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Welcome to the World of Entryway Mats, Coir Mats, and Doormats

August 3, 2021 by Rugs USA

A doormat does more than keep dirt, water, and dust outside where they belong. It’s one of the first things guests see before they enter your home. An ideal doormat should help you set an inviting and lively tone for your indoor space, or even a humorous tone with a funny doormat or a cute doormat. A proper doormat should also help keep viruses, allergens, and bacteria outside. 

Choosing the right doormat takes a lot of thought as they can help with setting the tone for the rest of your home. This section provides everything you need to know about doormats so that you have a fun and meaningful shopping experience.

Our Monogrammed Doormat is made of 100% coir. Photo by @kelleynan

What is the best type of doormat?

Quality matting is a worthwhile investment that provides the perfect finishing touch to your entrance. To ensure you are buying the best type of doormat, there are several factors to keep in mind, including:

Location

The first thing to consider before you choose a mat is where you will use it. If you use the doormat in an outdoor area, it is essential to pick one made from weather-resistant materials such as woven seagrass, teak, or weatherproof coconut fibers. Apart from being highly durable, these materials are ideal for a busy indoor-outdoor area. Mats made from sisal, jute, and fabrics like cloth are best used indoors, as they can’t withstand elements over long periods. They also tend to do a better job at catching any lingering debris inside your home.

Surfaces

Mats designed for outdoor entrances and high traffic areas should have abrasive or textured surfaces. Alternatively, you can opt for rugs with scraper surfaces designed to whisk away any amount of stubborn mud. Remember to pick a doormat with the right colors that complement your design.

Consider the Weather

Some door mats such as those made from rubber may not withstand frigid temperatures during winter. The prolonged exposure to the cold and other elements can cause the rubber to crack. It’s best to stow them away until warmer days arrive.

Check the Size

Doormats typically come in many sizes and shapes, and it’s crucial to choose one in size with your door. Ideally your door mat should allow both feet to fit on the mat. Ensure the mat you choose comes with at least 3/4 or 80 percent of the width of the doorway where it will be used. You should also consider the height of the mat. Mats that are too thick may slide easily. The general rule is to use thick mats on outdoor spaces to avoid them getting stuck whenever you open the door.

Our Monogrammed Doormat is the perfect solution for a high-traffic entry.

What rugs are best for entryways?

An entry rug typically receives a lot of wear and tear as it is typically placed in a high-traffic area with large amounts of moisture. Some of the best materials for entryway rugs include:

Jute and Sisal Rugs:
These materials are durable and effective at catching dirt and moisture. They also clean easily with frequent vacuuming.

Wool Rugs:
Wool is one of the top choices for designers. Apart from being durable and easy to clean, wool rugs are also very resistant to moisture and staining. They tend to resist fading and wear, holding their colors for a longer period of time.

Our wool Argyle Trellis Rug is not only beautiful – it’s durable enough for an entryway! Photo by @thewhitehouseonpineridge

Synthetic Fiber Rugs:
Rugs made from synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon are some of the best choices for an entryway. The mats can be dyed to produce vivid colors and intricate designs. Synthetic fiber rugs are also easy to clean and stain-resistant.

What is the best doormat for outside?

Most outdoor rug materials are designed for durability. However, each material type offers its own unique feel. The right outdoor mat should feature luxurious textures, gorgeous colors, and stunning patterns. Therefore, a doormat made from synthetic materials is ideal for your outdoor spaces. Apart from providing ready decoration options, synthetic doormats are easy to maintain, fade-resistant, and mildew- and mold-resistant. They are also compatible with everyday use.

Where can I place my coir door mat?

Coir mats are made from Coco Coir, a renewable fiber harvested from the hulk of a coconut. When you decorate your home or office with thick coir mats, you are helping support sustainable efforts that conserve our environment. Coir mats are eco-friendly, as well as durable and effective at keeping your spaces free from water and dirt. The mat features a highly absorbent layer that effectively soaks up water and collects dirt and dust. They also come with a non-slip rubber surface on the back, making them perfect for high-traffic areas such as offices, kitchens, and hallways.         

How do you clean a dirty doormat?

Having a clean rug goes a long way in keeping your floors looking spotless by keeping dirt and grime away. Most doormats require regular dry vacuuming to help remove most of the dirt and dust embedded in the fibers. You should also give your mat a deep clean every so often to help remove stubborn stains and dirt. The correct way to deep clean a doormat depends on the type of material. Typically, doormats need to be cleaned with a carpet cleaner and a mild detergent. There are a selection of machine washable rugs that would be perfect for your entryway that offer convenience as well. Typically strong detergents should not be used with coir matting as they leave marks and discoloration. Some of the essential doormat cleaning tips to keep in mind include:

  • Use a vacuum cleaner to clean your doormats weekly
  • Shake loose dirt out of mat daily
  • Don’t use strong detergent on coir matting; use baking soda instead
  • Determine if your rug is suitable for washing machines
  • Ensure the mat is dry before putting it back into place
  • Consider replacing your doormat every two years     

How do you protect a wooden entryway?

Hardwood is typically prone to scratches, scuffs, and dents. A great way to protect your wooden floor entryway is by placing an ideal rug over the area. Doormats made from natural rubber are the most suitable option for hardwood floors in terms of safety and performance.

How do you place a rug in an entryway?

When choosing a rug, keep in mind the shape of the entryway. Most entryways are either square or rectangular and accentuating this layout should not be difficult. If you have a large-sized entrance, leave at least 8″ of the floor on all sides of the rug. In smaller spaces, have the rug going up against the wall.

Finding Your Perfect Entryway Rug or Doormat

The ideal doormat should help add style and character to your home while protecting the floors from dirt and dust. If you are big on first impressions, you need to check our wide variety of doormats designed to be shown off as well as provide exceptional protection. Whether you are looking for an indoor mat or an outdoor option, we offer a wealth of stylish rugs to choose from. We have got the look you’re looking for from monochrome to ornate, or from vintage to modern.

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Filed Under: Advice & Experts, Ideas & Inspo, Rug Guides Tagged With: Doormats, Entry Rugs, Entryway, Outdoor, Welcome Mats

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