If you are looking for a cottage style placemat DIY that works both on the dinner table and as a pretty piece of wall art, you have come to the right spot. This simple project uses just a few inexpensive materials and gives you a charming decoration you can switch between uses whenever you want. It is perfect for adding that rustic, cozy cottage feel to your kitchen or living room without spending much money. I have gathered five distinct themes for this project so you can choose the one that fits your space best. Pin this idea for your next weekend craft session and save it to try later.
Rustic Linen Placemat with Hand-Stitched Details
Linen is a classic cottage material. For this version, start with a plain linen placemat from a thrift store or discount home goods shop. Cut it to a square shape if needed, about 12 by 18 inches works well. Fold over the raw edges and hand-stitch a simple running stitch in a contrasting thread color.
Add a small lace trim along the short edges. The lace adds a soft, vintage feel that fits cottage style perfectly. Once finished, you can hang this placemat on a small wooden dowel or just drape it over a nail on the wall. It looks lovely layered over a plain painted wall or next to a farmhouse mirror.
- Materials needed: One linen placemat, lace trim (1 yard), contrasting thread, sewing needle, scissors.
- Time: About 45 minutes.
- Bonus tip: Use natural linen in ecru or oatmeal tones for the most authentic cottage look.
Wood Slice Placemat That Doubles as Wall Art
If you want something more rustic, try a wood slice placemat. Head to a craft store or look for thin slices of birch or pine online. Sand the edges smooth with fine grit sandpaper. Then coat the top surface with a matte polyurethane or beeswax finish so it is food safe and easy to wipe clean.
To use it as wall art, drill two small holes near the top edge and thread a piece of jute twine through them. Hang it on a simple nail. The natural grain of the wood becomes the decoration. This idea works beautifully in a kitchen with wooden shelves or above a breakfast nook.
Twine and Burlap Placemat Using a Simple Weave
This project uses basic macrame or weaving techniques but is beginner friendly. You need a plain burlap rectangle about 10 by 14 inches. Cut a piece of cardboard the same size as a template. Wrap jute twine around the cardboard lengthwise to create your warp threads. Remove the warp and lay it over the burlap.
Weave a contrasting cotton cord or more jute in a simple over-under pattern to create a checked texture. Secure the ends with fabric glue. The result is a thick, textured placemat that feels like something from a cozy farmhouse. Hang it by looping a ribbon through the top weave.
No Sew Felt Flower Placemat for Cottage Walls
Not everyone likes to sew. This version uses felt and hot glue. Choose a square piece of wool blend felt in a soft cream or pale sage green. Cut small circles from leftover felt scraps and pinch them into rosette shapes. Glue these flowers in a cluster at one corner of the felt base.
You can arrange them in a loose cluster or a straight line along the bottom edge. For wall use, attach a small sawtooth hanger to the back of the felt base. The flowers add a dimensional cottage element that looks charming above a sideboard or in a hallway.
Upcycled Book Page Placemat with a Vintage Feel
Old books with yellowed pages
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