"Quick tip though: air it out thoroughly first, because burlap can have a pretty strong smell initially."
Good point about the smell—burlap definitely has that earthy aroma at first. I used it once for wall coverings in a small reading nook, and even after airing it out, the scent lingered longer than expected. Eventually faded, but something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to smells.
Have you considered any natural fabric treatments or sealers to help with staining and odor control? I've had decent luck with diluted vinegar solutions or eco-friendly fabric sealants. Curious if anyone else has tried something similar...
I tried diluted vinegar once too, but honestly didn't notice much difference with the burlap smell. Ended up lightly misting it with a lavender essential oil mix—didn't completely mask it, but made it way more tolerable while it aired out...
I've run into similar issues with burlap on a few basement projects. Honestly, vinegar never really did the trick for me either—just ended up smelling like pickled burlap, haha. Essential oils can help temporarily, but they're more of a band-aid solution. What actually worked surprisingly well was sprinkling baking soda over the burlap and letting it sit overnight before vacuuming it off. It absorbs odors pretty effectively without leaving behind any strong scents. Also, if your basement has decent airflow, setting up a couple fans to circulate fresh air can speed things along nicely.
By the way, your fantasy-inspired hangout idea sounds awesome...are you going for a medieval tavern vibe or something more whimsical like fairy lights and hanging lanterns? Either way, burlap definitely fits the aesthetic—just gotta get past that initial funk phase first.
Baking soda's a solid tip—definitely more effective than vinegar. For the fantasy vibe, consider layering sheer fabric or gauzy curtains beneath the burlap. Softens the look, diffuses lighting nicely, and helps mask any lingering odors...just a thought.
Baking soda definitely beats vinegar for odor control, agreed. I'd also suggest playing around with LED strip lighting tucked behind the sheer fabric layers—creates a subtle, magical glow without overheating or fire hazards. Just double-check the fabric's fire rating to be safe...
