Clever Ways To Repurpose An Old Rug Around The House

Contrary to what you may have heard, there are several things to do with an old carpet when you are ready to get rid of it beyond simply leaving it on the curb for the garbage truck. If your rug is still in good condition, you can repurpose it into a potentially beloved new item in your home. Many rugs have waterproof backing and comfy fibers, plus they're durable enough to be great for DIY projects and decor. You can even do multiple hacks with just one large area rug.

Before upcycling your old mat, you need to clean it. First, vacuum the carpet. Then, take it outside and shake it out, or use a rug beater to dislodge dust. Next, go in with a carpet shampoo solution. You can hand-wash the rug with a scrub brush and hose if you don't have a machine carpet cleaner. Once the mat is clean, hang it to dry. Several of these DIY projects require cutting the rug. For thinner rugs, you can do this with sharp scissors. For thicker pieces, you may need a carpeting knife or box cutter.

You can't put your feet on the coffee table, but you can place an old rug on top of it ... after it's transformed into a coaster, of course. You'll need a rug with a waterproof backing to ensure it will protect surfaces from any sweating beverages. Then, cut the mat into 4 by 4-inch squares to DIY the coasters. You can also try out different shapes to personalize the drink accessory and make matching plate chargers or placemats for the entire dining table.

Why not use your old rug as upholstery fabric and make an entryway bench? Apart from the rug (thin mats are best for this project), you'll need a staple gun, 2-inch-thick foam, plywood, a drill, and chair legs. The plywood and foam should be cut into the desired size for the bench seat. Cut your rug 6 inches larger in width and length than the wood. Next, place the rug face down, center the foam, and layer the board on top. Then, tuck and staple the rug to the plywood. Finally, drill your legs in place and your new statement bench is ready.

Instead of draping a rug across your living room hardwood, consider using it for the floor of your car. To get a custom-fitted mat, first, you'll have to make a cardboard cutout. Take your board and lay it on the floor of the driver's seat. Then, trace around the pedals to outline the size and shape of the mat you'll need to fit the space. Now, use your cutout to stencil the shape onto the old rug. Do this for the passenger seat and back rows, too. You'll have a custom-fit mat that doubles as unique car decor.

Your old rug might've been a wall tapestry in another life, so why not slap your rug onto a blank wall and turn it into art? Thin rugs will be easier to hang, but you can use thick carpeting, too. Just ensure it is anchored to the wall securely. You can even trim the rug into shapes or add a frame to maximize the design.

By rolling a carpet into a comfy log, you can make a soft knee pad you can use while doing house chores or garden work. For large area rugs, cut them into a foot-wide strip at least 3 feet long. Then, fold or roll the rug to create the mini cushion. Now, you can rest your knees on the pad while painting the baseboard, planting flowers, or organizing under the bed.

An old rug can save door knobs from slamming into the walls and potentially cracking the drywall, damaging the handle, or just making an annoying loud noise. To make a door bumper, cut the floor covering into pieces slightly larger than the door knob and attach it to the wall where the handle meets the barrier. You could do this for every door in your home — even in the garage, if car doors need protection from the walls.

Your old rug can still work to protect your floor ... in a new form as a furniture pad. Just cut the mat into strips the same size as the ends of your furniture legs and attach them underneath. It will make heavy couches or dressers easier to slide across the floors without scratching the hardwood or scuffing your tiles. The pads can also add a non-slip surface to lightweight pieces that move around too easily.

Your pets can benefit from the old carpet, too. The rug can become a scratching post for your cat. Just cover cardboard or a shipping tube with the fabric and let kitty (or the kitties) have at it. For puppy lovers, you can line a dog house or cage with the rug for added comfort. Then, put any leftover carpet pieces under your furry friend's water and food bowl for a non-slip mat. Nuts to anyone who ever said you can't keep your home stylish when you have pets.