Canvas drop cloths are sheets that protect floors, appliances, and furniture from paint, dust, and debris. They’re perfect for covering your space and catching spills, particles, and dirt while you paint or do other home improvements. But these clothes actually have other uses than just soaking up your paint drips.
Drop cloths are one of the most versatile home improvement items because you can also turn these affordable fabric sheets into anything from curtains to room dividers. Here are five alternative uses for drop cloths to enhance your home’s decor and function.
1. Pet Covers
Pets are part of the family, and Fido and Fluffy probably feel perfectly comfortable climbing up on your upholstered furniture. Save your sofas and chairs from dirty paws by covering them with drop clothes.
Your pets can lounge and play wherever they please while the covers protect against fur, stains, and scratches. The thick canvas material resists biting and scratching; just opt for a lightweight, low-cost cloth around 3 to 6 millimeters thick.
For high-traffic areas prone to dirt, moisture, and accidents, use two drop cloth layers rather than one. The extra protection helps capture messes while keeping your upholstery damage-free.
2. Sun Shields
The sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays, combined with dust, can damage wood and upholstered furniture over time. This damage risk increases for homes left vacant long-term without climate control or regular upkeep, like a vacation home.
Prolonged sunlight exposure can fade fabrics, and dust can break down wood finishes. That’s why proper furniture coverage is essential if no one will live in or maintain a home for extended periods.
You don’t need fancy specialty dust covers that cost $70 to $150 each — simple canvas drop cloths work do the trick.
Inexpensive drop cloths provide UV protection comparable to commercial covers at a fraction of the price. Measure furnishings precisely and trim drop cloth sizes as needed for a custom fit. Secure edges with painter’s tape to guard against dust infiltration.
3. Stenciled Tablecloth
You can make any outdoor dining experience special with a personalized drop cloth tablecloth.
First, gather the supplies: a drop cloth, fabric-safe paint, stencils, and a stencil brush from the craft store. Feeling extra creative? Make custom stencils from paper and scissors.
Next, cover your picnic table with newspaper. Position the drop cloth on top and lay down your stencil. Then dab paint over the stencil onto the fabric using a lightly loaded brush — a little paint goes a long way. Reapply sparingly for bolder colors.
For best results, pre-wash the drop cloth in detergent to remove factory coatings that could block paint adhesion. Let the damp fabric fully air dry before painting. Start with light mist coats, building opacity with extra layers. For a truly one-of-a-kind look, dye the drop cloth first before adding decorative accents.
4. Room Divider
Unless you live in a fully customized home suited perfectly to your family’s current needs, you may experience space constraints. Often, the issue isn’t about the total square footage but the lack of flexible partition solutions to repurpose areas.
Large open rooms like garages can benefit tremendously from DIY barriers creating defined activity zones. But building new walls is expensive and means dealing with construction hassles.
A drop cloth is a simple and functional solution. A curtain divider made from drop cloths delivers customizable room division on the cheap. You’ll need drop cloths, metal pipes, fittings, and curtain mounting clips or tabs.
First, measure your space and cut drop cloth panels to size, leaving extra for draping overlays. Then, mount steel ceiling tracks or vertical poles to hang panels. For rooms that may be noisy, layer two drop cloths to dampen sound transmission between areas. Adding insulation batting between panel layers also curbs noise interference.
Watch the video: ‘How to Hang a Garage Curtain Made from Drop Cloths’
5. Outdoor Curtains
By decorating patios for comfort and ambiance, homeowners can expand living areas to include outdoor spaces. First, address basics like seating, lighting, and floor coverings during patio planning. Don’t overlook those finishing touches that elevate the design, like plants, artwork, and curtains.
It’s simple to install an awning with drop cloths, rods, and clips. Use only exterior-rated dye on drop cloths, allowing 72+ hours to fully cure before exposing to elements. For stability, even in wind and rain, anchor steel rods firmly into surrounding walls or rafters with a forward slope so water runs off.
So, Is Using a Drop Cloth a Practical Home Decor Option?
With some creativity, drop cloths transform easily from protective sheets into decorative interior design elements. Their affordability and durability provide homeowners with the freedom to experiment.
Don’t limit yourself to basic canvas colors. For visual interest, customize them first with dye, paint, and stencils before hanging them as curtains or covers. Layer drop cloths when thicker partitions or sound insulation are needed. Mix with other frugal DIY finds like sheets or tablecloths to make uniquely personal creations.
While less refined than store-bought items, upcycled drop cloth projects have handcrafted charm at a fraction of typical costs, especially if you use smart hems or edge treatments.
FAQs About Using Drop Cloths for Home Decor
What are some good places to buy inexpensive drop cloths?
Check hardware stores, home improvement centers, paint shops, or online retailers for the best deals. Buying in bulk means the cloths will be cheaper.
Should I treat drop cloths before using them decoratively indoors?
Yes, first launder new drop cloths with mild detergent to remove possible chemical residues from manufacturing. This prepares them for safer decorative use inside your home.
What’s the difference between a drop cloth and a canvas painter’s tarp?
They are virtually identical — both are made of thick woven cotton/poly blends. Drop cloths tend to come in smaller sizes focused on furniture coverage, while tarps are much larger for exterior applications. Either works inventively for DIY interior decor.
How do I ensure fire safety with drop cloth panels used as curtains or room dividers?
Uncoated canvas is naturally fire-resistant compared to fabric curtains around heat sources. For added flame protection, treat the drop cloth panels with a commercial fireproofing spray. Don’t place them near open flames, regardless of treatment.
Can I machine wash decorated drop-cloth curtains if they get dusty or dirty?
Yes, you can gently launder drop cloths in cold water in a delicate setting. Avoid hot water or heat drying to prevent damaging painted designs and colors. Let them air dry, then rehang.
