The humble drop cloth doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
These canvas sheets protect floors, appliances and furniture from paint, dust and debris, and they’re destined to be spilled on, rolled up, reused and thrown away.
At least, that’s one option.
Drop cloths are one of the most versatile home improvement items because you can use them to keep job sites clean, or to make everything from curtains to room dividers.
And best of all? They’re affordable.
Here are five alternative uses for drop cloths to enhance your home’s décor and function.
1. Pet Covers
People love their pets just as they do any other family member, but each day, they face a dilemma.
They know upholstered furniture isn’t cheap, and they don’t want to replace or repair theirs anytime soon.
At the same time, they want Fido or Fluffy to feel right at home, and wouldn’t want to police their fur babies whenever those paws hit the upholstery.
Fortunately, there’s a happy medium: Cover your sofa and chairs with drop cloths! Your pets can stretch and roam wherever they please, and you won’t have to worry about fur and claws all over your couch.
2. Sun Shields
The sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays, in addition to dust, can wreak havoc on wood and upholstered furniture. This is particularly true for homes without year-round occupants, such as seasonal and vacation residences.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade fabric, and dust that piles up for months can break down wood finishes. This is why it’s important to cover fine furniture, especially if you won’t be able to visit — and maintain — a home for months.
Now, you don’t need fancy, expensive sheets to protect your furniture — some sun and dust covers range from $ 70 to $ 150 — you really just need canvas ones, in the form of drop cloths!
Bonus tip: Applying window film to glass doors and windows blocks harmful UV rays that can damage fabrics and furniture.
3. Stenciled Tablecloth
There’s something to be said for tradition — and nothing is as timeless as a good old-fashioned picnic. Well, you can make any picnic special with a tablecloth created just for the occasion!
You’ll need a drop cloth, fabric-safe paint, a stencil brush and stencils from the craft store. (Of course, if you’re feeling really crafty, you can create your own stencils with construction paper and scissors).
Choose an outdoor table and cover it with newspaper. Then, spread the drop cloth on top and lay the stencil over it.
Next, dip the stencil brush into the paint and apply it on top of the stencil and the fabric. Don’t saturate the brush; it’s better to have too little paint than too much. You can always dip the stencil brush back into the paint.
Want a truly custom look? First, dye the drop cloth a solid color, like blue, and let dry, before adding the stenciled designs.
4. Room Divider
Unless you have a custom-built home — and your family hasn’t grown, and needs haven’t changed since move-in — you probably could use more space.
But sometimes, more space isn’t the issue; it’s dedicated space that you really need. Perhaps you have a large multipurpose room or garage that could use some division, and you lack the budget, desire or square footage to frame new walls.
Hanging a curtain is the easiest, most affordable way to divide a room, and it doesn’t require much time or skill. You just need some drop cloths, three-quarter-inch galvanized pipe, a tee fitting and curtain clips.
Watch the video: ‘How to Hang a Garage Curtain Made from Drop Cloths’
5. Outdoor Curtains
Homeowners increasingly want to extend their living space to the exterior — and that means making the backyard look and feel nice.
Transforming a blank patio is simple: Just add comfortable seating and make sure the space is well lit.
That covers the basics, of course, but as the saying goes, “The design is the details.” Don’t forget to add texture — lay down an outdoor rug, add plants and, finally, hang curtains.
It’s a simple as dying some drop cloths, installing a curtain rod and hanging the drop cloths with curtain clips.
The result is a patio with texture and (affordable) luxury!
How have you used a drop cloth? Tell us in the comments below!
