One relatively small problem I’ve been putting off solving is that the gorgeous vintage rug I’ve been using in my bathroom in slightly too wide. And doesn’t provide any rug coverage by the toilet. But it’s so perfect in the space. It’s the perfect amount of depth to ground the brightness of the vanity.

But it’s too wide.

Do I cut it? Is that some big offense in the world of design? In the world of vintage rugs? In the world of this rug is freaking fabulous and I don’t want to get rid of it ever but this is the one room it has to be in.

If I don’t cut it, it stays a trip hazard and I still have no rug by the toilet. Which isn’t exactly a must but it’s nice not putting cold feet on cold floor while taking care of those things.

I could get a different vanity. But my husband would kill me. We don’t have the money for a different vanity. And at 18 inches, this is pretty much the smallest depth you can find. Also could go wall mounted, but again, money.

It wouldn’t cost me anything to cut the rugs. Except maybe my self respect.

I took a look at the rugs. It looked like it could be cut without the whole thing unraveling. It wasn’t woven.

I grabbed my supplies:

Sharp Scissors

Liquid Stitch

How To Cut A Vintage Rug Into Bath Rug Shapes

I first folded the rug into the length I’d need for the toilet rug to see if I’d even have enough to do both rugs. It left plenty.

So I took my sharp scissors (Fiskars brand is my favorite when I need a pair of sharp and strong scissors), found a line to follow, held my breath and cut. And I had two pieces of rug.

Cutting the shape around the toilet base was a tad tricky. I first found the points that would sit on the sides of the toilet and the point that would meet the front and cut a “V” from each of those three points. I then felt around the base of the toilet for the point in between each line of the “V” to a broader “V.”

Hopefully that makes sense with the drawing.

And it looks a little something like this.

 

The other rug was simpler to cut since it was just a smaller rectangle to fit in the space.

 

I sealed the edges with the liquid stitches, allowed it to dry and…

If you hate it, I’m really sorry! There’s probably a group of people out there who feel the same way about this as I do about painting good wood furniture. But everything fits now! I’m really happy with it and if you’ve wondered if it can be done, I’ve done it!