This is a simple tutorial for adhering burlap (or any type of fabric) to furniture with Mod Podge. It’s a technique we’ve been using often lately because it’s such an easy way to add unique, pretty details to furniture.
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SUPPLIES
- Mod Podge. A larger container with a wide mouth like this one is easiest.
- Foam Brushes
- Burlap or Fabric. We’ve found almost all the fabric for our projects at JoAnn’s.
Before you get started, take your burlap outside and give it a good shake to get rid of some of the loose fibers, or use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum.
Cut the burlap to size.
Using a foam brush, apply a liberal layer of Mod Podge to the furniture surface. Firmly press the burlap into the Mod Podge. We often use an old credit card to scrape across the surface and ensure the fabric is fully adhered and pushed into any corners tightly. You can see how the Mod Podge soaked through the burlap in the photo below. It looks a bit white while it’s wet but it dries clear.
It’s important to note that after you apply Mod Podge to the burlap, it will sometimes shrink a tiny bit as it dries. For most projects you don’t have to worry about it, but if we’re working on a piece that needs the burlap to be a very specific size, we will sometimes cut it just a tad larger (1/4″ to 1/2″) than needed. Then when it’s almost completely dry we use an X-Acto knife to trim it so it fits perfectly.
Once it’s dry, put another layer of Mod Podge over top of the burlap to seal and protect it. The burlap will be very stiff when it’s completely dry.
And that’s all there is to it. This technique looks especially pretty on drawer fronts. We also found a couple end tables with a recessed top. We adhered burlap to the top then had glass cut to fit the opening. (We’ll be sharing those makeovers next week).
Here’s a couple photos of a dresser we did with burlap drawer fronts. (You can read the full tutorial here).
And here’s a sneak peak of one of the burlap and glass topped tables. Full tutorial coming next week.
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Great tutorial and tips Amy! We bet this method hides damage and imperfections too.We just passed up a piece of furniture that this would have been perfect for, darn it LOL. Thanks for sharing!
This is the perfect technique for hiding damage. I just went to JoAnn’s and found so many new burlap patterns…the last 3 furniture pieces we did all got some! I just love the way it looks.
Love this techniique, I have a table top that is pretty bad and this would certainly help hide it
Thanks, Mary! You’re right, this would be a great technique for covering damage.
Such a great idea, and it looks so wonderful on the dresser AND the side table!
Thanks so much, Jenny!
Awesome tutorial! I just love that dresser and this technique is great to hide imperfections easily.
Love your site – found it a few days ago and subscribed to your email updates, which is great. Find your instructions very helpful and clear – keep it up!!
Lesley
I’m so glad you found us, Lesley! Thanks for your sweet comment and for subscribing!
Hi there! I love this tutorial, I can’t wait to try it out!
I want to use fabric instead of burlap though, so here’s my question: You wrote that the burlap shrinks a little, have you made similar experiences with fabric?
Thank you for the tutorial, and for answering 😉
xoxo Maggie ♥
Hi Maggie! I haven’t noticed any shrinking with fabric, and with burlap it’s very minimal. My guess is it happens to burlap because of the loose weave.
I have two end tables that have glass on the top, and I’d like to add burlap to them like you did here. On mine though, the glass sits into the table and there’s no wood underneath (if that makes sense?). Would it dry clear if I attached the burlap to the bottom of the glass pieces?
Hi Sierra! I like your idea to adhere it under the glass. It does dry clear, but similar to how school glue dries clear- meaning it’s clear but not invisible if that makes sense. If it were me I’d buy a cheap frame at the thrift store and do a trial run on the glass from the frame. If you try it I’d love to hear how it turns out!
LOVE THIS! I have a painted pine buffet with a hutch on top and recently had glass to fit the buffet part but I don’t like how the glass looks over the painted wood. I was thinking of putting fabric under the glass. My question is how do you think the fabric would look under glass that isn’t recessed? The glass on the buffet comes right to the edge of the wood underneath.
I think it could look ok, but I did have a hard time making the edges of the fabric look finishes. Not sure how that would look if it’s not recessed. I would lay the fabric under the glass and just see how it looks. If it looks ok you should go for it! If you’re not feeling the fabric maybe try decoupaging paper instead since it will be thinner and easier to make a clean edge.
Thanks so much for your reply! Yep, I was thinking the same – just put the fabric down by itself. I’ll try the cut raw edge and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try ironing down a 1/2″ edge all around and tucking it under. Experimentation, experimentation! 😉
Great idea to iron down an edge! I wouldn’t have thought to do that. Let me know how it works out!
Will do. Thanks, Amy! 🙂
I use featherweight fuseable interfacing on my burlap. It gives it stability and makes it easier to work with. The facing is so thin it doesn’t hamper with use,
Love your site 🙂 Great explaining how to do projects. Looking forward to receiving your emails.
I want to use burlap on the head and footboard of my bed. The main problem is is that I can’t upright either piece. I would need to do the whole thing vertically. Pipe dream or yes it can be done. Pls help!
You can absolutely do that. The products aren’t super runny and I’ve used it on the sides of a dresser which was vertical. You should be fine!