How to Choose a Doormat

A doormat should match your decor.

Doormats are a functional part of your home decor that come in all shapes, sizes and patterns to meet any home scheme. Doormats are made for internal use or external use and should be more than just a beautiful throw rug. Choosing a doormat requires evaluating your home, the climate and the traffic that the mat will need to withstand. Taking your time can help you find the perfect doormat for your home needs.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Evaluate where the doormat will be. You may want it to be just outside the door to scrape off muddy soles or just inside the door, keeping your entryway clean and dry.

2. Measure the area you need to cover. For double doors, large patios or entryways, you may want to get a larger mat. Get the length and width of the area so you can shop for the right-sized doormat.

3. Choose a material based on the performance needs you have for the doormat.

   Aluminum is highly durable and recommended for areas near gardens. Cedar is an easy-to-clean and stylish, durable wood. Rubber is an economical choice that allows for drainage and is easily cleaned. Dragon grass and golden grass come with varieties of tight weave colors and patterns to match your decor and can be vacuumed or shaken clean.

4. Match colors and patterns to complement the exterior or interior entryways. As one of the first things people will notice when they come into your home, you want your doormat to make a matching impression. If you can, take a paint or fabric swatch when shopping in order to better match your decor.

5. Choose additional features that may be important to you, such as boot scrapers, non-slip rubber backs or shoe baskets.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, get a doormat that measures at least 80 percent of the doorway width and wide enough for two feet to be on it at the same time.

• Mats in sunny areas will fade and may need to be replaced more often.

• Doormats kept over hardwood floors or carpets for extended periods of time may create uneven fading of the underlying floor material.

References

• Home Depot: Doormat Buying Guide