Monday, March 23, 2009

Canvas Rugs

Woo Hoo! A rug that can be swept and mopped! Seriously. I love rugs in general, especially the way a cute rug looks under a table. It defines the space and is a chance to add some more color, pattern and texture. However, after many years of living with a cute rug under the table where we do most of our eating, I have developed some issues. Such as my family tends to spill. A lot. The last rug I had was chocolate brown sisal. Very cute. But it had to be vacuumed to get the crumbs (yes, I am that lazy-I hate to pull out all of the chairs and vacuum everyday) and things like mashed potatoes were really good at getting ground in permanently. Plus it completely stretched out of shape. So I made a canvas rug for cheap cheap cheap. This turned out so great! I used a $10 9'x6' canvas drop cloth from Walmart and painted and sealed it with stuff I already had. It can be swept with a broom and spills can be wiped up with a damp cloth. And because I used a drop cloth it was even hemmed already! I really like the light colored stripes for spring and summer. The great thing about a rug like this is the possibilities are endless. Any color, any pattern would work. I've already been thinking about zebra stripes, diamonds, big graphic florals, random typography, damask, monograms...anything I could either tape off or trace:) And I definitely want to make a couple smaller, coordinating monogrammed ones for my kitchen sink area and maybe my laundry. This would also be a great solution for tables that must live on carpeted areas-I've had a house like that before -not really that fun.


Like it? Are you loving all the possibilities like me?







21 comments:

  1. You are my hero! That is exactly what I need---everywhere--- under my table, by my front door, in my laundry room, by my kitchen sink EVERYWHERE! Will you teach me because I just had to pay $157 for pain meds for Maddy (tonsils) and now am living on the streets. almost.

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  2. I love this idea! What did you use to paint and seal it with?

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  3. Great idea!!! Totally kid and pet proof!
    I would love to know the same thing.... what did you use to paint and seal it with?

    Thanks!

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  4. I love this! You did a fabulous job! How do you guys think of these things, seriously!

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  5. I just painted it with leftover latex paint I already had. I used an extension handle and rolled it on. Then I just sealed it with the poly leftover from the last furniture project. And I must say that my family has really put this rug to the test and its holding up fabulously! Hope this helps! Thanks:)

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  6. I love love love it! I am soo gonna have to try this!

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  7. Ooooo I totally want to try this! What a wonderful idea. I completely know what you mean about the rugs underneath a table just getting NASTY. I love how they look but it always seemed too impractical for my "5 kid lifestyle". This is perfect!!

    xoxxoxo

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  8. My mom did a few of these, but they weren't my style. Now, your's? Your's I love!

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  9. this looks great! but does it really stay down and in place? i would think you might need to add some weight to the corners or sides...but this is beautiful! and for $10, will have to try...
    it really looks great with those floors, too.

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  10. What a great idea!! I love that it would not be a really thick rug... great for by a door. Can't wait to try it!

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  11. You have fabulous posted on Canvas rugs. I need of like that.
    modern rugs

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  12. This is my weekend project! Sooooooo excited, I can't wait! :-)

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  13. This is my weekend project! Sooooooo excited, I can't wait! :-)

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  14. That is one sharp rug you got there! I love the combination of light colors and I must say your dining set works perfectly well with the rug. I have always feared using rugs on my kitchen since the kids mess tend to “intentionally” drop their food. Other home owners, flooring Honolulu experts and interior designers will surely find this post informative. Now that I learned of this innovation, I am willing to take on the risk and enjoy a lovely dining room! Thank you for posting.

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  15. We want to maximize as much space as we can in our homes and one good way to do this is by having rugs or carpets as additional appeal and protection to our wooden or concrete flooring Houston like the one shown in this post. The space looks cozy and relaxing - which is very ideal for those who just prefer to sit back and rest at home. This is another idea that many home owners will appreciate, thanks!

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  16. I know this is really late, but did you have problems with keeping the corners or edges down once it was being used?

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  17. I wonder if you could crochet around the edges with hemp or something to keep it from rolling up around the edges. I must give this a try, such a great idea!!

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  18. Love this! I've see several versions of the drop cloth rug and I'm trying to figure out what you use to seal it. Thanks!

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  19. A small one for under a highchair is perfect....I made one years and years ago for my kids...
    Nancy
    wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

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  20. Does anyone know if once painted & sealed if it can be washed? Or washcloth cleaning, or even hole it down outside. & curious if I used some Oil base paint do we think this would make a difference on these cleaning options.

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