Beer mats are more than just coasters. For businesses in Ireland—whether you’re a pub in Temple Bar, a craft brewery in Glasnevin, or an event organiser in Dublin—beer mats are a subtle but powerful branding tool. They’re not just there to catch the occasional spill; they’re there to catch attention.
A well-designed beer mat can communicate your brand’s personality, spark conversations, and even drive customers to take action. In a crowded hospitality market, especially in Dublin, standing out is essential. Whether you’re promoting a seasonal craft beer or creating a keepsake for a wedding, beer mats offer a cost-effective and creative way to make an impact.
Understanding the Purpose of Your Beer Mats
Before diving into the design process, it’s important to know what you want your beer mats to achieve. The purpose will guide everything from the visuals to the messaging.
- For pubs, breweries, and restaurants, branded beer mats help keep your logo and name front and centre. Whether it’s a traditional pub in Rathmines or a modern bar in the Docklands, beer mats keep your brand in front of customers throughout their visit.
- Beer mats are great for sparking customer action. Add a QR code linking to your menu, social media, or a special offer. For example, a craft beer festival in Dublin could use beer mats to highlight event schedules or feature fun facts about the brews on offer.
- For events like weddings or corporate parties, personalised beer mats double as unique keepsakes. Incorporate details like the couple’s names or a company logo to create a lasting impression.
- Businesses in Dublin often lean on local pride to connect with their audience. Incorporating iconic Dublin imagery, Irish phrases, or even eco-friendly materials can make your beer mats resonate more with local customers.
Think about who will see your beer mats. Are they regular customers, first-time visitors, or event attendees? Understanding their expectations ensures your design and messaging hit the mark. A beer mat isn’t just a design—it’s a moment of connection with your audience.
Choosing the Right Colours for Maximum Impact
Colours play a vital role in creating beer mats that grab attention and convey the right message. The colour palette you choose can influence how customers perceive your brand, so it’s worth putting some thought into this.
- If you’re a lively pub or bar in Temple Bar, bright primary colours like red, blue, or yellow can create an upbeat, fun vibe. These colours catch the eye and energise the design, making them perfect for promoting special events or seasonal offers.
- Craft breweries often lean toward earthy tones—think deep greens, browns, or muted yellows. These shades give off a natural, artisan feel that resonates with customers looking for high-quality, small-batch brews.
- For businesses in Dublin, incorporating Irish-inspired colours like emerald green or incorporating local landmarks into the design can strengthen the connection with your audience. A beer mat featuring Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge or incorporating Gaelic phrases can be a subtle nod to local pride.
- Whatever palette you choose, ensure there’s enough contrast between your background and text. For example, pairing a dark green backdrop with white text ensures your message is easy to read—even after a pint or two!
Typography: Making Your Message Clear
The words on your beer mat are just as important as the design. Typography—the style, size, and arrangement of your text—can make or break your message.
- Keep It Readable: Beer mats are small, so your text needs to be legible at a glance. Stick to clean, sans-serif fonts for headings, especially if your message needs to grab attention quickly. For a more elegant or personal touch, consider script or serif fonts for event mats, but use them sparingly.
- Limit Font Styles: Mixing too many fonts can make your design look cluttered. A good rule of thumb is to stick to two complementary fonts—one for headings and one for body text.
- Hierarchy Matters: Guide the reader’s eye by using font sizes strategically. Your business name or key message (like “Try Our New Craft Lager”) should be the largest and boldest text. Subheadings or secondary information, such as a QR code prompt or event date, should be smaller but still clear.
- Test Your Layout: Before finalising the design, print a draft to see how the text looks at actual size. It’s easy for fonts that seem clear on a screen to become unreadable when scaled down to fit a beer mat.
Layout Design: Balancing Space and Content
Designing a beer mat isn’t just about what you put on it—it’s about how you arrange it. With a small canvas to work with, every element needs to serve a purpose, and the layout should guide the eye naturally.
- Keep It Simple: Avoid overcrowding your beer mat with too much text or imagery. A clean, uncluttered design is easier to read and more visually appealing. Think of it as an elevator pitch for your brand—short, sharp, and straight to the point.
- Create a Focal Point: Decide what you want customers to notice first. Is it your logo? A witty tagline? A call to action like “Scan Here for a Free Pint”? Place the most important element in the centre or upper half of the mat to make it stand out.
- Use Margins Wisely: A small border around your design elements can create a polished, professional look. Margins also prevent important details from being cut off during the printing process.
- Balance Text and Imagery: If you’re including visuals like your logo or a product image, make sure there’s enough space for your text to breathe. Overlapping elements can make the design feel cramped and chaotic.
- Consider Shape: While most beer mats are square or round, custom shapes—like a pint glass or shamrock—can make your design more memorable. Just ensure the layout complements the shape, with key details staying centred and easy to read.
Adding Interactive Elements: QR Codes and More
Beer mats aren’t just static pieces of branding anymore—they can be interactive tools that engage customers and drive actions. Adding elements like QR codes, links, or prompts can turn a simple coaster into a conversation starter.
- Make QR Codes Useful: A QR code on a beer mat can do more than link to your website. Think about what your audience will find valuable:
- Link to your digital menu or ordering system.
- Offer a discount, like “Scan for 10% off your next drink”.
- Share a short video about your brewing process or upcoming events.
- Placement Matters: Keep the QR code in a prominent but unobtrusive spot. For example, the bottom-right corner of the mat works well, ensuring it’s noticeable without taking over the design.
- Interactive Prompts: Use a clear call to action to encourage customers to scan the code. Something simple like “Find out more!” or “Scan here to win!” can drive engagement.
- Social Media Integration: Encourage customers to share their experience by including a hashtag or social handle on the mat. For instance, “Tag us @DublinBrewery and show off your pint!” not only promotes your brand but also creates user-generated content.
- Games and Fun Additions: Add a playful twist to your beer mats with interactive designs. For example, trivia questions, jokes, or a small puzzle can keep customers entertained while they sip their drink.
Custom Shapes and Materials: Standing Out with Unique Beer Mats
A classic round or square beer mat works perfectly for many businesses, but exploring custom shapes and materials can help your brand stand out. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big impact on how customers perceive your business.
- Custom Shapes for Added Flair: A unique shape can tie your beer mat design to your brand. For example, a brewery in Dublin might use a shamrock or pint glass shape, while a wedding beer mat could take the form of a heart. Custom shapes create an immediate impression and encourage customers to take a closer look.
- Premium Materials for a High-End Feel: While traditional cardboard is a great all-around choice, there are other materials to consider. Cork beer mats offer a rustic, sustainable look, while laminated options provide durability for high-traffic venues.
- Eco-Friendly Options for Modern Appeal: With increasing interest in sustainability, opting for recycled or biodegradable beer mats can resonate with eco-conscious customers. Highlighting these choices in your design—such as adding a small message like “Printed on 100% recycled materials”—can enhance your brand’s reputation.
Choosing a custom shape or alternative material doesn’t just make your beer mat memorable—it tells your customers that you care about the details, and by extension, about them.
Finishing Touches: Ensuring Quality and Durability
The final step in creating a standout beer mat is ensuring it’s built to last. The finish of your beer mat not only affects its durability but also its overall aesthetic.
- Gloss vs. Matte Finishes:
- A glossy finish adds a vibrant, polished look, making colours pop—ideal for pubs or event beer mats.
- Matte finishes provide a subtle, professional feel, perfect for craft breweries or high-end venues.
- Waterproof Coatings: Beer mats need to endure spills, condensation, and frequent use. Adding a waterproof layer ensures your design stays intact, keeping your brand looking its best even after heavy use.
- Embossing and Textures: Adding texture to your beer mat through embossing or raised printing can create a tactile experience that feels premium. It’s a great way to emphasise your logo or a key design element.
- Vibrant Colours Through High-Quality Printing: Using professional-grade printing ensures your colours remain sharp and true to your brand. A faded or inconsistent design can undermine even the most thoughtful beer mat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Beer Mat Design
Even with the best intentions, there are some common mistakes that can derail an otherwise great beer mat design. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overcrowding the Design: Trying to include too much text, imagery, or information can overwhelm your audience. Keep it simple and focused.
- Poor Contrast: If your text doesn’t stand out from the background, it will be hard to read. Ensure there’s enough contrast to make key elements pop.
- Using Low-Quality Images: Blurry or pixelated images can make your beer mat look unprofessional. Always use high-resolution graphics for sharp, clear printing.
- Forgetting the Practicalities: Beer mats are small, so details like text size and placement matter. Test your design at its actual size to ensure everything is legible and balanced.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll ensure your beer mats are not only visually appealing but also effective.
Why Choose Print Ready for Your Beer Mat Printing in Ireland?
Creating the perfect beer mat requires more than just a great design—it needs expert execution. That’s where Print Ready comes in.
- Local Expertise: Based in Dublin, we understand the needs of Irish businesses, from bustling pubs to boutique breweries.
- Custom Solutions: Whether you need classic round beer mats or something completely bespoke, we can bring your vision to life.
- Quality Guaranteed: We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure every beer mat is printed to perfection. From vibrant colours to durable finishes, we deliver top-tier results.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Our commitment to sustainability means you can choose from a range of environmentally friendly materials without compromising on quality.
- Fast Turnaround: Need beer mats for a last-minute event? We’re known for our reliable and efficient service, ensuring you get what you need when you need it.
Get in touch today on (01) 858 1000, email hello@printready.ie, or visit us at Glasnevin Avenue. Let’s get started on your next great design!