Choosing a doormat sounds simple — but with so many materials, sizes, and styles available, it’s easy to end up with one that looks great but doesn’t perform, or performs well but clashes with your home’s aesthetic. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to buy the right doormat for your entrance, patio, or indoor space — the first time.
Step 1 — Decide Where the Mat Will Be Used
The single most important factor in choosing a doormat is its location. Outdoor and indoor environments place very different demands on a mat.
Outdoor Entrances & Patios
Outdoor mats are exposed to rain, sun, dust, and heavy foot traffic. You need a material that is weather-resistant, UV-stable, and has strong scraping ability. The best choices for outdoor use are:
- Natural Coir — Made from coconut husk fibres; tough, highly effective at scraping dirt, and naturally weather-resistant. Our most popular outdoor choice. Browse coir entrance mats →
- Polypropylene (PP) — Synthetic, fade-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. Ideal for covered patios, balconies, and high-moisture outdoor areas.
- Rubber — Extremely durable and weatherproof; best for high-traffic entrances and wet zones. Note: in very cold climates, prolonged exposure can cause rubber to crack over time — for such conditions, coir or PP is preferred.
Indoor Entrances & Hallways
Indoor mats don’t need to withstand the elements, so you have more flexibility with softer, more decorative materials:
- Jute — Soft, natural, and aesthetically warm. Great for indoor hallways and living room entrances.
- Polypropylene (PP) — Also works well indoors; easy to clean and available in a wide range of designs.
- Cotton & fabric blends — Soft underfoot and machine-washable; ideal for interior use where comfort is a priority.
Step 2 — Choose the Right Surface Texture
The surface texture of a doormat determines how effectively it removes dirt and moisture from footwear.
- Coarse/abrasive surfaces (coir, rubber nubs): Best for outdoor use where heavy scraping is needed — removes mud, gravel, and stubborn debris effectively
- Medium texture (PP, sisal): Good all-round performance for both scraping and moisture absorption — suitable for indoor-outdoor transition zones
- Soft/plush surfaces (jute, cotton): Better for moisture absorption than scraping — ideal for indoor use after an outdoor mat has done the heavy lifting
Pro tip: For best results, use a two-mat system — a coarse coir or rubber mat outside to scrape, and a softer mat inside to absorb remaining moisture.
Step 3 — Get the Size Right
A doormat that’s too small is ineffective — visitors will step over it rather than on it. Here’s how to size correctly:
- Standard single door: A mat at least 60 cm wide is recommended — wide enough for both feet to land on it simultaneously
- Double doors or wide entrances: Go for 90 cm or wider. Consider our custom size cut coir mats if standard sizes don’t fit
- Thickness: Check that the mat doesn’t obstruct the door swing. As a rule, mats under 15 mm thick work for most standard doors
- Runners: For long hallways or corridors, a runner mat provides coverage across the full walking path
Step 4 — Always Check for Non-Slip Backing
A mat that slides underfoot is both annoying and dangerous. Always look for mats with a rubber or PVC non-slip backing — especially for outdoor use where wet conditions can make a sliding mat a serious hazard. At OnlyMat, all our outdoor and entrance mats come with anti-slip backing as standard.
Step 5 — Consider Maintenance & Cleaning
Different materials require different levels of care. Choose one that fits your lifestyle:
- Coir: Shake out regularly; vacuum occasionally; avoid prolonged soaking in water
- Rubber & PP: Hose down or wipe clean; air dry; very low maintenance
- Jute: Spot clean only; avoid heavy moisture exposure
- Boot trays: Rinse and wipe; the easiest to clean of all entrance solutions. See our boot tray range →
Step 6 — Match Your Style
A doormat is part of your home’s first impression — it should complement your exterior or interior décor. Consider:
- Classic & minimal: Natural coir with a black border or simple ‘Welcome’ text
- Contemporary: Geometric or wave-pattern PP mats in grey, black, or earth tones
- Personalized: Add your family name, initials, or house number for a unique touch. Online ordering available for coir-based mats →
- Fun & novelty: Character prints, floral designs, or themed mats for a personality-filled entrance
Quick Reference — Doormat Material Guide
- Natural Coir — Outdoor ✅ | Heavy scraping ✅ | Eco-friendly ✅ | Custom size available ✅
- Polypropylene (PP) — Indoor & outdoor ✅ | Waterproof ✅ | Fade-resistant ✅ | Easy clean ✅
- Rubber — Outdoor & high-traffic ✅ | Maximum grip ✅ | Weatherproof ✅
- Jute — Indoor ✅ | Soft & natural ✅ | Decorative ✅
- Boot Tray — Muddy/wet shoes ✅ | Contains mess ✅ | Multipurpose ✅
Shop Doormats at OnlyMat
Now that you know what to look for, explore our full range of quality doormats and entrance mats:
