I have a confession to make. I am officially obsessed with burlap. You know, that scratchy, beige, potato-sack-looking fabric that somehow makes everything it touches look like it belongs in a farmhouse catalog? Yeah, that one.
For years, I thought burlap was just for, well, sacks. But after a particularly ambitious weekend spent covered in glue gun string burns (a badge of honor, really) and loose fibers, I’ve come to realize that burlap is the unsung hero of the rustic DIY world. It’s cheap, it’s forgiving, and it adds instant texture.
Whether you’re decorating your first apartment on a shoestring budget or just trying to make your living room look less like a sterile showroom, burlap is your best friend. So, grab your scissors and try not to make too much of a mess. Here are my 12 favorite DIY burlap crafts that scream rustic style without screaming at your wallet.
1. Burlap-Wrapped Mason Jar Vases
Mason jars are basically the official container of the rustic movement, right? But sometimes, plain glass can be a little… meh. Let’s fix that.
Why This Works
This is the easiest win in the book. It takes about five minutes, and the payoff is huge. The texture of the burlap softens the hard lines of the glass.
Here’s how I do it:
- Cut a strip of burlap slightly taller than the jar and long enough to wrap around it with a little overlap.
- Apply a generous line of hot glue down the side of the jar.
- Press the burlap into the glue and wrap it tight.
- Glue the other end down.
To really class it up, tie a piece of twine or a thin strip of lace around the middle. I used these for a friend’s baby shower, and people genuinely thought I bought them. I didn’t correct them. 🙂
Pro Tip
Burlap frays. A lot. Don’t fight it! Embrace the frayed edges. It adds to that “distressed” look everyone pays extra for at the home goods store.
2. Rustic Burlap Wreath
Ever looked at those expensive store-bought wreaths and thought, “I could totally make that for ten bucks”? You absolutely can.
The Simple Technique
You don’t need a fancy foam wreath form for this (though you can use one). I prefer using a simple wire hanger bent into a circle.
- Cut burlap into long strips, about 4-6 inches wide.
- Simply gather the strip and wrap it around the wire frame, securing it with floral wire or hot glue.
- Keep scrunching and wrapping until the frame is completely covered.
The result is a fluffy, textured wreath that looks incredible on a front door or above a mantel. Add a big burlap bow or a few faux eucalyptus sprigs for a pop of color. IMO, the messier it looks, the better it looks.
3. Burlap Table Runner
Buying a table runner can be weirdly expensive. But buying a yard of burlap from the craft store? Pocket change.
Customizing Your Look
This is almost too easy. Just cut the burlap to the length of your table, plus about 6 inches for overhang.
- For a clean look, you can leave the edges raw and let them fray naturally over time.
- For a slightly more polished look (we’re still rustic here, let’s not go crazy), fold the edges over and glue them down.
Want to take it up a notch? Use a stencil and some fabric paint to add a monogram or a simple design in the center. It’s a great way to personalize your dining space without a lot of effort.
4. Faux Burlap Bulletin Board
My desk area was a chaotic mess of sticky notes and random reminders. I needed something stylish to hide the chaos. Enter: the burlap bulletin board.
From Ugly to Rustic Chic
Find an old corkboard at a thrift store or grab a cheap one from the office supply store.
- Lay the burlap flat and place the corkboard on top.
- Cut the burlap, leaving enough to wrap around the edges.
- Pull the fabric tight and staple it to the back of the frame. A staple gun is your best friend here.
- Trim the excess.
Now you have a beautiful, textured board. Use decorative push pins or clip notes on with tiny clothespins. Suddenly, my chaos looked intentional and “aesthetic.”
5. Burlap and Lace Mason Jar Luminary
Remember those wrapped jars from number one? Let’s make them glow.
Creating the Ambiance
Paint the inside of a clean, dry mason jar with a coat of mod podge and sprinkle in some glitter (if you’re feeling fancy). Let it dry.
- Wrap the outside with a strip of burlap and a strip of lace, overlapping them slightly.
- Secure with a dab of glue.
Pop a tea light (the battery-operated kind, because fire + burlap = bad news) inside. The light flickers through the glass and peeks out through the weave of the burlap. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party or a cozy night in. Who knew looking rustic could be so romantic?
6. Burlap Plant Pot Covers
I love having plants in the house, but I hate those ugly black plastic nursery pots they come in. Burlap to the rescue!
Hiding the Evidence
Measure the height and circumference of your plastic pot.
- Cut a rectangle of burlap to those measurements, plus an inch for overlap.
- Wrap it around the pot and glue or tie it in place with jute twine.
Slide the plant (still in its plastic pot) inside. The burlap allows for drainage (it’s breathable) and hides the ugly plastic. It gives your green friends that “just picked from the garden” vibe.
7. Simple Burlap Gift Wrap
Forget expensive wrapping paper that just gets ripped up and thrown away. Burlap makes gifts look incredibly thoughtful.
The “I Actually Tried” Look
Wrap a box (a sturdy shoebox works great) with burlap just like you would with paper. You’ll need to use double-sided tape or glue to keep the rough fabric in place.
- Instead of a bow, tie it with twine and tuck a sprig of dried lavender or a cinnamon stick under the knot.
Honestly, the gift inside almost doesn’t matter. The presentation alone says, “I spent time on this.” And if you’re a messy wrapper like me, burlap hides all the wrinkled corners perfectly.
8. Rustic Burlap Chair Sash
Throwing a rustic wedding or a fancy birthday dinner? Don’t buy expensive chair covers.
Dress Up Plain Furniture
Cut long strips of burlap, about 6-8 inches wide.
- Drape them over the back of your chairs and tie them in a loose, floppy bow.
- Let the ends hang down.
It instantly dresses up even the most boring folding chair. You can also pin a small flower or a name tag to the bow for seating assignments. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it photographs beautifully.
9. DIY Burlap Rug
Okay, hear me out. A full burlap rug isn’t going to hold up to heavy foot traffic in a hallway. But for a small, low-traffic area? It’s a fantastic project.
Weaving a Foundation
You’ll need a rug pad or a piece of heavy canvas as a base.
- Cut a bunch of burlap strips.
- Use a latch hook to pull the strips through the base, creating loops, or just glue them down in a pattern.
The result is a super textured, shaggy rug that looks amazing in a bedroom or a reading nook. Plus, you get to say, “Oh, that old thing? I just whipped it up last weekend.” The look on people’s faces is priceless.
10. Burlap Wall Art
Blank walls are intimidating, but burlap makes them easy.
Textured Canvas
Stretch a piece of burlap over an old canvas frame or a piece of cardboard and staple it to the back.
- You can leave it plain for a simple, textured look.
- Or, you can cut out shapes from felt (like leaves or hearts) and glue them on.
- Use a wooden embroidery hoop to stretch a small circle of burlap, trim the edges, and hang it for a minimalist look.
Ever wondered why decorators always talk about “layering textures”? This is why. It adds depth without needing to be a masterpiece.
11. Burlap and Twine Coasters
Coasters are one of those things you don’t think about until you’re frantically trying to find something to put under a sweaty glass.
Protecting Your Furniture
Cut squares of burlap, about 4×4 inches. Because burlap is so loose, you’ll need to reinforce it.
- Cut two squares for each coaster.
- Glue a piece of felt or thick cardstock between them for stiffness.
- Stitch around the edges with twine using a simple running stitch.
They’re absorbent, they look cute stacked on the coffee table, and they save your wood furniture from those dreaded water rings. You’re welcome.
12. Burlap Lampshade Makeover
This is the “big sister” of the bunch, but it has the biggest visual impact.
Updating Old Lighting
Find an old, plain drum lampshade. It can be stained, ugly, or just boring.
- Use spray adhesive to coat the outside of the shade.
- Carefully roll it in a piece of burlap, smoothing out any bubbles.
- Trim the excess fabric at the top and bottom.
- Use hot glue to secure the edges to the inside of the shade.
Turn on the lamp, and the light glows softly through the burlap weave. It casts the coolest shadows on the wall. I did this to a sad-looking thrift store lamp, and now it’s the focal point of my living room. FYI, make sure the bulb isn’t too hot—LED bulbs are the safest bet here.
Wrapping It Up (Like a Burlap Gift)
So, there you have it. Twelve ways to turn a simple, scratchy fabric into decor that looks like it costs a fortune. The best part about working with burlap is that it’s incredibly forgiving. If you cut it wrong? Fray it. If you get glue everywhere? Call it “texture.” If it wrinkles? It was supposed to do that.
I hope this list got your creative juices flowing. Have you tried any of these? Or do you have a burlap horror story involving a glue gun and a lot of swearing? I’d love to hear about it. Now go forth and make your home look like a charming farmhouse—or at least hide the fact that you haven’t dusted in a week under a layer of rustic burlap. 😉
