How to Make a Painted Jute Rug: Easy DIY Checkerboard Design
There’s a new rug in town, and it’s anything but ordinary! This painted jute rug is rocking a stylish checkerboard pattern, and the best part? It’s an easy DIY project that anyone can tackle.
If you’ve got a plain jute rug lying around, a little paint (and a surprise ingredient!) is all you need to give it a fresh, custom look.
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Transform Your Space with a Painted Jute Rug
Do you ever spot something in a store or online and think…
“I could totally make that!”
Yep, same here. This thought runs through my head… All. The. Time!
Sometimes my DIY attempts turn out amazing. Other times… well, let’s just say they become “learning experiences.”
But this time? It actually worked! And believe it or not, I had a little encouragement from our sheep-a-doodle, Bentley. (How does he always manage to find my paintbrush?)
It all started when I came across a gorgeous checkerboard jute area rug on Rugs.com.
I loved the natural, neutral color scheme paired with the bold graphic pattern. It felt classic yet modern—exactly my style.
Then I remembered… I already had a jute runner at home.
Hmm… could I recreate the look myself?
Only one way to find out!
Painted Jute Rug Supply List
- Jute rug (a sisal rug or outdoor rug will work too.)
- Posterboard
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Latex paint
- Clear liquid fabric softener
- Water
You can use fabric paint for this project as long as it is acrylic-based. However, I love being able to use leftover house paint when combined with fabric softener.
Making a DIY Painted Jute Rug
There are just three easy steps for this fun DIY project.
Grab some fabric softener and your favorite color of latex paint. You can buy a small amount of paint or just use some leftover wall paint that you have at home.
and then…roll out the jute carpet!
We have a jute rug runner in our mud room that could use a little update.
I wallpapered a wall in the mud room and it looks so fresh and updated. We need the same thing to happen to the rug!
Why not use a fresh creamy white paint color that I have used for other projects and have some left over?
You mean…I had everything on this list except the fabric softener? I only need to buy one thing?
Don’t you love it when that happens!
Step #1. Make the Checkerboard Grid for Your Rug
First, take some posterboard and measure and cut out squares to create a checkerboard pattern on your rug.
My rug is a runner and measures 2′ by 6′. So I’m going with checkerboard squares that measure 4″ x 4′”.
You can adjust the size of your squares based on the size of your rug and how large you want the squares to be.
Lay the poster board squares on the rug in a checkerboard pattern so you can make sure that all the squares fit.
If you prefer, you can use the posterboard squares to create a diamond template like my original rug inspiration. Take it even further and create your own design. There are so many geometric designs that would give an old jute rug a glow-up!
Don’t skip this step. You want to make sure that your checkerboard grid fits the rug with no surprises at the end of the project.
If the squares don’t fit perfectly, just organize the squares so there is an intentional border on each end of the rug.
Step #2. Mixing the Paint
You don’t want to start painting the jute with just the paint. It won’t get into the fibers and it will dry pretty hard to the touch. (Not great for bare tootsies!)
Mix together 1 part latex paint with 1 part fabric softener and stir completely.
It will take a little time to incorporate the two together. You will notice that the mixture thickens quite a bit.
I panicked slightly for a moment and then just added a little bit of tap water to thin it out.
Step #3. Painting the Checkerboard Rug
Holding the poster board squares down with one hand, start to paint in the open areas between the squares. If you don’t want to hold each square, you could use painter’s tape to hold the posterbord down. However, given the bumpiness of the rug, I found that just holding it with my hand worked best.
Start by loading your paint brush lightly and then dabbing the paint getting into the fibers of the jute rug.
Then, while holding the square with one hand, lightly stipple the paint, or dab up and down, to establish the lines of each square. It’s a good idea to paint all of the squares lightly and then go back and fill in with more paint.
Continue to add paint to each square until you get the color density that you want. Once the paint is dry, you have turned an old rug into a new, unique rug!
Keep in mind throughout this project that jute rugs are irregular so your squares will have some irregularity as well. This is actually the beauty of this type of rug!
Checkmate!
This rug can be used in so many places in your home!
It was originally in our mud room so I tried it there first.
Nice!
Next, I tried it in front of our kitchen cooktop.
Ooh! I like it here too!
It looks great on top of the wood floor.
Last, I’ve always wanted a rug for the garage door entrance. This runner is a perfect size and the checkerboard pattern of the rug is a nice addition.
Bentley approves of this location so I think it will stay here for a while!
And just like that, a simple plain jute rug is now a stylish, custom-painted jute rug with a bold checkerboard pattern! This DIY was easy, budget-friendly, and totally worth the effort. So, if you’ve ever spotted something online and thought, I could make that!—here’s your sign to go for it!
So roll out your new masterpiece and enjoy your one-of-a-kind creation!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
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I love the new log for the rug, Missy! What a great idea! Looks like Bentley approves!!
Bentley always seems to be in the thick of things! If he doesn’t chew it up, I take that as his “OK!” Wishing you and your family happy holidays!
The article provided an innovative and creative approach to transforming a plain jute rug into a visually appealing checkerboard pattern. The step-by-step instructions were clear and concise, making it easy for readers like myself to follow along and replicate the process. What sets this article apart is the emphasis on simplicity and accessibility, making it accessible to both experienced DIY enthusiasts and beginners alike. The use of paint to achieve the desired design opens up a world of possibilities for personalization and customization. Overall, this article showcases a fantastic way to breathe new life into a basic jute rug and add a touch of uniqueness to any space. I can’t wait to try out this technique and create my own stunning checkerboard rug!
I’m so glad you liked the article! Good luck with your rug project!
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