Finding large statement art without spending a small fortune or looking cheap has been a quest not far from finding the Holy Grail. Well, for me at least.
A quick glance in the clearance/as is section at IKEA led me to this Craig Green Birds rug for $50. I circled it like a vulture a few times, and every time I fell more in love with this bold rug that had all of Rodgersville's colors. Then the impulsive voice in my head said "buy it and figure out what to do with it later."
Why is it in the moment you find a killer deal, you feel you must rush to get it in your cart like you're protecting it from The Knights Templar as they are galloping towards you to steal back the Holy Grail? Side note: There was only one other person in the clearance area at the time. I had no idea what I would do with it once I got it home but it didn’t take long after bringing it home to make a bold choice to build a frame and hang it on our large entryway wall.
Supplies
- A partner with math and measuring skills ( I have none of those skills )
- .5 common pine 1/2 in x 4 in x 8ft boards
- 2 boxes of cut tacks
- Chop saw
- 1 1/12 in drywall screws
Method
First things first. Measure the wall. Measure the rug.
Finding the right placement on the wall was pretty easy since that the rug would only fit on a specific location on the wall. It took away a lot of the guess work. We are dealing with roof and beam angles and a curved staircase.
The first step was figuring out the length to cut the boards. My math and measuring skill partner determined this by taking the rug width minus 1/2 inch to cover the board, and 2 inches for the layover, times 2 for each side. (70" rug - 5" for rug layover = awesome). We cut the boards at 45's on the ends. The fifth board was cut to four equal pieces approximately 2 feet long, cut at a 45 degree angle, with braces added to the corners.
I have to admit the results of this project blew even me away. I knew it would be bold and colorful but sometimes that just translates to gaudy. I truly had no idea how much it would pull together everything in our main level. It was exactly what the space needed.
Another pro to this DIY is the versatility. You better believe I will be utilizing this for future client projects. The rug doesn't have to have giant parrots on it, nor does it need tons of color. The texture and pattern could be exactly what your blank giant wall needs. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for clearance rugs.
*Tip* Make sure it is a weaved rug with no stiff backing, otherwise you will not be able to achieve the flat wrapped canvas look.