How to Match Your Doormat to Your Front Door

For some people, choosing a doormat is a matter of which design first catches their eye. Though this is a great way to find a doormat you’ll love, it’s also recommended to match your doormat with your front door’s style and home aesthetic along with any practical considerations. You probably didn’t realize it, but picking a doormat is serious business.

This guide from Burano Doors goes into many of the different doormat types. Read on to learn more about your full range of doormat options and the factors to consider when choosing one.

Let’s get started!

What is the Point of a Doormat?

A doormat’s primary function is to catch dirt and moisture from shoes and keep these particles from entering your home. This way, both the flooring and interior rugs are kept safe and clean.

Doormats also provide a welcoming touch to your home’s entrance, greeting guests as they arrive. Ideally, a doormat will complement your home’s style and contribute positively to the overall look of your home.

Therefore, when choosing a doormat, it’s best to consider both aesthetics and practicality.

Where Should Doormats Be Placed?

It is recommended that homeowners place doormats at each home entrance. Outdoor doormats are essential, but indoor doormats can serve as the last line of defence so that dust, dirt, mud, and moisture won’t get into the house.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Doormats

Outdoor doormats are designed to weather the elements. They are usually more weather-proofed and fade-resistant than indoor doormats. It is common for outdoor doormat types to be thicker and more rigid. Typically, they are made of rubber, coir, and jute.

In comparison, indoor doormats can be made of softer materials like polyester and nylon. However, it is also common for indoor doormats made of these materials to be reinforced with PVC if they will be marketed as indoor-outdoor doormats.

What are the Types of Doormats?

Doormat Types Based on Material

Rubber Doormats

Rubber doormats are popular because they are water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. They are typically used outside and have holes, punched-out patterns, or grooves to channel out water.

Coir Fibre Doormats

Coir fibre is derived from the long strands of a coconut’s husk. Therefore, coir doormats are 100% natural and environmentally friendly. They are another popular choice for outdoor mats because they are naturally textured, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Faux Coir Doormats

Faux coir is made of polypropylene. Though these fibres are synthetic, they mimic the look and feel of coir doormats.

Nylon or Polyester Doormats

Nylon and polyester are synthetic materials used for indoor or indoor-outdoor doormats. The ones made of nylon or polyester tend to have a carpet-like texture. When designed for indoor-outdoor use, they are usually reinforced with PVC. The only downside to these doormats is that they are not as easy to wash as the other types.

Doormat Types Based on Function

Scraper Mat

Scraper mats are designed for removing large amounts of debris like sand, rocks, and snow. They are typically made of rubber or faux coir and are water-resistant.

Wiper/Scraper Mat

Wiper/scraper mats generally have a rough fibrous texture that allows them to remove small debris and moisture. A popular material for wiper/scraper doormats is coir.

Wiper Mat

Wiper mats serve to remove any remaining water from shoes that scraper mats or wiper/scraper mats are not able to get rid of. They are usually indoor mats that reinforce outdoor scraper (or wiper/scraper) mats. Cloth-like synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester are perfect as wiper mats.

Aesthetic Considerations When Choosing a Doormat

Shape of the Doormat

Rectangular doormats are the generic shape. As such, they don’t oppose any type of home aesthetic. But looking further into design implications, their straight edges are perfect for minimalist and modern designs.

For more organic design styles, semi-circle doormats with curves are a great option if you want your doormat to be unique.

Colour & Pattern of the Doormat

Neutral and dark colours for doormats are some of the safest options. Moreover, neutral colours blend well with minimalist, modern, and classic-style homes. If you want a splash of bolder colours, make sure that it blends well with the colour palette of your home. Another key consideration is that light-coloured doormats will tend to look dirtier much faster.

Aside from colour, the pattern of the doormat is also important. Solid colours go with just about any style. Straight lines look best on modern and minimalist-looking houses. Natural textures or prints would look best on rustic, cottage-core, and farmhouse-style homes. Lastly, bold and bright organic patterns suit vintage or maximalist homes.

Doormats with Personality

Plenty of doormats have humorous or creative sayings on their surface. These are a perfect choice if you want to stand out or just give guests a good laugh when they visit your home.

Practical Considerations When Choosing a Doormat

The Season

Is it raining or snowing frequently? Make sure to get a wiper/scraper doormat ready at your front door to protect your home’s floors from water, mud, and debris.

The Terrain Leading to Your Home

If your home is situated anywhere near rough terrain that guests or residents are likely to walk on, it would be advisable to have a scraper doormat at all times.

Ease of Cleaning

If you want a doormat that is easy to clean, go for rubber and coir doormats. These two materials are the easiest to maintain. In fact, a scraping tool and garden hose are all you’ll really need—no handwashing is required.

Upgrade Your Home’s Grand Entrance with a Stylish, Energy-Efficient Door From Burano

This wraps up our guide on how to choose among the different doormat types. Changing up your doormat is one way to refresh the look of your home’s threshold and make it look like a grand entrance. Why not get a new and customized replacement door for a more dramatic aesthetic boost?

Burano Doors has a wide range of stylish, durable, and energy-efficient doors for you to choose from. Check out our collection today, or reach out to us for more information!