How To Choose A Door Mat

The most important consideration for your door mat is the material it's made from! As your door mat lives outside, it must be ready to weather the elements. Choose from the following popular, durable materials for your best bet at a good door mat!

Rubber

It may not be gorgeous, but it can give off a minimalistic, rugged vibe and it will last through anything. The rubber will be completely waterproof, making it an excellent choice for homes that get a lot of rain.

Rope

A synthetic rope will be durable and strong; a natural-fiber rope will look prettier, but will need to be replaced more frequently. However, its texture can do a very good job of removing soil and dirt from your shoes before you enter your home.

Fabric or Carpet

These can come in a variety of designs, but as they aren't exactly weatherproofed, are likely best for the interior of your home. If you're looking for an absorbent option, this is best - having one just inside will help keep soil and dust from outside going further into your home!

Metal

Cast iron door mats are having a moment these days; however, you'll find that they are more decorative than purely functional. If you're looking for a door mat that will last forever, though, metal door mats will definitely deliver over the long run!

Your door mat is a place to experiment with fun designs if you so choose; it is, after all, a far less permanent investment than your house's siding or the front door itself!

• Would you like for your door mat to be a focal point or make a bold aesthetic statement? Select a color opposite from the main colors of your entryway - for example, an orange-toned hue if your home is mainly blue, or a bright blue or red if your home is black or white.   
• If you'd rather your door mat blended in better with your property, then stick with a color similar to those featured on your patio, front door, or siding - or pick a natural hue which will read as invisible to the human eye from afar, such as a brown or grey tone. However, you'll find that you don't need to go minimalist, even with a subtle color scheme: There are hundreds of fun patterns you can choose from, even with a toned-down color palette.

Wondering what designs or patterns might lead you to the perfect door mat? Wonder no more - we'll list them for you here:

• Circular: Often featuring a braided aesthetic, circular or oval door mats can offer a pleasing alternative to the hard lines usually found in home architecture.

• Geometric: With bold lines, grids, and triangles, a bright geometric can feel modern and accentuate the lines of your home.

• A Cute Saying: Because door mats are a relatively low investment, you can feel free to choose a saying or quote which complements your unique personality.

• Personalized or Monogrammed: Do you have a more traditional aesthetic? A doormat can be a perfect place to layer on more classic home appeal with a gorgeous monogram. (This is also a perfect gift for newlyweds or a festive housewarming!)

When you're selecting a mat, one of the decisions you'll have to make is simply how big the mat is going to be!

• One simple rule of thumb is that the mat should be no smaller than 80% of the width of your front door. Any smaller, and your entryway may look lopsided. Measure your front door's width, and rule out any mats whose widths are less than 4/5 of that number.
• If you have double doors, remember to include both doors in that measurement. This may result in a door mat six feet wider - or more! However, remember that it'll keep you covered in the event that either door is used.
• As far as depth goes, you'll find that many mats are standardized at about one and a half to two feet. If you have a longer porch entryway, select one on the larger end of that spectrum to help balance out the look of your entryway.