We go through a lot of doormats at our house. Between the weather, outdoor animals, and the occasional vandal, doormats regularly make the shopping list. Because of that, we often end up choosing whatever is available — with an emphasis on “settle.”
After coming across a simple tutorial on Yellow Brick Home, we started seriously considering making our own doormat.
The method is straightforward. Start with a plain coir doormat and decide on a design or theme. Create a template using your preferred software, print that template onto heavy cardstock, and carefully cut out a stencil with a sharp, straight blade.
Secure the stencil on the mat with small pieces of tape, then apply matte paint by spraying or brushing through the stencil. Allow the paint to dry completely, and your custom doormat is ready.
This approach opens up endless possibilities — if you enjoy creating, you could make a different design for every mat. Think seasonal motifs, simple patterns, monograms, or a witty welcome message. Coir holds paint well and is durable for outdoor use, and stencils let you get clean, repeatable shapes even if you don’t consider yourself an artist.
To get the best results:
- Choose a high-quality coir mat with a tight, even surface to make stenciling easier.
- Use heavyweight cardstock or plastic for stencils so they won’t tear or shift while you paint.
- Test paints on a scrap of coir or a hidden corner to confirm adhesion and color before working on the whole mat.
- Pin or tape the stencil firmly in place and dab or brush paint rather than flooding the stencil to avoid bleeding under the edges.
- Consider using outdoor acrylic or porch paint for better durability in wet and sunny conditions.
With a little practice, you can produce durable, attractive doormats that match your home’s style and make replacements less frequent. The project is inexpensive, customizable, and a quick way to add personality to an entryway.
What would your ideal doormat look like? Share your ideas or favorite design concepts in the comments.
Photo: Flickr.com/photos/75001512@N00/231461607/