How to Make a Super Chic Chair Mat
There are parts of a home office that are totally UN-chic and chair floor mats definitely fall into that category. During my Fall 2019 One Room Challenge makeover I spent an unbelievable about of time adding custom features to my combination guest-room/office. The last thing I wanted to do was add an ugly chair mat. And I almost got away with it. That is until The Husband asked me how I was going to protect the bare hardwood floors underneath my new desk chair. (insert whimpering faced emoji here).
For the record, he was right. However, after building bookcases, adding wall and crown moldings, and constructing a cabinet to hide the TV, my energy was totally tapped out. I searched feverishly for an aesthetically pleasing desk mat alternative, but found nothing. As it turns out, the threat of adding a hideous plastic runner to my finished space was enough incentive for me to pull out one last hack.
Affiliate links may be included in this post. This means that should you purchase a linked product, I may receive a small commission, but at no additional cost to you. To read my full disclosure click here.
How to Hack an Ugly Chair Mat
What You Will Need
Desk chair mat
Chalk pen (do not use a permanent marker or pen)
Your choice of electrical scissors , a dremel tool or any kind of oscillating handheld saw
A second person to help you steady the mat while you cut
An all-purpose cleaner to remove any chalk residue
1. Select a Shape and Trace it Out
A cow hide shape seemed to fit the personality of my space best. Since I already had a faux cowhide rug, I simply used it as a template.
I recommend purchasing a floor mat that is slightly larger than what you think you’ll need. Once you start to cut your shape, you may find (like me) that you could have increased the size.
2. Cut Out Your Shape
I strongly recommend getting a second set of hands to help you steady the mat while you cut. It’s too tricky trying to do both at the same time. I used The Husband’s oscillating tool below to cut, while he steadied the mat for me. It made the process go a lot faster. That tool has seen better days, but it definitely got the job done.
3. Clean and Install
After cutting the mat, I just wiped it down with an all-purpose cleaner to remove any chalk residue. BAM! I was done. Seriously y’all, this whole process took no more than 20-30 minutes! And it was totally worth the effort. Although I CLEARLY did not want to add it, this mat turned out the be the perfect compliment to the space.
I’d love to get your thoughts on this simple hack. Please feel free to tell me in the comments below.