Not Your Momma’s Gunny Sack Anymore…BURLAP

By Karen Olsen –

Burlap is making an appearance all over the home décor scene. It’s rustic, textural and charming all at the same time. Burlap is one of my “must haves” in decorating. Burlap evokes a time when a trip to town meant brining home bags of goods and livestock feed, a time when everything was repurposed and reused. My mom cringes every time I mention burlap in conjunction with home décor but….I JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF IT!

Decorating with burlap can be an inexpensive way to create a dramatic new look. Burlap is often thought of as creating a rustic look, but today it’s used for a sophisticated touch as well, whether it’s in a traditional home, a midcentury modern home or something more contemporary.

Here are a few ideas on how to use burlap in your home.

Window Treatments/ Shower Curtain. A natural or dark-colored burlap drapery over a white sheer curtain provides a rich contrast. The open weave allows the light to shine through.

Headboard. Burlap can be stretched and mounted as a headboard. It’s low cost, high-durability and ease of installation makes it ideal for all kinds of installation. Embellishing with nailheads will add a touch of style.

Upholstery. Transform that sagging old sofa or chair. Wrap and tuck it around existing cushions or have it made into form fitting cushions and slip covers. For a contemporary space, choose black or smoke gray.

Table Covering. A soft, light weight burlap. The more you wash it, the softer it gets.

Lamp Shades. I made these myself, easy craft project.

Burlap is a fabric made from the fibers of the jute plant that is coarse in feel and features an open weave. Burlap is also available in luscious colors like tomato red, snap pink and sophisticated colors like sage and burnt sienna.

From the Decorating Diva…From Drab to Fab…In a Day!
Karen Olsen
Bend, Oregon 208-914-0900