a good idea to make a rug out of one!
Hey! I used this tablecloth to make curtains for our windows too!
I was going to cheat on a floorcloth as well, but I was thinking of using one of the UO tapestries instead of a tablecloth... but I didn't know if it was as thick as duckcloth/it should be....
Thanks for all the great comments! You guys rock! I got the tablecloth at Target on clearance back in March, don't think the round one is available anymore, but the rectangular one is still online....But cute round tablecloths are easy to find. I have used the one in the picture above in my kitchen as well, and it performed great there. I moved it to several spots in my home before it landed in my daughters room, where I like it the best! I'm going to try a rectangular one next....now to just find the right cloth at the right price. Thanks again everybody! If you have any questions, I encourage you to visit my blog and read the post.....Bye!
I'd be interested to hear in a few months how it holds up to traffic...
OMG I just returned that tablecloth to Target this past weekend! It was too big for my dining table...but such a cute print.