This IKEA Rug Hack Makes The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Urban Outfitters Dupe

It's not always easy to justify the financial splurge on home decor at Urban Outfitters, despite how irresistible their products may be. Well, what if we told you that you can get the Urban Outfitters look for a fraction of the price? Instagram user @tinalemac has created a genius DIY dupe of the now sold-out Mariana Tile Digital Printed Chenille Rug from Urban Outfitters. The savvy artist produced a beautiful copy of the popular rug using one of the least expensive rugs at IKEA, which costs just $4. You can recreate this amazing budget-friendly dupe by purchasing the SORTSÖ rug from IKEA, painter's tape, acrylic paint, paint markers, and a waterproof spray. The catch is that you will also need to rely on your artistic skills, but don't worry, that's what stencils are for.

There are so many affordable dupes for home items from Urban Outfitters out there that are worth trying. Plus, doing it yourself is more fun and rewarding than putting it on your credit card. This DIY will let you showcase your artistic abilities and create trendy home decor with personalized charm. Alternatively, you can display it on the wall or paint it vertically instead of horizontally and hang it on the door. Let's dive into everything you need to know before you get started on this creative DIY.

Once you've acquired your SORTSÖ rug, you'll need measuring tape, painter's tape, regular acrylic paint, and acrylic paint markers from your local art supply store, as well as Scotchgard spray ($10 on Amazon). Unless you prefer the look of freehand art, you can purchase stencils for the most precise and error-free results. There is a wide selection for sale at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, including mandalas, flowers, animals, geometric patterns, and letters. 

There are a few important tips to know before you start painting fabric. Although the rug is woven and more durable than regular cotton fabric, laying extra material underneath your work surface and using thin layers of paint will prevent it from bleeding or becoming stiff. Make certain you also give the paint enough time to dry, perhaps working in sections, to prevent accidental smudges as you work.

To start painting your rug, determine the edges of the border with your tape measure and painter's tape. Paint the border, and then create your grid with measuring tape, painter's tape, and paint. The original rug from Urban Outfitters has a grid with three rows of four tiles, but you can modify this to suit your artistic vision. Next comes the fun part of bringing the panels to life with your acrylic paint or markers. The markers are best suited for hand drawing; if you are using stencils, apply regular paint with a smaller paintbrush. Once complete and fully dry, which could take up to two hours, treat the entire surface with Scotchgard and admire your work on your floor, wall, or ceiling.