When inviting guests into your home, the key to making a great first impression is your doormat. That’s right, while it may not seem like a big deal, the first thing that your visitors will notice is your doormat. But before you purchase the most decorative option on the market, remember that function also plays a role in choosing the right doormat.
To help you find the perfect doormat, we spent weeks testing different options and evaluating them on quality, texture, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We also researched other important factors such as material, size, maintenance, and color options. Keep reading to find the perfect doormat for your indoor or outdoor space.
Best Overall: Ruggable Linea Plaid Doormat at Amazon $139 Jump to Review Best Personalized: Frontgate Magnolia Branch Door Mat at Frontgate $110 Jump to Review Best Coir: Pottery Barn Personalized Seasonal Icon Doormats at Pottery Barn $59 Jump to Review Best for Indoors: Porte + Hall The Insider Doormat at Porteandhall.com Jump to Review Best Non-Slip: StyleWell Rubber Backed Door Mat at Home Depot $13 Jump to Review Best All-Weather: SALE Olanly Front Door Mat at Amazon $20 $17 Jump to Review Best Large: SlipToGrip Universal Doormat at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Coastal Doormat: The Rope Co. Doormat at Williams Sonoma $99 Jump to Review
$139 at Amazon View on Ruggable.com What’s Great About It Interchangeable covers with hundreds of design options
Covers are machine washable
Non-slip mat
Dries quickly
What Could Be Better Can be difficult to align cover to the rubber mat
The Ruggable Washable Doormat is just the right combination of design and function. It consists of two pieces—a rubber mat and interchangeable, machine-washable cover. The brand offers hundreds of cover designs to choose from, including seasonal and monogrammed options.
We placed this doormat on our wooden deck near our front door and found it to be just the right size. Even though it’s fairly thick with both the mat and the cover, we didn’t have any trouble with opening or closing our door.
The rubber backing keeps the mat in the same spot, and it holds up well against various weather conditions. Despite being exposed to rain, sunlight, and regular foot traffic, this doormat didn’t shed any of its fibers and it still looks brand new.
The cover is machine washable and can be tumble dried. We did find that the cover can be a little difficult to align with the Velcro on the rubber mat. But, aside from this, it is a durable option made out of high-quality materials.
Material: Polyester | Size: 36 x 24 inches | Thickness: 0.5 inches
$110 at Frontgate What’s Great About It Elegant magnolia design
Feels soft underfoot
Easy to clean
Water-resistant
Can be used indoors or outdoors
What Could Be Better Expensive
Non-slip mat must be purchased separately
May be too large for some doors
If you’re shopping for a luxurious, personalized doormat, then check out the Magnolia Branch Doormat from Frontgate. Not only did it have a soft, luxurious feel, but it shrugs off moisture as well. Rainwater would pool on the surface of the mat and roll off when we picked it up. And to clean it, all we had to do was use a hose to remove dirt, pine needles, and other residue.
All in all, this doormat’s texture and quality remained the same the entire time we used it. While we loved the texture and appearance, we do wish that the mat was smaller and less expensive. Also rather than having to purchase a non-slip mat separately, we would have preferred if a non-slip backing was already included.
Material: Polypropylene | Size: 48 x 30 inches or 72 x 36 inches | Thickness: 0.3 inches
$59 at Pottery Barn What’s Great About It Thick coir material
Perfect for high-traffic areas
Easily blends in with a variety of decor
Can be personalized with name or word and seasonal icon
What Could Be Better Experienced some discoloration with time
No all-season icons available
Doormats can help boost curb appeal, but when they hold up to all sorts of weather and foot traffic, that’s even better. Made of handwoven coir, the Pottery Barn Personalized Seasonal Icon Doormat was large enough to cover the entryway near our front door and never slid around on our porch (despite being in a high-traffic area).
We were also impressed with this doormat’s style and aesthetic. Besides the coir material, this mat also comes with a black border and the option to choose from four different seasonal icons (a bunny, pumpkin, coral, or autumn leaf) as well as a name or phrase.
Even though this doormat has lost a few fibers and has developed some slight discoloration, it is still in great condition. We would also like to point out that it takes minimal effort to keep this doormat clean (so it’s the perfect choice for those with busier schedules). All we had to do was shake the mat off and vacuum it to remove any dirt or debris. If we were to change anything about this mat, we would add a few more icons, specifically ones that are more suitable for year-round use.
Material: Coir | Size: 36 x 22 inches | Thickness: 1.5 inches
View on Porteandhall.com What’s Great About It Thin
Stylish design
Effectively absorbs water
Many styles available
Easy to clean
What Could Be Better The slip-resistant backing doesn’t hold it in place
Don’t let the thin material of this doormat fool you, because there’s more to it than meets the eye. Made out of polyester, this rug easily slid under our door and never obstructed entry into our home. Out of 19 designs available, we chose the grey bark pattern and found that it easily blended in with our decor.
While the non-slip backing prevented us from slipping on the rug, we did have to put the rug back into its spot every so often. We liked the raised geometric design because it helps to collect dirt, and it seemed as if the polyester texture also made this rug more durable. We were able to easily clean pet stains out of this rug by running it under the sink. Not only was the stain easily removed, but the water quickly absorbed into the mat.
We also used a vacuum to remove dirt and debris. This particular cleaning method yielded great results and we found that most of the debris had been removed. But the best part is that even after using this mat for a while, we haven’t noticed any signs of loose fibers or fraying.
The only thing that we would change is to improve the slip-resistant backing so the mat stays in place. However, we loved this rug for its slim profile, design, and the fact that it quickly absorbs moisture.
Material: Polyester | Size: 36 x 27 inches | Thickness: 0.125 inches
$13 at Home Depot What’s Great About It Water repellant
Heavy
Wind-resistant
Affordable
What Could Be Better Dirt and debris clings to the fabric
If you’re more focused on functionality than decor, then the Style Well Rubber Backed Doormat is the perfect option. While it may not be as decorative as some of our other picks, it’s highly durable.
With the heavy material and non-slip backing, this rug remained in the same spot even in high winds. Another bonus is that this mat repels water. After adding a few drops of water to the doormat, we found that most of it rolled right off.
While the polyethylene fabric provides this rug with a durable feel, we were also surprised by how soft it was. Even though this mat mostly stays under a covered area, we didn’t notice any evidence of wear or tear (much to our surprise).
And while water tends to run right off of it, leaves and pine straw are prone to cling to the mat. Besides this though, we believe that this is a great choice for your back door or a high-traffic area.
Material: Rubber, polyethylene | Size: 30 x 18 inches | Thickness: 0.3 inches
$20 $17 at Amazon View on Kmart.com What’s Great About It Long-lasting
Comes in several sizes and colors
Easy to clean
Non-slip rubber backing
What Could Be Better More utilitarian than decorative
If you’re searching for a doormat that will easily blend in with your decor, we recommend that you opt for The Olanly Front Door Mat. Not only is it made out of durable polypropylene and rubber, but whenever we stepped onto the rug, it maintained its shape.
Even though this doormat took up a lot of our front door space, it never interfered with us being able to get inside our apartment. While it wasn’t as decorative as the Frontgate Magnolia Doormat, we still loved the style and found that the wine-red option paired well with our fall decor.
Since this mat was placed in a protected area, it wasn’t greatly affected by wind, sunlight, or rain. However, it still managed to catch leaves, dirt, and pine straw. To remove this residue, we either shook the rug or swept over it. Fortunately, by the time we were done, there wasn’t any dirt or other debris left on the mat.
Compared to when we first bought it, this mat still looks the same and hasn’t developed any signs of discoloration, fraying, or loose threads. For the most part, we loved the size, material, and color of this doormat and found it to be a nice addition to our outdoor space. Also, note that it comes in 10 sizes, and if red isn’t your favorite color, there are six other color options available for purchase.
Material: Polypropylene, rubber | Size: 10 sizes available | Thickness: 0.2 inches
$48 at Amazon $39 at Walmart $44 at Target What’s Great About It Oversized for larger entryways
Maintains its texture
Doesn’t obstruct the door
Machine washable
What Could Be Better Difficult to remove creases from packaging
Oversized doormats are perfect for homes with lots of foot traffic or large entryways. At 42 inches across, this rug fit perfectly at our back door and didn’t cause any obstruction.
Like other options on our list, this mat comes with a non-slip backing, which prevented it from sliding around on our floor. For cleaning, we either washed the mat or shook it to remove residue. Washing the mat was straightforward, and we encountered no issues along the way. Plus, since it’s made of durable polypropylene, we expect it to last for years to come.
This mat doesn’t shed nor develop any signs of wear and tear during testing. One drawback to this doormat is that upon removing it from its packaging, there were some creases on the rug. Even after following the manufacturer’s instructions of putting the mat in the dryer, the creases were still there. But we still liked this doormat for its size, pile height, and sturdiness.
Material: Polypropylene | Size: 42 x 35 and 35 x 23 inches | Thickness: 0.3 inches
$99 at Williams Sonoma $109 at Pottery Barn $95 at Food52 What’s Great About It Durable texture
Repels water
Easy to maintain
Handwoven rope gives nautical look
What Could Be Better Dirt and mud may be difficult to remove
Made out of handwoven rope, the Rope Co. Doormat is an extremely durable mat that will last for a long time. We tested it in the large size—34 by 21 inches—which is slightly larger than the average doormat, but it’s also available in four other sizes. While this mat doesn’t have a non-slip backing, it does repel water. And when leaves started to pile on top, they were easily removed by shaking the mat off.
We never came across any signs of loose fibers or fraying. Just note that while we were able to remove leaves, it would be more difficult to remove dirt or mud (due to the rough texture). One feature that we would also like to point out is that the color options that are advertised on the product page don’t match the product you receive. But, all in all, we loved the durability of this mat.
Material: Handwoven rope | Size: 5 sizes available | Thickness: 1.25 inches
For its functionality and design, the Ruggable Washable Doormat is our all-around favorite doormat. It comes with a two-piece system—a rubber backing and a machine-washable, interchangeable cover that’s available in hundreds of different designs. Despite exposure to rain, sunlight, and heavy foot traffic, this doormat still looks like new.
We rounded up the best doormats and had our Southern-based staff test them for a two-week period. Each was evaluated based on the following factors: quality, texture, cleaning, durability, and value. For quality, we inspected each doormat’s size, thickness, style, and aesthetic. We checked to see if the doormat properly fit into our space without obstructing our door. If the doormat came with a non-slip backing, we also checked to see if the backing prevented the rug from moving around. Plus, we also evaluated how well the doormat absorbed water and how long it took for it to dry off.
Before cleaning, we noted if dirt, leaves, pine straw, and other residue stuck to the mat or not. Once we finished cleaning it, we noted if there was any leftover debris on the mat and also how easy or difficult the cleaning process was.
To see how durable each mat was, we thoroughly checked the material by the end of the testing period and noted if we saw any signs of fraying, stains, or discoloration. For the outdoor mats, we also checked to see how well they held up to different weather conditions such as sunlight, rain, wind, etc. Finally, for value, we noted our likes and dislikes about each option compared to the price.
We are currently in the process of long-term testing all of the mats on our list and will follow up with testers at the three- and six-month mark.
Material We tested doormats made out of a variety of materials such as coir, chenille, polypropylene, polyester, rubber, and others. If you’re thinking of going with a coir doormat, note that these types of doormats are durable, low maintenance, eco-friendly, and efficient at removing dirt from shoes. However, on the other hand, it can be uncomfortable to walk on this type of mat due to its rough texture.
Polypropylene doormats are stain-resistant, easy to clean, inexpensive, and can stand up to different weather conditions, foot traffic, and other wear and tear. While they are equipped to handle dirt and other types of stains, they are not oil-resistant and typically have a shorter lifespan than other mats.
Similar to polypropylene doormats, rubber doormats are also easy to clean and are weather-resistant. Additionally, they are also waterproof and are resistant to grease, oil, and chemical stains. On the downside, rubber doormats aren’t the most stylish option, and some types of rubber can even leave marks on your floors. While there are many factors to consider with each type of doormat, the best option for you will be the one that aligns with your needs.
Size Before purchasing an indoor or outdoor doormat, we recommend measuring the space that you intend to place it in to make sure it doesn’t look too large or small, or obstruct your front door. A standard-sized doormat is typically 30 by 18 inches. This particular size is perfect for those who have a standard front or back door. Sizes go up from here to accommodate those with large front doors or double doors.
For indoor doormats, it’s still important to measure the space before purchasing a doormat. Then, as you’re shopping, select a mat that properly fits into the area so that it doesn’t seem out of place. As a general guideline, runners are often the perfect choice for narrow spaces. And for all other areas, just be sure to choose a doormat that doesn’t prevent you from being able to open or close different doors.
Maintenance To make sure that your doormat lasts a long time, you’ll need to care for it properly. With most doormats, you can either vacuum or sweep over the mat, shake it off, or place it in your washer or dryer (if applicable).
For those who have a coir or rubber doormat, we recommend following these guidelines when you need to give them a deep clean: First, apply a solution of mild detergent and water to the mat. Then, use a brush to gently scrub the doormat. After that, take a hose and rinse the doormat off to remove any soapy residue, and then let the doormat air dry.
Besides cleaning, there are other measures you should take to make sure that your doormat holds up well against weather conditions. For example, if you live in a rainy environment, make sure that you prop your doormat up to allow any excess water to drain. Next, let the mat dry out to prevent mold or mildew from growing.
When it comes to seasonal care, be sure to keep the following in mind. During the winter, snow, ice, salt, and other ice-melting products can damage your doormat’s material. So, before you step onto your mat, just make sure to remove any debris from your shoes. For fall and spring, make sure to also regularly clean your doormat since pollen, leaves, and other particles are known to accumulate on doormats during these seasons.
Style When shopping for a doormat, you’ll notice that there are many styles and color options to choose from. From those with a unique design, like Pottery Barn’s Seasonal Icon Doormats, to options with a geometric pattern, like Porte + Hall, it can take a while to find the perfect one for your space.
If you need a doormat that easily blends in with your home’s style, opt for a neutral or dark-colored doormat. Whether you have a classic, minimalist, or modern home, both of these shades are known to pair well with most styles. Note that you can also choose a more colorful mat, like the Olanly Front Door Mat, just make sure that it blends in with your decor so that it doesn’t look out of place.
Besides color, you should also consider how patterns play a role in your purchasing decision. While solid colors are known to pair well with any type of home, straight lines are best for modern and minimalist homes. When it comes to natural textures or prints, they’re better suited for rustic and farmhouse homes. Bold and bright patterns are perfect for vintage and maximalist homes.
What is the best doormat material? The best doormat material is going to be different for each space. If you’re thinking of purchasing an outdoor doormat, the best material to go with is rubber (or a doormat with a rubber backing). This type of material is better for outdoor areas because it’s equipped to withstand different weather conditions. Also, most of the time, rubber doormats come with a non-slip backing, meaning that they will likely remain in the same spot.
For indoor doormats, the most durable material to choose is coir. Not only is this type of mat effective at trapping dirt and other debris but they are also built to withstand heavy traffic.
How much do doormats cost? The doormats on our list range in price from $15 to $160, depending on size and materials. As you’re shopping, be mindful that the material, design, and other features of the doormat determine the overall cost. For example, since the Magnolia Branch Doormat is resistant to mold, mildew, stains, and UV rays, and includes a decorative design; it’s more expensive than the Stylewell Rubber Backed Doormat, which is a less decorative option made of recycled rubber.
How often should you replace your doormats? When your doormat starts showing signs of excessive wear and tear and permanent stains, or it’s no longer able to catch dirt or other debris, it’s time for a replacement, typically every six months to five years. While this is a general guideline, keep in mind that some doormats will need to be replaced sooner.
This article was written by Moriah Mason, a writer for Southern Living who specializes in shopping content. To create this roundup, we tested each of our options for a two-week period and evaluated them based on quality, durability, ease of cleaning, texture, and value. Plus, Moriah spent hours researching important factors to consider when choosing a doormat such as material, size, care, and color options.
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