How to Decorate With Drop Cloths
Fabric can be expensive. Why not decorate with drop cloths? Here's how to make indoor and outdoor curtains, as well as a great slipcover.
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Outdoor Pattern Curtain: Step 1
Drop cloths are a great alternative to outdoor curtains since they're resistant to mold and fading. Plus, you get so much more yardage, dollar for dollar. You can customize your drop cloth curtain with inexpensive latex paint and a pattern of your own design. After drawing your design on a piece of graph paper and working out the measurements, lay your pattern out in painter's tape. Paint between the tape lines, overlapping the tape itself and let it dry for several hours.
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Step 2
Measure for and affix grommets.
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Step 3
Measure 12 equal lengths of rope to create "rings". Tie them in place around an existing overhead structure or pole. This is how you'll hang the curtain.
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Step 4
Give yourself a hand as you admire your custom creation!
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Slipcover: Step 1
Another great reinvention of the drop cloth: A slipcover! First, add blanket binding -- or wide ribbon -- to the perimeter with fusible bonding, to give it a finished look. Use iron-transfer paper to add an image (like your address or a monogram) to the back of the sofa. (Tip: Offsetting the image to one side is an unexpected touch). Remember, for a vintage or "stamped" look, iron for less time than usual.
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Step 2
Lay slipcover over sofa.
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Step 3
Use a foam noodle to push fabric into place… and keep it there.
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Step 4
Voila! A slipcover for a fraction of store prices -- and completely custom for your home!
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Embellished Indoor Curtain
Since they are essentially classic cotton duck fabric, drop cloths are just as appropriate for use as interior curtains. The casual vibe allows you to be loose with details -no need to hem if you just use the drop cloth's finished edge. Use upholstery webbing for a casual French look or wide ribbon to band the edges. Attach with hot glue and add evenly spaced clip-on rings to the top. Hang your gorgeous window treatments!
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Step 1: DIY Curtains
You can use a drop cloth to make an inexpensive but stylish curtains. First, cut the cloth in half, then add upholstery webbing to the top and bottom with a glue gun, attach curtain rings, and you’ve got great window treatments!
Step 2: Take it Outside
Since drop cloths are mildew-resistant and water-repellent, they’re great to use outside, too. Create a custom outdoor curtain by drawing a pattern, such as a chevron, on the drop cloth, then painting it on, and finally, adding plastic grommets to the top. Hang it up, and voila, you’ve created an outdoor room space.
Step 3: Slip It On
Use a drop cloth as a slipcover for your sofa! Just drape it over your couch, then use a piece of plumbing insulation or a foam noodle to really tuck it into the back of your sofa for a fresh, seamless, finished look.
Items You'll Need
- drop cloth
- upholstery webbing
- curtain rings
- glue gun
- paint and brush
- plastic grommets
- plumbing insulation or foam noodle
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3 Comments
Nice ideas but be careful and think twice -- most dropcloths are not fire retardant!!!
January 29 2012 at 6:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyVery cool! Especially the outdoor curtain. I need privacy and used a fabric panel, but this could be painted to match my house. My mind is buzzing with ideas...how about a wall cover instead of paint? Fun, fun, fun!
January 29 2012 at 6:12 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyThank you,
Marilyn R Williams
there is no picture for the first video.
January 29 2012 at 4:46 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Reply