30 DIY Projects That Prove Drop Cloths Are a Thrifty Girl's Best Friend

Is there any decorating material more versatile than the humble drop cloth? Whether colored, cut, sewn, or stapled, the drop cloth can be used in countless ways. DIY aficionados have used the material for projects in all corners of their homes. A standard drop cloth can retail for less than $20, but after being transformed, the results look much more valuable. We've combed the Internet to find 30 of the most inspiring transformations around — and the best part is, anyone can do these at home.

01
A Zebra Rug
Decor Fix

A Zebra Rug

High style can be obtained for a low price when drop cloths are used to create Decor Fix's zebra rug.

02
A Hanging Valance
Instagram | 11magnolialane

A Hanging Valance

A drop-cloth valance adds a pop to this kitchen window.

03
A Play Area
Julie Blanner

A Play Area

Your kids will thank you for creating a play area like Julie Blanner's.

04
Bespoke Shower Curtain
Instagram | laceandglaze

Bespoke Shower Curtain

With a little paint, a drop cloth can become a custom shower curtain.

05
Canvas Wall Art
Love Grows Wild

Canvas Wall Art

Prominently display your favorite saying with Love Grows Wild's wall art DIY.

06
Desk Chair Covering
Instagram | craftyhandsfullheart

Desk Chair Covering

One DIYer created a perfectly neutral chair for her home office.

07
Embroidery
Instagram | louisescottcraft

Embroidery

Drop cloths make a perfect backing for embroidery projects.

08
A Photo Board
Instagram | melindaniehaus

A Photo Board

Create a photo board using crisscrossed drop-cloth pieces stapled to a frame.

09
Chic Cushion Covers
Miss Mustard Seed

Chic Cushion Covers

Add personality to any chair with Miss Mustard Seed's custom cover DIY.

10
A Striped Tablecloth
Instagram | marycasachic

A Striped Tablecloth

Paint stripes on a drop cloth to make a nautical tablecloth.

11
A Reading Nook
Instagram | mrslaurenash

A Reading Nook

One inspired mom decided to hang a drop cloth to create a reading nook for her child.

12
Custom Pillow Covers
Love Grows Wild

Custom Pillow Covers

Create rustic and chic custom pillow covers with Love Grows Wild's DIY instructions.

13
Porch Curtains
Instagram | raveturkey

Porch Curtains

Outdoor drop-cloth curtains add an inviting touch to one DIYer's porch!

15
Cabinet Curtains
Instagram | theruggedlittlecottage

Cabinet Curtains

Say bye-bye to cabinet doors with the simple addition of drop-cloth curtains.

16
Christmas Stockings
Instagram | chiccalifornia

Christmas Stockings

A few minutes with the sewing machine, and voilà — drop-cloth stockings!

17
A Bench Cover
Little Green Notebook

A Bench Cover

Paint a drop cloth to create a custom bench cover similar to the version featured on Little Green Notebook.

18
Mixed-Material Curtains
Instagram | tinlilydesign_callieshaw

Mixed-Material Curtains

With the addition of a patterned fabric and some trim, one DIYer created lovely contrasting curtains.

19
Headboard
Instagram | katherineannboggs

Headboard

One crafty woman customized her headboard with a drop cloth.

20
A Frilly Ottoman Cover
Instagram | sisters.treasures

A Frilly Ottoman Cover

A skilled DIY maven covered an ottoman with a drop-cloth slipcover, complete with ruffled details.

22
Pleated Curtains
Instagram | shanarussell

Pleated Curtains

With some patience, drop cloths can be transformed into pleated curtains.

23
Sectional Slipcover
Instagram | jennifers_sewing_studio

Sectional Slipcover

Numerous drop cloths were used to create a special slipcover for a large sectional sofa.

24
An Ornate Custom Slipclover
Instagram | augustblues

An Ornate Custom Slipclover

Combining a drop cloth and playful patterned fabric made this slipcover beautiful.

25
A Custom Table Runner
Instagram | millertarrah

A Custom Table Runner

Think outside the box when it comes to painting a strip of drop cloth for a table runner!

26
A Ruffled Wreath
My Fabuless Life

A Ruffled Wreath

Get festive by following the DIY instructions for My Fabuless Life's ruffled drop-cloth wreath.

27
A Runner
Instagram | pleinheirbyshannonkaye

A Runner

One skilled DIYer added color to her hallway with a painted drop-cloth runner.

29
A Scalloped Table Cloth
Sugar and Cloth

A Scalloped Table Cloth

Add drama to your indoor or outdoor table with Sugar and Cloth's scalloped table cloth DIY.

30
Painted Curtains
Instagram | jesslovesgoose

Painted Curtains

Can't find the perfect curtains for a certain room? Grab a drop cloth, and paint your own!