The Neighborhood: Doormats 101

Indoor Doormats

The 411 On All Things Doormats

Hello friends, and welcome back to The Neighborhood! If you’ve come this far, you’re likely on a journey to find the perfect doormat for the inside of your home. Today we’re going to look at a frequent query we often get from customers, “What type of doormat is best for inside”. It’s a great question we’ll address here, but keep in mind you can also read a detailed overview of indoor door mats here: Just Inside the Door: A Fresh Look at Indoor Door Mats.

Alright, let’s take a look at some of the features of indoor doormats and door rugs to help you make the best decision for your entryway!

A Foundation of Traction & Durability: Rubber Backed Mats & Rugs

Small child standing on durable all-weather WaterHog outdoor doormat placed at sliding door to capture snow.

If safety and durability top your doormat checklist, rubber-backed mats and door rugs are the go-to options. Renowned for superior grip on various surfaces, rubber-backed mats provide essential traction in high-traffic areas. Ideal for safeguarding hardwood floors, or tiled floors from heavy foot and paw traffic, they offer a reliable solution for floor protection. Easy to maintain and known for their longevity, these mats ensure a safe and welcoming entrance while standing strong against daily wear and tear.

A Subtle Entry That Speaks Volumes: Low-Profile Indoor Mats

Low expectations aren’t always a bad thing, at least when it comes to the height of your doormat. These thin mats fit perfectly under doors, preventing awkward catches or bumps and enhancing both safety and aesthetics. The low-profile design not only ensures a smooth transition from outdoors to indoors but also introduces a touch of subtle elegance to your entryway. With these mats, worries about your door swinging smoothly become a thing of the past, allowing you to focus on the seamless and stylish integration of functional design into your home. Choose low-profile door mats for a blend of practicality and sophistication, making a statement with every welcome step.

Ultra low-profile rubber backed indoor door rug placed at front door.

Strong & Sustainable: Eco-Friendly Fiber Mats

Strength and sustainability take center stage if you’re considering an indoor door mat crafted with a recycled PET fiber surface. This innovative approach is a great eco-friendly option, offering more than just a sturdy and functional landing. By repurposing plastic waste into a durable and eco-friendly material, these mats make a significant contribution to environmental conservation. These doormats excel at capturing the moisture, dirt, and debris from the bottom of shoes, and dry incredibly fast when exposed to rain, sleet, and snow. Opting for a mat with a recycled PET fiber surface isn't just a choice; it's a stylish declaration of sustainability without any compromise on quality.

Clean Convenience: Machine-Washable Mats

Easy to clean and machine washable Un-Rug accent floor mat fits easily into front load washing machine

Life is messy, and sometimes our doormats bear the brunt of it. Enter a newer trend in the doormat world – machine-washable mats. Known for convenience, you can simply toss your mat into the washing machine for a quick and hassle-free clean. This convenient feature not only ensures a clean and welcoming entrance but also extends the lifespan of your mat. Full disclosure – we don’t recommend this for mats that are heavily soiled with mud, dirt, or sand, in which case we recommend cleaning outside with a garden hose and mild detergent.

It’s a Big World Out There

While rubber-backed mats and those with recycled PET fiber surfaces take the top spots for us, there's a vast world of indoor door mats to consider. Imported coir mats are a low-cost option that brings a traditional charm, while plush fabric mats offer a softer feel. Personalized welcome mats with quirky messages or elegant designs can add a touch of personality to your entrance.

Let’s Close This Out

So, to wrap this up, selecting the best indoor door mat really comes down to what you value and expect from an indoor mat. Considering the factors discussed including durability, sustainability, design, and cleaning convenience. Rubber backed mats, mats with recycled PET fiber surfaces, low-profile options, and machine-washable mats each have their unique benefits, offering you a plethora of choices to suit your preferences and lifestyle. So, as you take the next step toward enhancing your home's entrance, remember that the perfect indoor door mat is not just a functional necessity but a stylish statement that welcomes both residents and guests alike.

Want to know even more? Check out the Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal Doormat...

A Little Info to Let You Know…

We like to give you, the reader, a little info as to who we are. At Matterly, our history is deeply rooted in matting and floor coverings; like 6 decades deep. From where we sit as we type out this article, a quick walk through one set of doors leads out to a manufacturing plant floor where thousands of floor mats are made every day. We’re making rubber, we’re extruding fibers, we’re printing on textiles, and it’s all being done right here in America.

Image of one of Matterly's manufacturing facilities in Georgia.

December 09, 2023 — Bobby DeBardeleben