Choose the Perfect Doormat for Your Home

A few months ago, I bought a lovely new front door. In addition to selecting just the right door (bright red!) and side lights, I searched for beautiful hardware, a shiny new kickplate, and even a stunning doorknocker.

Once it was installed – stunning! But of course, it made everything else look shabby, especially my front doormat.

A doormat is more than just a stylish piece to welcome guests. A top-quality doormat is the best way to prevent tracking in moisture, snow, or dirt, damaging your home’s interior including hardwood flooring or pricey rugs.

At first, choosing the perfect doormat seemed like a small task. However, I quickly realized that there are so many options… I was hard-pressed to know where to start. Coir? Rubber? Fabric?

If you are interested in quickly sprucing up your home’s exterior, here are some things to consider when choosing a new doormat.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Doormat

Size. A grand entrance with a tiny welcome mat is not much of a welcome! Make sure your mat is proportionate to your door. If you have a double door or a larger front entry, consider an oversized mat to properly frame your entrance.

Color. Whether you change your mat through the seasons or keep the same one year-round, the color should complement the front door, siding, brick or stone facing, and your garden colors. A bold contrast can make your entrance pop, while a more neutral tone can blend seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic.

 

Durability. Is mud the enemy? Does your area get a lot of snow? Sand? Each material has strengths and weaknesses. For example:

  • Coir mats make a good fall and winter choice because they effectively keep leaves, snow, and other debris outside (where they belong).
  • Rubber mats are great for wet weather. The material’s excellent grip and drainage make it a long-lasting and weather-resistant choice.
  • Fabric or woven mats may be less durable but offer the advantage of being easily changeable for a fresh look.

Functionality. Is that mat effective in both dry and wet weather? A good doormat should be able to handle various conditions, while maintaining its look. If you live in an area with frequent rain or snow, you’ll want something with drainage or quick-drying properties. 

Style. Consider your home’s style. Is it sleek and modern? A historic stone farmhouse? Coastal classic? Your doormat should complement the overall design style and formality of the home (for example, a black and red buffalo check is an excellent choice for a mountain retreat, be may look out of place on a chic city townhouse stoop).

Doormat Material Options

Coir. These doormats are made from natural fibers extracted from the outer husk of coconuts. Coir mats are known for their durability and excellent scraping ability to remove dirt and debris from shoes. Coir mats are highly absorbent and ideal for keeping muddy footprints at bay (for me, they are most helpful with muddy boots from the barn and paddocks). However, these mats do shed over time and will need replacing every few years.

Rubber. Rubber mats are an excellent choice for areas with a lot of wet weather. They provide great grip and drainage, making them highly effective in preventing slips once inside and keeping moisture from being tracked in. They are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. And, they are easy to clean with a garden hose.

Woven Fabric. Woven fabric doormats are attractive and come in various patterns and colors, making them an easy way to switch up your entryway décor each season. While they may not be as effective at trapping dirt as coir or rubber mats, they are great for layering.

Rug Covers. According to HGTV, rug covers are a great choice for a stylish entrance. “While these are a bit pricier, the rug cover is actually removable and, like the rest of Ruggable’s rugs, machine washable. Plus, since these don’t feature coir fibers, Ruggable’s doormats won’t shed or need replacing every year or two; they’re built to last.”

 

Two is Better Than One! Layering Doormats

Layering doormats has become a trendy way to add dimension and style to your entryway (this is especially nice if your house has very little in the way of architectural features, like mine). Not only does this method enhance the overall look, but it also increases functionality.

By placing a larger decorative woven fabric mat underneath a smaller functional coir or rubber doormat, you get the best of both worlds: a stylish design element and a practical, dirt-trapping top layer.

Layering works particularly well for double doors or wider entrances. A larger bottom mat helps frame the entryway, creating a more inviting space while ensuring ample coverage for foot traffic.

Choosing the right doormat may seem like a small task, but with so many options available, it’s important to choose both style and function. Whether you go for a classic coir mat, a practical rubber option, a trendy woven design, or a layered look, a well-chosen doormat can enhance your home’s entrance while keeping dirt and moisture outside… where they belong.

 

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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!

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