Top 5 DIY mat designs that are frugal too

Top 5 DIY mat designs that are frugal too

Have you ever thought of making your own doormat? Believe it or not, the process is easier than it seems. Doormats in general, are not that expensive; and yet, some would rather make them than buy them. It’s fun to craft something interesting and useful; especially when you’re doing it with the people you love most. Having a doormat at the entrance can say a lot about your household. Gloomy, unappealing mats usually indicate you’re a boring type of owner; on the other hand, funny, corky, amusing mats, show that you have a sense of humor, and that you can be an excellent host.

1. Cork doormat

If you happen to have a few hundred wine corks and you don’t know what to do with them, how about making a cork doormat? Here’s what you need to get started: about 300 corks for a 30×50 mat, wire, eyelets or metal grommets, and some wire cutlers pliers. Decide on a pattern; your mat can either be square, rectangular, or have an oval shape. You can place the corks really close to each other, or maintain a distance to give it a more minimalistic appeal.

To keep the mat in place, use a solid base made from a material that doesn’t slide, such as rubber for instance. You may need some glue at well. And if you’re not pleased with the natural color of the corks, you can always paint yours in a different color.

Cork Doormat

2. Braided doormat

Another frugal idea for a doormat is the braided doormat. You can use rope or old clothes to make an interesting, eco-friendly mat for your entryway. Woven rugs bought from design stores can be pretty expensive; so if you can’t afford to spend money on such an interesting décor piece for the hallway, making one is a much better alternative. The making process is easier to accomplish that meets the eye.

Prepare about 100 feet of rope and section it in 3 parts. Each part should have an equal number of threads (let’s say 20). And then, you can start braiding like you usually do with your hair. Have a shape in mind too, and at the end use glue to fix the rug together. Enjoy the end result; you’ve worked hard for it!

3. Recycled wood doormat

Recycled wood can have so many added uses. If you need a doormat for your porch and you’ve got an old bench you’re not using anymore, chop it up and turn it into a doormat. This DIY idea is not something women can do though; unless you’re comfortable with using a wood chopper.  After the pieces of wood have been cut and resized, use rope to tie them together. It’s such a simple and fun project to try out with your loved one on a Sunday afternoon.

Recycled Wood Doormat

4. Mosaic tile doormat

A tile doormat is not something you see every day. However, if you’re trying to impress your guests, the idea is surely ingenious. Supplies that you need to get the project started: tile backer board (1 piece 20 x 30 inches), a design template at your choosing, black & white tiles, a hammer and ready-to-use sanded grout (white).

5. Stenciled coir doormats

Coir doormats are ideal for entryways. The material is cheap, weather-resistant and efficient. However, most models are plain and simple. If you hate the boring brown shade of coir, you can always stencil your mat to make it more interesting. You can add a “welcome” message, or stencil something funny like “go away”, “we’re never home”, and so on. Your guests will certainly appreciate your humor and sense of originality. Leaving aside funny messages, how about stenciling shapes and patterns, figures, photos and so on? This will say a lot about your household, and people will love to stop by.

Stenciled Coir Doormats

Are you ready to have the most beautifully crafted doormat? As opposite to mass-produced mats that are not always of the highest quality, DIY mats are unique. Nobody else will have one just like yours, and your home will surely have a special appeal other homes won’t. Try out a fun DIY project, getting the kids involved, and having the best time.