Considering Chevron everything is “in” right now (see previous post about it here) and this West Elm ZigZag Rug was a bit pricey, I got creative to recreate the look for less.
I thought I was a genius for coming up with the idea of painting an old rug I found in my mother’s garage but apparently it’s been done before (Pinterest knows everything). So after taking a few helpful pointers, I started this crafty little project that was both cheap and easy.
What you need:
-A cheap rug. Options here and here: $10-$40
-Paint samples from a local hardware store. (8oz samplers at Lowes- $2.94!)
-We used 3 colors, 2 of charcoal and light blue, 5 total: $14.70
-Cheap paint brushes- $1.15 each, 2 total: $2.30
-1″ FrogTape/ Painters Tape: $5.87
-Measuring Tape. You should probably own one already
Total cost: $23.00 (since the rug was fo’free)
Step 1: Measuring.
Figure out how thick you want your Chevron stripes. We estimated that 5 inches would be thick enough (by we, I mean my boyfriend). Then place dots every 5 inches down the rug, 10 inches apart, to mark where your Chevron angle will meet.
Step 2: Taping is an art.
Make sure that the lines are as clean and straight as possible within the area you are painting. Alternate taping in and outside the dots. Since the tape is 1″ thick, you have to consider that as part of your 5″ in width.
Step 3: Paint by numbers, minus the numbers.
Painting within the lines is harder than you think!
Step 4: Keep painting.
We alternated colors (light blue and charcoal) down the rug and used white as our accent color. If you’re impatient like us, you can take the tape off after completing each one.
Step 5: DRY.
Let it dry over night, walking over it thinking its dry and subsequently washing your feet every 5 minutes is not the way to go.
Step 6: Call Martha Stewart and ask for a job.
Not really, but I felt pretty (overly) accomplished.
Also, if you want to get super fancy…paint your lampshade!
And voila! Chevron Rug (and lamp) for under $75.00! If you try one out let us know how it goes, we’d love to see your creative ideas too!
Too excited to try this!
I’m wanting one for my dorm room, but an $80 rug is out the question for my college years.