I had an interview with Ana Durrani at Realtor.com about doormats this week- let's share!
By Ana Durrani
Feb 14, 2022
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A welcome mat helps keep your floors clean by absorbing dirt, debris, and moisture, keeping them from getting into your home. But of course, that’s only part of the appeal—a welcome mat can also add considerable flair to your home’s threshold.
Whether it’s a silly message or a last name emblazoned across it, a doormat serves as your unofficial welcome committee, so you’ll want to choose one that makes a good first impression. Or at least the right impression.
“A doormat does a real job,” says Spoon Popkin, owner of Damn Good Doormats.
A welcome mat may be small, but like so many other home purchases, it requires some thoughtful consideration so you can find the right one for your space and personality. Here’s the lowdown from the experts on what to know about choosing the right welcome mat.
The size should be proportional to where it’s placed
Doormats come in all shapes and sizes, so choose wisely.
The general rule is to select one that is the same width as your front door or 80% of the width of the doorway where it will be placed.
Popkin says 18-by-30 inches is the most common size, although some people opt for 24-by-60 if they have French doors.
They can work indoors and outdoors
Welcome mats are typically considered for the outside only, but they can also be used indoors. You might want to use a double-mat configuration if you live in inclement weather.
“Mats placed outdoors and indoors will protect the floors because they give two opportunities to get snow, ice, sand, dirt, etc. off your shoes,” says Sandy Pharr, owner and designer of Rug Rats, Fine Carpets, and Custom Rugs.
Experts advise keeping thick mats outdoors since they tend to slide or get stuck when the door is opened.
READ MORE from Ana over at REALTOR.com
For the boho handlebar mustache crowd : I “mustache” you to remove your shoes
For a classy clean house- Leave your worries (and your shoes) at the door
Should you get a mat for inside or outside your door, or for both?
A mat outside will trap dirt & mud to keep your house looking neat. But a second mat inside is even better! Not only will it capture stray debris & pet hair, it’s two times the fun! With over 800 designs and custom requests welcome, you can mix & match the hilarity at your entryway.
Are door mats still in style? What's the most popular ones? The most stylish ones?
As long as there are doors, doormats never go out of style. Fun AND practical.
Many customers choose to change out their mats for the season and holiday, even adding a layering rug for an extra pop of color.
One of our most popular mats is the RHYTHM RUG
Our American Sign Language WELCOME mat
The Cave Canem (Latin for “Beware of Dog” from Pompeii is a big hit with the art history crowd & dog lovers alike
Tolkien fans can’t get enough of our “No Entrance Except on Party Business” mat
Do you really need one if you live in an apartment or are they simply decorative?
Our skinny doormats (6”x30”) are a great way to make your apartment entrance unique and easy to spot! A funny or nerdy doormat is a great conversation starter with your neighbors, you just may make a friend.
True story, a customer met their husband when he remarked on their doormat!
Are there types of welcome mats you should avoid?
We actually specialize in doormats for people who want to warn guests (;
Our huge Family Un-Friendly section is safe enough to give Grandma a chuckle
Our dyslexic mat WECLOME is a big hit
The Welcome to Flavortown is also flying off the shelves for Spring
GOOFY DOG DOORMATS!
We can all agree dogs are goofy AND the best!
Here are some fan favorite dog doormats:
We’re nuts for Corgi Butts
Beware of the Wiggle Butt for Australian Shepard lovers- this fan photo is from @zoemarietheaussie !
Come back when you can’t stay so long, subtle, but effective
Schmutz! It’s Yiddish for dirt! This fun rug is for everyone as yiddish is everywhere
We’ve all seen “House Rules” signs, so why not be honest about it?
This house runs on chaos, coffee & online shopping
Not up for company? Our “Uhh hi… you must be lost” doormat is a funny way to say Not Today!
Goofy Nerdy mats
These are huge! Crossing over my fan base of goofy & geeky
Our Big Lebowski inspired “This rug really ties the porch together” plays on that great film’s main mission- getting back that rug!also available in PORCH/PATIO/APT/CONDO/ROOM
For those Monty Python fans “Go away or I shall taunt you a second time”
and more mats to suit every style! With over 800 styles now offered, there is something for everyone! We also love designing custom doormats, so just ask!
