DIY Halloween Doormats 🎃👻

Want to greet your trick-or-treaters with something spook-tacular? Making your own Halloween doormat is easier (and cheaper) than you think! Here’s how I made mine — it’s lasted over a year and still going strong.

PSA: That link right there? It’ll take you straight to the item. And if you grab it, I might earn a smidge—basically enough to keep my Walmart & Dollar Tree trips alive. 😂

What You’ll Need:

• Plain coir doormat (the scratchy natural fiber kind — holds paint best)

• Acrylic paint (regular craft paint works fine!)

• Fabric softener (optional, but helps the paint stay flexible so it doesn’t crack)

• Paint brushes or sponge brushes

• Stencil (store-bought, Cricut-cut, or DIY cardboard cutout)

• Clear Flex Seal spray (to seal and protect your design)

• Painter’s tape (if you want clean edges around your stencil)

Step 1: Prep Your Doormat

Lay your coir doormat on a flat surface. Shake off any loose fibers. If you’re using a stencil, tape it down securely so it doesn’t shift.

Step 2: Mix Your Paint

Pour your acrylic paint into a cup or dish. For extra durability, stir in a splash of fabric softener (about 1 part fabric softener to 3 parts paint). This keeps the design from stiffening and cracking.

Step 3: Dab, Don’t Brush

Use a sponge brush or stiff paintbrush and dab the paint straight down into the coir fibers. Don’t try to sweep it on like you’re painting a wall — pressing the paint in helps it last longer and look bolder.

Step 4: Layer It Up

One coat usually isn’t enough! Let the first coat dry, then go back over with a second (or even third) until your design is nice and solid.

Step 5: Seal the Deal

Once your design is completely dry, spray an even coat of clear Flex Seal over the entire painted area. This step is key! It locks the paint in, protects it from rain and foot traffic, and helps your mat last season after season.

Step 6: Dry & Display

Let it cure for 24 hours, then put it out by your door! Add a layered rug underneath for extra cuteness (black and white buffalo check works great for Halloween).

✨ Pro tip: I first made one of these for a bridal shower gift, and y’all… it’s been outside for a year now and still looks amazing. So trust me when I say — this works!

Design Ideas 🦇👻