Aug 30, 2010

You're Painting WHAT???

That's how the Lowe's employees at the paint counter reacted when I told them, "I'm painting my carpet." As I write about it now, and actually process that statement, I totally get why they reacted the way they did. To some, that's just CRAZINESS!
If you're like me, always searching for thrifty ways to spruce up dated household items, I want you to know that painting a carpet is a piece of cake.

I first got the idea when I came across a post, here, on ApartmentTherapy. Stacie is the name of the talented woman who used spray paint on her area rug. Several weeks later, I came across another woman who blogged about painting a carpet. Only this woman used actual paint.

After reading up on this, and seeing that lots of folks have successfully did it, I set out to paint my very own carpet. And lucky for me, Rob's mom gave us an IKEA hand-me-down rug several months prior that I used as my blank canvas. I didn't feel bad about painting the carpet because it had minor stains and spots on it - which actually is a perfect excuse for you to paint your old area rug, too!

So, here's what I did...you won't believe how easy (and inexpensive) this was.

Here is the carpet in our family room BEFORE I painted it:

An employee at Lowe's recommended I use "Porch & Floor" paint. She said this type of paint is more durable, made to be walked on, and that it will last longer. And since I had never done this before- I took her word for it!
 Materials:
  1. Paint (shown above) $10.98
  2. Painter's Tape $3.28
  3. Small Roller $2.18
Fortunately, the rug has small squares and a border that is woven on it- so the pattern was super easy to follow.

I outlined the squares and border with the painter's tape and painted away!
 What a difference! And what a great way to liven up the room, don't you think?

After I completed this project, I came across some awesome area rugs, here, by Thomas Paul that I think I'll have to replicate one day in the future. Check em' out for yourself - these are great inspiration patterns.

Weekend Bloggy Reading
I linked up at Amanda's Weekend  Bloggy Reading from Serenity Now, check it out HERE.

9 comments:

Maria said...

Wow. That's great. It adds a lot more interest. Nice pattern.

Melanie@TheOldWhiteCottage said...

Wow!! What a great idea to create your own design.

Amy said...

It looks so great with your couch!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

I think this is probably the best rug makeover I've ever seen! It looks like your brought it home from the store this way. Love the pattern you chose. If you could please add a link back to me or my button to your post, I'd greatly appreciate it. My blog is small, so I really rely on those link-backs. Thanks! :)

Julie said...

Wow! That is AMAZING. I would have never know that was a painted design! How well does it hold up to everyday use? Great job!

Over from Serenity Now's linky :)

Laura said...

seriously impressive. That is amazing, and it looks great in the room. What a smart and kinda fearless thing to do!

Kate said...

Oh my gosh. Painted carpet. I NEVER would have thought of that!

Angie said...

Wow! I never would have thought to paint CARPET!! My daughter has an el cheapo rug in her bedroom that looks like a carpet remnant with binding...I finally know an inexpensive way to spruce it up! Thanks so much! One question...is the carpet comfortable to walk on, or is it kind of stiff? Either way...I can't wia to try this, and to see they look on my hubs face when I tell him what I'm up to!

Anonymous said...

ANGIE: Thanks for popping in to read my blog and for your nice comments.

The rug was a tad stiff but it's not stiff to the point that it's uncomfortable.

You should totally paint your daughter's carpet - especially if it's "el cheapo," LOL. The patterns are endless.