Do you ever have a design problem that takes you a while to figure out…like months!? This WAS the case in my newly finished master bathroom.
I was having some trouble finding the right size rug for that space and it was getting a little ridiculous at the amount or “rug returns” I was making. We have a double sink in there and I really wanted a single rug, instead of two separate ones. The problem I was having was that they were either too long or they were the right length but too wide. It was getting really frustrating! I was at Target one day and came across this rug. I immediately fell in love with the color and pattern but knew it was going to be too wide. (It would constantly be catching on the door.)
Fortunately for me it was on sale and so I made the decision to buy it and try my hand at modifying it. If it didn’t work out I would be out some money and have ruined a really great rug!
Thankfully it turned out great and I’m able to share a DIY success, instead of an epic fail! 😉
Here are the supplies you will need to make your own DIY custom rug:
rug with at least one side the correct length that you need, straight edge, measuring stick or tape, coordinating colored Duck Tape, sharp razor knife
Figure out the exact dimensions you want the rug, then measure and fold under the excess. Tape it down completely along the seam then walk on the seam to press it down. (I put the rug back in the space for a few days to make sure it was what I wanted and also to give it a crisp crease before I cut it.
Now you are ready to cut. Use a straight edge, 1 1/2-2″ from the crease, and score the rug. (At this stage you don’t want to cut all the way through.)
Then slowly finish cutting through the rug, following the score, while pulling up on the part you are cutting off. Hopefully the picture below explains it better! 😉
Once the rug is cut, use the colored Duck Tape to secure the seam. You want to leave a little excess tape at each end to fold over.
Press the tape firmly along the seam or walk on it to make sure it’s completely adhered. Then overlap about a 1/4″ on each side. You might have to cut the tape to fit a pattern, like I did in the picture below.
I guess I just THOUGHT my bathroom was finished, because those baseboards need a fresh coat of paint!!!
Do you have a design dilemma that you need some help with? Leave me a comment and I will do my best to help you figure it out! 🙂
I have completely made over my almost 8-year-old daughter’s bedroom, switching out two-tone pink walls for a subdued light gray. We even changed all the moldings from cherry stained to white! I am stumped as what to do for window treatments. She only has one window! It is a very bright, but small room. Her bedding is this comforter: http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/ID-Intelligent-Designs-Natalie-5-piece-Comforter-Set/8754123/product.html?searchidx=0. It’s a greenish blue, and she has a quilt that rests at the foot of her bed that is a bright peach, but not quite coral. I can send you pics if you think you could help me. I am really struggling with this one. Any help/insight you can provide would be so wonderful. I just love your style and am always amazed at your projects! Thanks.
Tania,
What if you did a simple white drape that had some texture? Like these: http://www.westelm.com/products/pintuck-curtain-white-t765/?pkey=e%7Cwhite%2Bpleated%2Bdrapes%7C595%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C17&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-NoMerchRules
(I would make them go as close to the ceiling as possible and touch the floor.) Then maybe do a roman shade in the widow. If you could find a strip or polka dot that would coordinate with orange/coral you could make a custom shade. (I would make the stripes go horizontal.) Here’s a tutorial to make a custom, easy roman shade: http://involvingcolor.com/involvinghome/no-sew-roman-shade-from-mini-blinds/
I don’t know if that helped at all but if nothing else, hopefully it gave you some type of inspiration? 🙂
Beautiful Rug!
The new owners of my home will appreciate the two rugs in the guest bathroom. I’m leaving them and planning on doing this in my new home. This has been a challenge for me for 3 houses! Thank you for the idea.
You’re very welcome!! 🙂
I recognize this post was YEARS ago, but I just happened by it and am like a kid in a candy store! Hubby’s and I are getting ready to transition to next chapter. The rug I have from “previous chapter” is huge! It’s Pier 1 and gorgeous, but too big. I’ll cut it without a doubt. I had no idea that was even an option. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Cannot wait to explore your website further!
I’ve had the same dilemma with our bath rugs. My daughter suggested to cut them to fit. Great idea to tape the seams. Because they are for the bathroom, I will want to wash them, as needed. I’m wondering how that will work with the duck tape.
Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Staci
Staci, it will probably fray and the tape won’t stay if you throw it in the wash. I am using an indoor/outdoor rug, so I will probably just wash it with the water hose (and re-tape).
Most fabric stores sell a liquid called fray check. It works the same basic way clear fingernail polish did on panty hose (remember those?) try that on the raw edge before you tape it down. Make sure it does not touch the other parts od the rug, it could darken/discolor it. But that should seal up the fibers should you need to wash it.
Hi Angela – I love your rug make over but I am interested in where you found the blue pulls for your cabinet. I have been looking for two pulls just like that. Thanks!
Susan, they are from Anthropologie. Thanks!!
Angela
I love how you adapted the rug to your size. I am writing to tell you that there are a few weavers like myself that handweave rugs from linen warp and New Zealand carpet wool. These rugs could meet the needs of people like yourself wanting a particular design to their exact measurements. My website is. http://www.annesrugs.com.au. I live in Kyabram Northern Victoria. Can you see a place for my rugs in your area?
Kind regards
Anne
Where is this rug from?
Kristen, I got it from Target. I think they still carry this pattern. 🙂
Is it possible to modify a woolen floor rug? Mines thicket than yours. I’m am just a bit worried it might fray at the edges, and I’d have ruined a really nice rug. Please help.
Elizabeth, sorry I missed your comment! A rug like that will probably start unraveling, it’s really more for tighter weave.
I came across this and love your idea!
I am struggling right now with figuring out my dining room space (Literally losing sleep mulling it over) and thought I would post if you have any thoughts or posts you have already done to point me too!
Our space is open concept and basically just one long rectangle with living room, then dining room, then kitchen at the back so I want to define the spaces. The dining room table is 7ft long and 3’4 across with and then counting the chairs – But the rug can’t be longer than 8′ for the space… So to have a rug that fits the table, chairs and no longer than 8ft it needs to be like 7′ x 8′ and I cant find those dimensions anywhere! Do you have any creative ideas or suggestions? 😀 😀
Many thanks!!!!
Love the cut-the-rug-to-size info. We just bought a house, and I can’t find anything that works for our bedroom, which is 9’11″x11’6″.
Can you tell me what your rug is made of?
Mine is a polypropylene rug that I need it smaller can I cut it like you suggested ?
Did you end up trying to cut it? I’m also needing to remove width from my polypropylene rug.
Did either of you end up cutting your rug? I need to do the same. 🙂
Wow, this is stunning Christie, thanks for the DIYs much appreciated. God bless
Thanks so much!
I have an L shaped kitchen with the sink at a 45 degree angle where the two points join. I have purchased a bathroom rug 70×96 to cut. I am perplexed how I can cut this to go in front of my sink and straight to the right and left for the rest of the cabinets. Any ideas
I’m really grateful for this post and plan to give it a try to shorten my bathroom rug. Thank you for paving the way!
I am writing to tell you that there are a few weavers like myself that handweave rugs from linen warp and New Zealand carpet wool. These rugs could meet the needs of people like yourself wanting a particular design to their exact measurements.Magic Rugs
It works the same baswic way clear fingernail polish did on panty hose (remember those?) try that on the raw edge before you tape it down. leather adhesive
It was so hard to keep clean and eventually we were able to remodel the bathroom and got rid of the carpet and put in tile. elementmaja