Finding the Right Placemats for Your Wall Art
A few months ago I stared at my blank bedroom wall and felt that familiar itch to make it feel more like mine. I had a tiny budget and no patience for complicated projects. That is when I stumbled on the idea of using placemats as wall art. I know it sounds simple, but the result genuinely surprised me. The trick is picking placemats that have enough structure to hang nicely. Flimsy paper ones will sag, while stiff woven or fabric placemats hold their shape and add real texture.
I started by raiding the kitchen section at a local thrift store. You want to look for patterns that feel intentional, not just dining table leftovers. Think geometric weaves, bold stripes, or subtle botanical prints. I found a set of four rectangular seagrass placemats that looked almost like framed art when hung vertically. If you prefer a softer look, try cotton or linen placemats with a bit of stiffness from interfacing. The key is to run your hand over them and imagine how they will catch light on the wall.
Choosing a Color Palette for Your Bedroom Decor
Your bedroom decor should feel cohesive, so pick placemats that talk to the colors you already have. I went with warm neutrals because my bedspread is a sandy beige and my curtains are off-white. The seagrass placemats added a natural tan tone that blended perfectly. If your room has a bolder accent color, look for placemats that pull that color into the art. A deep teal placemat against a pale wall can become a striking focal point.
I recommend limiting yourself to two or three colors at most. Too many competing hues will make the wall feel busy rather than curated. For a calm bedroom, stick with one dominant shade and one accent. You can also spray paint plain fabric placemats if you cannot find the exact color. I tried that with a set of cream placemats and a can of dusty blue paint, and it worked beautifully. Just make sure to use fabric spray paint and let them dry completely before hanging.
Simple Supplies You Already Have at Home
You do not need a trip to the craft store for this project. Here is what I used and what you probably have lying around:
- Placemats (your chosen set)
- Command strips or poster tape for damage free hanging
- Ruler and pencil for even spacing
- Scissors if you need to trim edges
- Level (or a smartphone with a level app)
That is really it. I did not use frames or glue because I wanted the placemats to stay flexible and flat. If your placemats are very lightweight, you can even use removable mounting putty. I prefer Command strips because they hold well on painted drywall and peel off cleanly later. Just make sure to follow the weight guidelines on the package. Most placemats are light enough for small strips.
How to Attach Placemats to the Wall Without Damage
Attaching placemats to the wall is easier than you think. I tested two methods. The first was using double sided tape along the top edge. That worked for a day, but the placemats curled slightly at the corners. The second method, which I stuck with, uses two small Command strips on the back of each placemat: one near the top center, one near the bottom center. This keeps them flat and prevents sagging over time.
Before sticking anything, lay your placemats on the floor and arrange them in the pattern you want. I measured the wall space and marked light pencil dots where each strip would go. Then I pressed the strips onto the mat, peeled the backing, and pressed the mat to the wall. Hold it for 30 seconds. For a single large placemat as a statement piece, use four strips, one near each corner. My favorite arrangement ended up being three placemats in a vertical column. It looks like a modern triptych and cost me under ten dollars.
Arranging Placemats as a Gallery Wall or Statement Piece
You can treat placemats like affordable art panels. A gallery wall with five or six place
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