Burlap is the 'best friend' of the budget-conscious decorator. It is affordable, incredibly durable, and brings a necessary organic contrast to the sleek metals and glass found in modern homes. Whether you are buying burlap by the yard for a large-scale project or looking for pre-cut printed burlap fabric for small crafts, the possibilities for customization are endless.
Whether you are buying burlap by the yard or using printed burlap fabric, here are 20 ideas to get you started:
1-7: Weddings & Events (The 'Burlap and Lace' Collection)
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Table Runners: The most popular use. Layer cream lace over natural burlap for an instant rustic table setting.
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Wrapped Mason Jars: Use hot glue to wrap burlap around jars, topped with a delicate lace bow for DIY vases.
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Favor Bags: Small 4x6 burlap pouches for seeds or coffee beans.
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Silverware Holders: Folded burlap squares sewn with a lace trim to hold forks and knives.
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Chair Sashes: Wide strips of burlap tied in large bows around wooden cross-back chairs.
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Ring Bearer Pillows: A small square of burlap stuffed with poly-fill and decorated with a single lace flower.
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Wedding Banners: Triangular 'Just Married' pennants cut from stiffened burlap.
8-14: Home Decor & Soft Furnishings
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No-Sew Curtains: Use clip-on rings with white burlap for a breezy, linen-look window treatment.
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Decorative Pillows: Use printed burlap fabric (like French script or botanical prints) for a vintage vibe.
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Ottoman Re-upholstery: Use heavy-duty upholstery burlap to give an old footstool a textured makeover.
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Lampshade Covers: Wrap a plain drum shade in burlap for a warm, filtered light effect.
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Framed Wall Art: Use black burlap as a background for mounting pressed flowers or white-painted stencils.
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Wreaths: Create a 'bubble' wreath by looping burlap ribbon through a wire frame.
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Bed Skirts: A simple, ruffled burlap skirt adds a farmhouse touch to any master suite.
15-20: Functional & Holiday Projects
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Message Boards: Stretch burlap over a corkboard—it holds pins perfectly and hides the holes!
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Christmas Tree Skirts: A large circle of red burlap with a fringed edge.
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Storage Bins: Line wire baskets with burlap to hide clutter while maintaining an airy look.
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Table Mats: Stenciled round burlap circles used as heat-resistant chargers.
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Garden Aprons: Use laminated burlap (waterproof) to sew a sturdy apron for carrying tools.
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Furniture Strapping: Use upholstery strapping as a decorative element on the back of open-frame chairs.
Next is sample
1. The Classic Duo: Burlap and Lace for Weddings
Burlap and Lace for Weddings
Nothing defines 'Rustic Elegance' quite like the pairing of burlap and lace. The contrast between the rugged jute fibers and delicate lace creates a timeless, country-chic aesthetic.
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Table Runners: Layer a strip of cream lace over a 10oz natural burlap runner for a sophisticated center line on guest tables.
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Wrapped Mason Jars: Use hot glue to secure a band of burlap around a jar, then wrap a thinner strip of lace over the top for a beautiful DIY vase.
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Favor Bags: Small burlap pouches tied with lace ribbons and a sprig of dried lavender are perfect for guests to take home.
2. Furniture Revivals: Using Upholstery Burlap
Burlap upholstery strapping
If you are restoring a vintage chair, you’ll need more than just standard craft burlap. Burlap upholstery strapping (jute webbing) is the structural foundation for many antique seats.
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Upholstery Strapping: Use red-stripe or green-stripe jute webbing to provide a heavy-duty support system for springs in chairs and ottomans.
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Slipcovers and Ottomans: Burlap upholstery fabric is a denser, tighter weave that can withstand the daily friction of seating while giving your furniture a high-end, textured look.
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Headboards: Stretching ironed burlap over a wooden headboard frame adds a neutral, tactile focal point to a bedroom without the high cost of custom upholstery.
3. Adding Drama with Colored and Printed Burlap
colored burlap
Don't limit yourself to 'natural' tan. Using colored burlap allows you to tailor your projects to specific rooms and moods.
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Black Burlap: Provides a bold, modern edge. It’s perfect for grounding a room when used as window treatments or framed wall art.
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White Burlap: Offers a cleaner, 'shabby chic' look that mimics expensive linen once washed and softened.
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Red Burlap: A favorite for holiday decor, from Christmas tree skirts to Valentine's Day 'burlap hearts' filled with lavender.
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Printed Burlap Fabric: Look for motifs like French script, botanical leaves, or grain sack stripes to create instant vintage-inspired throw pillows.
Smart Shopping: Where to Buy Burlap?
When you’re ready to start your project, your choice of store can impact both your wallet and your results. Here is how the big players compare:
| Retailer | Best For | Pro Tip |
| Amazon | Bulk Rolls and specialty items like printed burlap fabric. | Best for 'burlap by the yard' in large quantities with fast shipping. |
| Hobby Lobby | Home decor accents and seasonal colored burlap. | Wait for their 'Home Decor' or 'Fabric' sales (usually 40% off) for the best value. |
| Joann Fabrics | Technical sewing and high-quality upholstery burlap. | Use the Joann app for a 40-50% off one item coupon; they have a larger selection of apparel-grade jute. |
Summary and Conclusion
Whether you are wrapping a simple candle in burlap and lace or restructuring a family heirloom with upholstery strapping, burlap remains the most cost-effective way to add 'personality' to your space. Its versatility across colors—from the drama of black burlap to the softness of white burlap—ensures it can fit into any design scheme. By choosing the right weave and weight for your specific task, you can achieve a 'designer' look on a DIY budget.