You ever walk into someone’s home, glance down, and immediately smile at their doormat? Yeah. That lil’ mat can do more than just wipe mud off your boots—it’s your front door’s first impression. And lucky for all of us who love a good ol’ home project, making your own DIY doormat is stupidly simple, wildly fun, and surprisingly addictive.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to be an artist or even crafty. Just a mat, a stencil (or even a printed design and a lil’ bit of patience), some outdoor paint, and you’re ready to roll. Or dab. Or sponge. Whatever.
Let’s jump into these 11 fun DIY doormats that’re so easy, you’ll wanna make one for every season, mood, and maybe your neighbor’s cat too.
1. The Classic “Hello” Mat That Never Goes Outta Style
This is the mat that says, “Yeah, I’m friendly—but like, not too friendly.”
All you need is a simple coir mat (you can find one cheap at IKEA or even dollar stores), black outdoor paint, and a bold “HELLO” stencil. Tape the stencil down tight. Sponge that paint on with short, dabby motions. Don’t drag the brush or it’ll look like your mat cried.
Let it dry for a day, then boom. It’s ready to greet guests and postmen alike.
2. “Hope You Brought Wine” – The Sassy Welcome
This one’s for the party people. The wine lovers. The “I pretend to like white wine but secretly just want a strong cab” crowd.
Use a script font stencil to make it look like you wrote it on a chalkboard. Black paint looks clean, but deep burgundy? That’s the mood.
You can even paint lil’ wine glasses on the corners if you’re feelin’ fancy. It’s a small way to say, “come in, unwind, and yes, the snacks are already out.”
3. The Wavy Rainbow Design That Screams Joy
Skip the words. Go full color.
Cut out a big rainbow stencil using cardboard or acetate sheets. Use pastel shades for a soft vibe or go bold with neons if you’re more of a “I dye my dog’s fur for fun” kinda person.
Sponge one color at a time, letting each arc dry before doing the next. The result? A groovy, wavy rainbow that makes everyone happy—even your delivery guy.
4. The Custom Last Name Mat (Fancy Pants Style)
If you’re trying to be grown-up but still wanna DIY it, go for this one.
Create a stencil with your last name and maybe the year you moved in: The Martells, Est. 2023. Classy, right?
Use a serif font to keep it elegant. Dab gently with black or navy-blue paint. Looks like it cost $60 on Etsy—but it was made in your living room with coffee stains on the table. No one needs to know.
5. “Shoes Off, Drama Off” – Your Sassiest Creation Yet
This one’s a mood.
Cut out your stencil letters big and blocky. You want people to read it before they even reach for their shoelaces. Add a lil’ cartoon shoe graphic if you’re extra like that.
This doormat gets laughs. But it also makes a point. Drama stays outside. So do the crusty boots.
6. The Spooky Ghost Mat for Halloween Vibes
White ghosties. Black background. Maybe some orange stars tossed around.
This stencil mat is a seasonal fave. You can hand-cut some cute ghost shapes or use a Cricut if you’re fancy with tech. Paint in layers. Start with the ghosts. Then dot the stars or spider webs.
Seal it with a weatherproof spray and you’ve got the cutest haunted entryway in the ‘hood.
7. “Dog Hair, Don’t Care” for Pet Parents Who Gave Up
This one hits home for anyone who’s ever lint-rolled their entire life away.
Use a bold paw print stencil and add that cheeky phrase underneath. Brown and black paint look natural on the coir mat, but hey, neon green paw prints? Iconic.
Optional: Add a little silhouette of your pup. Bonus points if it’s a cartoon version with its tongue sticking out.
8. Geometric Vibes for the Artsy Souls
No words here—just angles.
Triangles, diamonds, chevrons. You name it. Stencil your shapes, tape them off cleanly, and go wild with color blocks.
This one’s oddly therapeutic. Feels like you’re solving a puzzle but with paint. And your front door turns into a mini art gallery.
9. “Not You Again” – For That Level of Humor
This mat is not for the faint of heart. But it is hilarious.
Stencil it in a sarcastic cursive. You want it to feel like it was said with a fake smile and passive-aggressive tone. Pair it with pink paint and some hearts just to really confuse people.
Your friends will laugh. Your enemies will get the hint. Your UPS guy will be mildly concerned.
10. Cactus Cutie with “Stay Sharp” Message
A sweet lil’ desert-themed mat that doesn’t feel like you’re trying too hard.
Stencil in a few cactuses (or is it cacti?) and write “Stay Sharp” underneath. Use shades of green and tan, maybe a pop of coral.
Perfect for summer vibes, or if you just really love succulents. Which, let’s be honest, you probably do if you’ve read this far.
11. “Come Back With Tacos” – Your True Priorities
This one’s not even a joke. It’s a plea.
Use a taco stencil (yes, they exist—check Etsy or just print and cut one out). Paint it bright yellow with a lil’ green and red for toppings. Then stencil in the text right below.
Add a small sombrero in the corner for bonus spice. Your guests will laugh. And maybe even return with tacos. Manifest it.
Tips for Making Any Stenciled Doormat:
- Use a stiff bristle brush or a sponge. Don’t use soft brushes—they smear and bleed. It’s like using a spoon to cut steak. Nope.
- Press, don’t stroke. Blot the paint into the stencil. Tapping gently avoids bleeding under the stencil.
- Always tape the stencil down tight. If it moves even a lil’, you’ll end up with wiggly letters that look like your toddler helped. (Unless that’s the vibe you’re going for.)
- Use outdoor paint or fabric paint. Regular craft paint will fade or wash away. And that’ll just break your crafty lil’ heart.
- Let it dry for at least 24 hours. Paint can feel dry on top but still be damp underneath. Be patient or you’ll end up with shoe prints on your masterpiece.
- Seal it, especially if it rains a lot where you live. A clear weatherproof sealant keeps the colors crisp and your design from peeling off mid-season.
Bonus Idea: Make a Bunch and Gift Them
Seriously. DIY doormats make the cutest gifts. Customize one for your friend’s new apartment, your sister’s birthday, or your coworker who just got a puppy.
Wrap it in kraft paper, add a bow, and boom—better than any candle or “live, laugh, love” plaque they’ll pretend to like.
DIY Doormats Are Your New Personality
One stencil and suddenly your front porch’s got vibes. Whether you’re snarky, sweet, festive, or somewhere in between—there’s a doormat waiting to be born from your brain.
Best part? You don’t need to be rich, artistic, or even sober (just sayin’).
Just grab a mat, paint, and let your inner weirdo shine through. Because nothing says “welcome” like a mat that’s totally, 100% you.
And hey, if you mess it up? It’s literally a mat. People are stepping on it anyway.
Now go make something ridiculous. Or clever. Or downright adorable. Just don’t be boring.
