Creative Rug Ideas: Make Your Own Cheap Floor Covering

Dandy Dropcloths and Downy Duvets

Almost all apartments need rugs. Whether you have a pristine hardwood floor to protect or an ugly taupe carpet to cover, you can make you own cheap floor covering instead of buying a pre-made rug. Rug stores tend to overdo the “Oriental” theme and the so-called “contemporary” geometric designs. And you’re more creative than that, aren’t you? You can fashion something cheap but attractive, kitschy but practical. Try these two creative rug ideas, and your boring floors will become bohemian.

1. Duvet Rug

This idea came to me when I found an old Ikea quilt cover in my closet. Once serving as a duvet in a former bedroom (three apartments ago), this linen item had been collecting dust, despite its cool goldenrod and slate tones. For those unfamiliar with quilt covers, imagine a big shell that encases a quilt – like a cozy for a comforter. Sewn together on three sides and open on the remaining side (for quilt insertion), this cover can actually be turned into a rug. Whether the quilt cover fastens with buttons, zips up, or stays loosely open on one end, it can be fashioned into a cheap floor covering.

There are two techniques. First, you can use an appropriately sized quilt (imagine that!) to fill out the duvet ensemble. Chances are you have an old comforter that can fit the bill. If not, go to a thrift store or a discount department store and buy a cheap quilt. Even if it’s ugly, it will get covered. Just make sure your quilt cover is opaque enough to remain unaffected by the colour of its filler quilt. This type of duvet rug is easy to care for – all you have to do is wash it when it’s dirty.