Door Mats

How to Choose Doormats and Boot Trays

They're referred to as welcome mats for a reason—door mats greet guests right at the door, sometimes before they enter the home and sometimes just upon entering. Your choice of mats for doorways should be an expression of your personality and your home decor—a taste of what's to come inside. It doesn't need to be a serious piece of decor, like an outdoor mat rug. It can be fun and playful. Look for multiple options you can switch out seasonally. Consider pastel door matting in the spring with vibrant colors or patriotic red, while doorway mats work in white and blue in the summer. Set the mood with holiday-themed indoor mats in the fall and winter. Whichever style you choose to adorn your doorstep with, keep in mind that door mats are designed first and foremost to keep the elements out of your home—dirt from the street, moisture, foreign objects such as rocks and more. Look for welcome mats meant to endure in heavy foot traffic and those that are strong and durable without sacrificing style.

Welcome Mats for the Front Door

Keep dirt and mud out of the house with a welcome mat outside for a playful front door decor idea. To create a warm aesthetic, opt for door step mats with an inviting message. If you prefer a minimal look, choose a solid color front door mat instead. Neutral tones such as grey or natural complement any front porch, while bright patterns bring personality to the space. After you've found the right welcome mat, accessorize the porch with elements that tie the look together. Changing a wreath with the seasons is a way to bring an earthy touch—opt for flowers in the spring, lush leaves in the summer, fall foliage in autumn and classic pine in winter. Alternatively, position lanterns or planters beside the welcome mat to draw attention to your rug.

Welcome Guests In with Indoor-Outdoor Doormats

Use indoor outdoor doormats to create an inviting space and allow guests to wipe or remove their shoes before entering. Try a brightly-colored fiber mat outside your front door with a nearby planter to greet visitors before they even ring your doorbell. Just inside, try an indoor doormat in a neutral hue to catch dirt and messes. Further style the entryway space with vases or unscented candles to define your home's atmosphere. In either a foyer or mudroom, place an indoor-outdoor mat beside an entryway bench that provides a convenient spot for everyone to sit as they remove their shoes. Consider looking for a large door mat with a storage shelf for footwear and adding a mounted or freestanding coat rack to house jackets and raincoats. For storing other items, such as winter wear, sunglasses and hats, include a nearby entryway cabinet for convenience. On wet weather days, consider using either an absorbent doormat or boot tray to catch melting snow or dripping water. Put the final touches on the space with welcome signs or a wall mirror to check your appearance on the way out.

What to Look for in a Doormat, Welcome Mat or Boot Tray Material

PVC, Polyester and Polypropylene are strong, long-lasting materials that won't crack or mildew. Approved for both indoor and outdoor use, they naturally wick away water and make outdoor mat rugs both UV-stable and soil resistant. Look for a non-skid rubber backing for the safest arrangement. Coir, made from coconut husk, is a naturally absorbent fiber. When woven together, the coir fibers will capture and trap dirt, and the coarseness lends itself perfectly to wiping clean the bottoms of shoes. Keep your outdoor mat just outside your front or patio door to keep your entryways free of dirt. Teak, when sustainably sourced, is an eco-friendly wood that naturally diverts moisture and debris. Not only is it not slippery when wet, but the wood is an unexpected material, making the outdoor doormat a sophisticated statement piece that exudes modernity. Plus, they provide a complementary touch to outdoor teak furniture on the deck, patio or porch.