Get The Urban Outfitters Look On An IKEA Budget With This Rug Dupe

You're walking through Urban Outfitters, and it stops you in your tracks: the Mariana Tile Digital Printed Chenille Rug. It's the quirkiest, most charming rug you've seen, and it's just what you need for your entryway. Then you check the price tag and your heart sinks. You've fallen for the rug, but you can't justify the expense; what do you do? You take inspiration from an Instagrammer and create a gorgeous dupe that costs a fraction of the price!

To recreate the look for yourself, you'll need a SORTSÖ rug from IKEA, which costs $7.99. You'll also need painter's tape, acrylic paint, paint markers, and a waterproof spray. Using fabric paint is another great option. Take some time to consider the tips to know before you start painting fabric, as this will help make the creative process straightforward and simple. Mark off the border using painters tape, and paint it using a sparing amount of acrylic paint to prevent seeping. As well, a thin layer of paint is likely to remain more flexible than a thick coat. 

Divide up the internal area into equally sized blocks. Then the fun begins! Fill each block with a design that makes you happy. Use paint and markers to let your creativity flow, or use stencils. Remember: it doesn't have to be perfect. Once your images are all done, extend the life of your doormat with this simple yet genius hack and seal it using a waterproof spray, such as Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector.

By borrowing the basic idea of the rug, you can create something unique to fit into the vibe of the room you're making it for. Think about whether you prefer going multi-colored like the Urban Outfitters orange version, or shades of a single color to mimic their blue or green versions. Match the images to the design of the room where you'll be using the rug. For example, if your living room has a coastal, beachy aesthetic, switch out cherries and moths with seahorses, shells, and crabs. Consider the dos and don'ts of styling rugs and pair your finished rug with an IKEA TJABBIG Basket, made from unbleached cotton, to finish the look.

This hand-painted rug dupe makes an ideal gift, especially for close friends and family with whom you have a lot of shared history. Those inside jokes that make the two of you giggle? Capture the moment in an image and use it in your design. Is your buddy besotted with bats or bowties? Use what they love most to fill the squares and create something they'll treasure.

Once you've made this rug, you might not want to see all your hard work become a wiping place for dirty shoes, whether you've used protective spray or not. Fortunately, elevating it is easy. Use double-sided tape and upgrade your rug from floor decor to a stylish wall hanging. Displaying it adds a cosy warmth and charming character to a room.