A Budget-Friendly Thrift Flip
There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a forgotten thrift store item into a beautiful piece for your home. This DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame project started with a simple $3.99 gold frame that came with a basic white mat. With just a little creativity and a grasscloth wallpaper sample, I was able to completely transform it into something elevated and unique—and you can too.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took to complete this DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame, offer suggestions for other materials you can use, and give ideas for styling your finished piece in your home. It’s an easy, affordable project that makes a big impact, especially when grouped in a gallery wall or layered on a bookshelf.
And as always, don’t forget to pin the images in this post to refer back to later, and follow me on Instagram @mysweetsavannah for more thrift flips and affordable home decor ideas.
Why Try This Easy Frame Makeover
The appeal of this project lies in its simplicity and texture. Grasscloth wallpaper has a beautiful natural quality that adds depth and warmth to any decor style. While wallpapering an entire room in grasscloth can be costly, using a free or leftover sample in a small project like this offers the same sophisticated look on a fraction of the budget.
Even if you don’t have grasscloth on hand, I’ll be sharing a list of other materials that work just as well for this DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame technique.
Supplies for This DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame
Here’s what you’ll need:
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A thrifted frame with mat (mine was $3.99 at the thrift shop)
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Grasscloth wallpaper sample (or any textured wallpaper)
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Scissors or craft knife
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Spray adhesive, found here, or glue stick
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A bone folder or credit card (for smoothing)
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Pencil
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Optional: ruler and cutting mat
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame
1. Clean Your Frame and Mat
Start by removing the backing, mat, and any artwork from the frame. Clean the glass and frame thoroughly. If your frame has a dated finish, you could also consider painting it or using Rub ‘n Buff for an aged look. I chose to keep mine as-is since the gold added a warm, vintage feel.
2. Prep the Mat
Take out the white mat and wipe it down. If there are any stickers or residue, remove them so the surface is smooth. Lay it on a flat surface where you can work easily.
3. Trace and Cut the Grasscloth
Lay your wallpaper sample face down and center your mat on top of it. Using a pencil, trace the outer and inner edges of the mat. Carefully cut along the lines, starting with the outside, then use a craft knife or small scissors to cut out the center opening.
Tip: If your wallpaper sample has a directional texture or pattern, make sure it’s aligned how you want it before tracing and cutting.
4. Adhere the Wallpaper
Spray adhesive works great for this step, but a glue stick can also do the job. Lightly coat the mat surface with adhesive, then place the cut grasscloth piece on top, pressing from the center outward to smooth out bubbles. Use a bone folder or the edge of a credit card to gently press and flatten the surface.
If the inner cutout edges are visible or uneven, you can use a bit of tape or fold the edges inward and glue them down on the backside.
5. Reassemble the Frame
Once the grasscloth is secured and dry, reinsert the mat into the frame with the artwork of your choice. You can use a simple photograph, a botanical print, or even a piece of textured fabric or handmade paper for added dimension.
Alternative Materials for Your DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame
Not everyone has grasscloth wallpaper samples on hand, and that’s totally fine. This technique works beautifully with a variety of materials that you might already have around the house or can find affordably. Here are a few to consider:
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Burlap or linen fabric: Adds texture and an organic feel, similar to grasscloth.
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Scrapbook paper: Choose textured or patterned designs for a layered look.
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Canvas drop cloth: Inexpensive and has a nice neutral tone.
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Peel-and-stick wallpaper: Easy to apply and comes in a wide range of patterns.
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Gift wrap or handmade paper: Perfect for seasonal themes or bold looks.
Any of these can replace the grasscloth wallpaper in your DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame, giving you the same elevated effect on a small budget.
Styling Ideas for Your DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame
Now that your frame has a fresh new look, the possibilities for styling are endless. Here are a few ways to use your finished piece:
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Layered on a shelf: Add depth and interest to built-ins or a bookcase.
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Gallery wall filler: Perfect for mixing in with art prints and photography.
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Entryway accent: Hang it above a console table for instant warmth.
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Bathroom decor: Lean it against the wall with candles and small plants.
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Office nook: Bring texture into a workspace with minimal effort.
Try mixing a few of these grasscloth-covered mats in various frames for a collected, curated look. Because the texture acts as a neutral, it plays well with almost any style—from farmhouse to modern to coastal.
Love the look of this styled moment? You can shop the fluted console cabinet, Artful Home and Ralph Lauren coffee table books, and the modern dome lamp to bring the same elevated feel to your space. I also created the DIY faux limewash artwork above the console—check out the full tutorial here to make your own custom piece that adds warmth and texture.
Final Thoughts on This DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame
This project is a perfect example of how something small can have a big impact. With a $3.99 thrift store frame and a little leftover wallpaper, you can completely change the look and feel of your decor. This DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame is simple, inexpensive, and totally customizable. Whether you stick with grasscloth or experiment with other materials, the result is always stylish and personal.
If you’re inspired to try your own thrift flip, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @mysweetsavannah and share your creations. For even more affordable home ideas, make sure to follow along and pin your favorite images from this post so you can revisit the steps anytime.
Want to see this project in action? I’m sharing the full how-to video for this DIY Grasscloth Mat Frame over on my Instagram. Head to @mysweetsavannah to watch the step-by-step process and get an even closer look at how easy this thrift flip really is. While you’re there, be sure to follow along for more affordable home decor ideas, behind-the-scenes DIYs, and tons of thrifted inspiration.
If you love easy and affordable home updates like this, be sure to check out my thrifted faux tree makeover. It’s another simple DIY where I took a secondhand find and gave it new life with just a few budget-friendly tweaks. You won’t believe the before and after! I’ll link it up so you can see how to transform your own faux greenery into something that looks high-end and designer-inspired.
For even more inspiration, take a look at my “From Trash to Treasure” e-book. It’s packed with step-by-step tutorials, detailed supply lists, and plenty of real-life tips for turning discarded finds into stylish statement pieces. I’ll link it up so you can browse the projects, download the guide, and start transforming your own cast-offs into décor you’ll love.
Happy crafting!
