7 Dazzling DIY Decor Projects Using Burlap

Burlap has come a long way from its lowly origins. This natural fabric was traditionally known as a sturdy but coarse cloth, used to make sacksfor food products like potatoes or coffee. Wovenfrom jute or sisal fibers, burlap started its "career" in home improvement as a backing for floor coverings such as carpet and linoleum. In the past few years, though, the humble fabric has moved on up to a starring role in the field of interior decoration. Why is burlap so beloved by designers and crafters? Well, its homey good looks helpit blend perfectly with fashionably shabby decor, butit's equally capable of providinga whimsical touch atupscale eventslike weddings. It can add a special style to any room of the house ... or your outdoor living space. Try one or more of these burlap inspirations to get your home ready for a fabulous fall.

Burlap is perfect for creating colorfully unique throw pillows to accent your living room sofa or your patio swing. Stencil the fabric, screen print it, or simply hand paint to get the personalized look you love.

Dress your table up or down, as the mood strikes you, with a cheery burlap runner. FYI, the famous fibrous fabric now comes in a rainbow of colors and prints, in addition to traditional gunnysack beige. Do take note, though, that burlap tends to be scratchy, so you might not want to rest your elbows directly on the runner.

Welcoming front door wreaths are always in fashion, especially when they are made of quirky burlap rather than the more usual evergreen branches, garden flowers, or foliage. Add in a few contrast fabrics (anyone for gold lame, perhaps?) and you'll announce to visitors that your home is one of a kind. PS: Great for curb appeal!

There is something so incredibly charming about a hanging planter filled with bright blooms. The unexpected touch of an authentic burlap bag as the plant holder takes the idea up yet another notch. Attach to a chain link fence for the ultimate in urban outdoor chic.