Door Mats for Entryways and Floors

How to choose a door mat

Start with where the mat will sit. A mat at an outside facing door takes more traffic and moisture than one inside a bedroom. Look at the backing first. A non-slip backing keeps the mat flat on tile, wood and laminate. Most mats here use a rubber or non-slip backing, including the Woven Weave Polyester Door Mat, the Striped Cat Print Door Mat and the Black Ribbed Arch Door Mat.

Next, think about the surface. A low pile printed surface, like the Tattoo Studio Printed Door Mat at about 0.3 in (7 mm) thick, clears under most doors and wipes clean fast. A soft knit pile, like the Black Ribbed Arch Door Mat, feels warmer underfoot. A flocked surface, like the Striped Flocked Indoor Door Mat, adds a light texture that hides footprints.

Finally, pick a look that fits the room. Printed designs suit entryways, bathrooms and living rooms. Solid colors and simple stripes blend into any space.

Sizes and measuring

Measure the width of your doorway and the depth of the floor space in front of it. Leave a small gap on each side so the mat lies flat and the door swings free. For a single door, a rectangle mat that spans most of the opening works well. For a double door or a wide entry, choose a longer runner style.

Check the door clearance too. A thicker mat, such as the Tattoo Studio Printed Door Mat at about 0.3 in (7 mm), needs enough space under the door. A low pile mat is a safe choice when clearance is tight. If you plan to layer a mat over a rug, keep both backings flat so nothing curls at the corners.

All mats on this page are rectangle shaped unless noted. Measure twice before you buy, and write down the numbers so you can compare styles.

Materials and what they do

Polyester is the most common face fabric here. It is soft, holds print well and cleans up with a vacuum or a spot clean. The Custom Printed Polyester Door Mat uses 100 percent polyester tufted pile on a rubber backing. The Woven Weave Polyester Door Mat is 100 percent polyester with a non-slip backing. The Cartoon Bear and Panda Door Mat adds memory foam filling for a cushioned step. The Tattoo Studio Printed Door Mat uses polyester flannel with sponge filling.

PVC shows up in the Striped Cat Print Door Mat. It has a low pile printed surface and a non-slip backing, which makes it a practical pick for busy indoor floors. Rubber is the base for the Striped Flocked Indoor Door Mat. Rubber grips the floor and stands up to damp footsteps near a bathroom or toilet.

Crystal velvet gives the Black Ribbed Arch Door Mat its soft knit feel. The ribbed arch pattern adds grip and a clean look. The Soft Shag Bath Mat uses polyester shag pile with a non-slip backing, so it works on bathroom floors where a little cushion matters.

Care and cleaning

Care depends on the surface. Vacuum most mats on a low setting and spot clean with mild soap and water. The Woven Weave Polyester Door Mat and the Cartoon Bear and Panda Door Mat both follow this routine. The Custom Printed Polyester Door Mat is hand wash only, so keep it out of the machine.

The Striped Flocked Indoor Door Mat and the Black Ribbed Arch Door Mat wipe down easily thanks to their rubber and non-slip backings. Shake mats out often to clear grit, and let damp mats air dry flat before putting them back. A fade resistant mat, such as the Black Ribbed Arch Door Mat or the Cartoon Bear and Panda Door Mat, holds its color better near a sunny door.

Matching the mat to the room

For a front entry, choose a mat that traps dirt and handles weather. A rubber backed mat or a low pile printed mat works well. For a bathroom, a soft shag mat feels better under bare feet. For a bedroom or living room, a soft pile or memory foam mat adds comfort.

Printed designs bring personality to a hallway or a bathroom. Solid black, brown and gray mats stay neutral. If you want a mat that reads as a welcome mat at the door, a printed or striped style does the job. Pair a door mat with a runner rug or stair runner from the same store to carry the look through the house.