Drop Everything! 5 Clever Ways to Use Drop Cloths
—Tracy Anderson
With any number of do-it-yourself projects, be it wall painting or window replacement, a prudent first step is to spread drop cloths over the flooring and furniture. What you may not have considered: These sturdy sheets of canvas can do so much more than protect against damage. With creativity and some elbow grease, you can take drop cloths out of their supporting role and recast them as a star of your decor. Scroll down for five favorite ways to repurpose drop cloths!
1. Tomorrow We Dye
photo: lovelyindeed.com
Though you may never have heard of shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique, you’re going to love its results. For anyone wanting to experiment with the process, drop cloths are ideal, since the canvas material doesn’t cost much. Visit Lovely Indeed for a step-by-step guide to making the indigo-inflected placemats above.
Related: How To: Tie Dye
2. Pull the Rug Out
photo: welivedhappilyeverafter.com
At the midpoint of a home renovation, paint-covered drop cloths are a common sight. This time, however, the look was deliberate. To create a small area rug, Hannah at We Lived Happily Ever After folded a drop cloth in half and stitched up the edges before decorating the floorcovering with a chevron pattern.
Related: 10 Doable Designs for a DIY Rug
3. Curtain Call
photo: diyshowoff.com
From DIY Show Off, here’s a wonderful way to make your own inexpensive yet sophisticated window treatments. All you need to complete the project are a few drop cloths and a Sharpie. Simply adorn cut-to-size fabric with quotes from a favorite work of literature, then use clips to hang the sheets from your curtain rod.
Related: 13 DIY Window Treatments to Dress Up Your Space
4. Head of the Class
photo: nashvillepug.blogspot.com
Using your staple gun and a rubber mallet, add together a basic set of materials, including fiberboard and drop cloth, and then finish things off with sold-by-the-yard nailhead trim. Yup, that’s how astoundingly easy it can be to build your own elegant headboard. For step-by-step instructions, head over to Nashville Pug.
Related: Make Your Bed: 9 Easy DIY Headboards
5. Drop Away
photo: mymagicmom.com
The epitome of summer relaxation, hammocks are a must for any outdoor space. While elaborate store-bought options can be a tad expensive, making your own minimalist version with clothesline, dowels, and drop cloth won’t cost you any more than $20. Interested? Check out My Magic Mom for more information now!
