8 Genius Ways to Reuse an Old Rug, According to Experts
It’s time to cut a rug...and turn it into something new.
As far as we’re concerned, a great rug is the gift that keeps on giving. A plush underfoot? An anchor for your living room furniture? A stylish surface? Check, check, and check. Plus, even when it’s time to buy another rug, you can always extend the lifespan of your old layer by creating something new.
You might think to give a second life to a worn-to-perfection pair of jeans or bedding that’s on its last limbs, but a rug may not be as obvious. After all, there’s a good chance yours is covered with coffee stains, pet hair, and muddy footprints. However, with a thorough clean, your rug is ultimately just another textile with lots of potential. “There’s a lot of room for creativity, since rugs are so different and versatile,” says Grace Wu, textiles product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “I’d say it depends on size, rigidity, and structure.”
Looking for inspiration? We have you covered. Below, see eight clever ways to reuse an old rug. Just when you thought your rug gave all that it could, it’s packed with even more surprises.
Reupholster Furniture
Wu encourages you to treat thinner rugs like scrap pieces of fabric. Turns out, your old rug can double as incredible upholstery. Let this space from Ellie Christopher show you how it’s done. “I once saw a hotel lobby reception desk wrapped in overlapping Persian rugs and it completely transformed the space,” explains the Birmingham designer. “There’s something exciting about using these textiles in unexpected, off-the-wall ways: It gives them a second life.”
Christopher reimagined bar stools and tight-back French armchairs in antique, Oriental rugs, giving them a time-honored touch.
Put it on a Pillow
Similarly, you can craft a cushion out of your scrap pieces. “Turning old Persian, Turkish, Pakistani, and Indian rugs into pillows is a great reuse for these loved treasures,” says Nureed Saeed of Nu Interiors. “They have tons of character and depending on how they are pieced together, the process can bring a new art form and life to an old piece.” Let this space, courtesy of the California and New Jersey-based designer, show you how it’s done.
Cut Coasters
“Thicker rugs are a little more difficult to DIY if you’re intent on cutting them up,” Wu explains. “But they’re a good option for projects that don't require a flexible material.” One of her favorite ideas? Transforming your chunky layer into a coaster. Not only will the thick material ward off water rings, but it’ll also add a cute, personable touch to your tabletop decor. It’s almost like little rugs for your stemware and coffee mugs!
Turns out, designers also love this tip. “They’re far more interesting than anything store-bought and look lovely on a coffee table even when they’re not in use,” adds Natasia Smith, co-founder of Re-Find.
Layer Over Your Couch
For an unexpected approach, lean into your rug’s rich history. “Traditionally, Moroccan rugs were woven by Amazigh women for nomadic or semi-nomadic communities, where textiles needed to be both beautiful and highly practical,” says Tiberio Lobo-Navia, co-founder of Beni, which brings a more streamlined approach to buying a Moroccan rug. “Because families moved seasonally, rugs had to be durable, portable, and adaptable.”
Lobo-Navia says the shaggy nature of some Moroccan lends itself to being layered over furniture—be it wooden armchair or upholstered sofa. “They make things incredibly cozy,” he says.
Line Your Storage
If your rug is past its prime, consider using it as a liner for your storage setups around the house. While Wu recommends applying smaller strips to your shoe rack to keep dirt and debris from getting all over your floors, she says this trick can extend far beyond your home’s foyer. “I use old towels to line my trunk, but a rug would be even better because they often have non-slip backings,” she adds.
Pet-Proof Your Pad
You might be done with your worn rug, but we have a feeling your fuzzy bestie will happily accept the hand-me-down. “Higher pile rugs can be a bit more rigid, but they're great at trapping warmth,” Wu says. “They'll work well as pet bed liners.” If Fido already has a cozy sleeping arrangement, look to other areas.
“We love placing a small vintage rug beneath a pet food station,” says Sandy Baisley, co-founder of Re-Find. “It instantly elevates the moment while quietly catching the inevitable spills.”
Try the Tapestry Treatment
Unless you took a minimalist approach to your underfoot, there’s a good chance your rug has an incredible pattern. So, why not show it off? Lobo-Navia loves to use rugs as tapestries.
However, if you are planning to turn your rug into art, it needs to be cared for properly. Lobo-Navia recommends investing in a good vacuum and rug pad, rotating it every six to 12 months, and preventing fading with sheers or a UV-filtering window film.
Turn It Into a Table Runner
Take your dinner party decor up a couple of notches by transforming your rug into a table runner. For the most stylish (and stain-resistant) results, opt for a thinner, machine-washable rug. That way, you can keep the party fouls to a minimum.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance journalist who has over a decade of experience in print and digital media. She covers interior design and lifestyle content for a breadth of publications, including Good Housekeeping, Country Living, House Beautiful, Veranda, and more. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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