DIY Polka Dot Rug

Rugs can transform a mediocre space into something more special but it's not always easy to find one you love on a tight budget. While nothing can compare to that rug you've been saving up for, this DIY is a great option for areas that need a little pick me up such as a studio, a guest room, or your front porch.

One: You'll need a low-pile carpet, freezer paper, a dinner plate (or however large you want your dots to be), a pen, scissors, an iron, possibly an extension cord, masking tape, spray paint in a contrasting color, a large piece of cardboard, and a work glove. Two: To create a stencil, spread freezer paper across the width of your rug and cut at the edge. Evenly space your dinner plate (or other size) and trace 4-5 dots across your first row. Three: Add three more rows of freezer paper and tape them all together to create a larger stencil. Stagger your dinner plate circles so that your second row starts with a half circle and ends with a half circle. Make sure your third row lines up with your first and your fourth row lines up with your second, etc. Four: Cut out all of your circles. Take your rug to a well-ventilated space that is also close enough to an outlet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and iron all over the freezer paper so that it sticks to your carpet. If you move it after you iron it it'll likely come off. Five: Spray paint your circles making sure you don't spray over the edge of your stencil. Place a piece of cardboard under the edge of your rug so you don't spray the ground.Six: If your freezer paper is coming off, gently press down the edge of the paper wearing your work glove while you paint. Seven: Your stencil may only cover half of your rug so pull it off once the paint is dry and place it down again so that your pattern repeats evenly. Repeat the process. Allow your rug to dry before you move it. 

Another option is using acrylic craft paint if you don't have access to a well-ventilated area to spray paint your rug.

I made mine to cozy up my basement closet. I love the bold pattern of the large polka-dots but it'd be just as striking to create a striped rug! Enjoy. xo. Rachel

Comments

[Tinacious.Me]

this is so cute! great idea!
http://www.tinacious.me/
http://www.tinacious.me/

[Mandi]

Super cute! Looks amazing in your dream closet, too.

[Natasha Fatah]

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!
So super simple, exactly my kind of DIY.
We do need a new rug in the bedroom...hmmmmm. :)

xoxo
www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

[whitney]

such a genius idea! I seriously might have to try this!!!!

[Emilie]

Really love this idea! So cute!

xo Emilie @ http://www.hungrydelights.com/

[Mardi]

GREAT

[Sierra]

This DIY could not have come at a better time! The UO chevron rug I have been lusting over/saving up for has been put on backorder until the end of June, and I just moved into a new apartment that desperately needs a cute rug.

So thank you very much! :)

http://viennawaitsblog.blogspot.com/

[Sara]

i love this!! i wanna try it with chevron :) now i just need a rug to work with.... :)

http://saramadebeth.wordpress.com

[Sheri]

Definitely a great project for my daughter and I to do together. Acrylics would work best for us...big flowers and a scalloped trim for sure, FUN !!!

[Laura @ The Joyful Fox]

That is an ingenious idea! I would love to have a striped rug...

http://thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com

[Michelle]

This is such a great idea! Patterned rugs can be so expensive but you could definitely do this on a budget. It looks so good in your closet!
xoxo
http://neonrattail.blogspot.com

[Nina]

What a great idea! Would love to try it with different patterns :)

Nina
http://themakingsofnk.blogspot.com

[Vicky]

Way cute! Love it in the closet.

xO, Vicky
http://somehowlovely.blogspot.com

[Allison]

Love this Rachel! I would definitely give this a try. Your basement turned out so well! Thank for sharing this lovely DIY!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca

[Elizabeth]

After spending DAYS searching for the perfect rug for the nursery, this was just the inspiration I needed. Thank you!

[Shawnee]

oh my gosh! i ADORE this rug! fabulous job! xoxo

[Sandy a la Mode]

i love polka dot anything! this rug is awesome!!

[playmobil]

Your blog is so beautiful. All of its contents are so eye candies. Thank you for sharing all of your stories.

[Karen Aleman]

Wow this is the cutest, I love!!

[Corrie Anne]

That's beautiful!! I want Kevin to DIY that for me!! Lol.