Find the Best Outdoor Doormat in 3 Easy Steps
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Time to read 5 min
We all know that finding the best outdoor doormat for your front door can be tough. With so many different colors, materials and sizes available, your choices can be overwhelming.
But, don't worry! We've got you covered with our 3-step guide on how to find the best outdoor doormat - one that will make you smile every time you come home.
1. First, select an outdoor doormat material that dries quickly
Doormats intended for outdoor use get wet all of the time - not just from the weather directly but from being walked on with wet shoes.
Even on a covered porch, your outdoor doormat will be exposed to humidity which can lead to mildew and mold growth. This fungus gets tracked into your home every time someone crosses your threshold. Yuck!
A soggy doormat also tends to harbor odors - not exactly the welcoming message you want to send. So be sure to pick an outdoor doormat material from the following list of weatherproof materials:
Rubber Doormats
Outdoor doormats made from rubber are tough, durable, flexible, and waterproof. They dry quickly and are built for tough and muddy jobs.
But, let’s face it… Rubber doormats are not the cutest front door mats around. If you want to create a warm and welcoming entrance, rubber is less inviting.
While rubber mats work well in wet weather, they tend to develop cracks when exposed to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period. Darker rubber mats will absorb heat and be hot to the touch during the summer. So, avoid these in areas with extreme temperatures.
Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs let you set up an outside area that is both stylish and functional.
Just be sure your outdoor welcome rug is clearly labeled as suitable for outdoor use. It should be crafted from synthetic fibers. Natural fibers (jute, coir, seagrass) are more likely to rot and shed over time when exposed to elements.
Cleaning an outdoor rug will require you to vacuum and/or shake out as much of the trapped dirt inside the mat as you possibly can. Then, using soap and a scrub brush (a carpet cleaning machine can also be used), give it a good washing down.
If you’re looking for a colorful outdoor rug that is even easier to maintain, read on…
Woven Rope Doormats
In recent years, woven rope doormats have been trending as some of the most popular outdoor doormats around. That’s because they are not only extremely functional, but they are available in a multitude of styles and colors to work with your home.
These outdoor doormats are woven from rope designed to last for years in all weather conditions. The most popular among them are Lobster Rope Doormats, which are actually woven from rope engineered to tether lobster traps to buoys in the sea.
This rope has to last or you’ll lose your daily catch! So if your front door faces sun, snow, salt, sand, or ice, Lobster Rope Doormats are the best outdoor doormats to enjoy for years and years.
A woven rope doormat is the easiest to clean - because the weave does not trap dirt, but rather passes it through the welcome mat, all you have to do is lift and sweep it away. No more "thwacking" your rug against a hard surface again and again!
A good washing down with a garden hose at your door can be done anytime you are watering your plants. The best outdoor doormat, like our Wicked Good Lobster Rope Doormats, will dry so quickly that you never have to worry about mildew, mold, or odors.
A special note on coir doormats
They’re cute, funny, and witty. Coir doormats are a lot of fun because they can be designed with charming sayings and designs.
Just be sure you keep them inside. Coir is a bad choice for an outdoor doormat. It is a natural fiber that can shed and rot in bad weather. If you keep it outdoors you’ll be replacing your coir doormat every season.
Best used indoors to collect your shoes inside the door, coir is a nice choice for many decor types.
2. Next, choose an outdoor doormat size that is close to your door width
Here’s the first rule of thumb: the size of your outdoor doormat should be roughly the width of your front door. One of the most popular doormat sizes for a front door is 18” x 30” and that mat size generally works well with most doors.
For a bigger statement at your front door, try an outdoor doormat that measures around 33”-36” long.
Before buying your outdoor doormat, use a piece of chalk to sketch out various mat sizes in front of your door. Take a step back. Make note of the scale and balance of the mat with your other door decor elements.
A smaller outdoor doormat may be preferable if you are flanking your front door with planters. You don't want to create a cramped look to your entryway.
3. Finally, choose the outdoor doormat color that complements your door color
Idea #1: Create sophistication with neutral colors
Outdoor doormats in neutral colors and solid hues are a timeless look for any entrance.
A Solid Navy doormat is a classic look that can add elegance to your front door. More interesting than a black or charcoal, yet still understated and refined, solid navy works with many door colors.
Or, you could go lighter with a dark tan outdoor doormat that brightens your entrance but does not compete with your front door colors. This tactic usually works well with darker door colors.
A beige outdoor doormat also is a great choice if you like to create a layered look at the front door.
Idea #2: Create interest and excitement with a pop of color
You can have a little fun with your doormat and still enjoy a stylish and sophisticated entrance. This Rainbow Stripe Lobster Rope Doormat is like a smile at your front door and works with almost any door color.
Try choosing an outdoor doormat that complements your front door color. This Beachy Vibes rope mat, when paired with a red door that matches its bottom stripe, adds easy summer charm.
We paired this Dark Tan and Black Stripes mat with a brown door because the tan complements the warm chocolate, while the black plays off of the door hardware.
You can also choose an outdoor doormat that pairs classic tones, like navy and seafoam, with a surprise pop of color. The teal in the doormat below lends a cool, bright feeling at the door. Try a Navy, Teal and Seafoam rope doormat to create this look.
A clean white door is always a perfect opportunity to play with color, as seen with our Navy, Light Blue and Seafoam nautical doormat below.
Idea #3: Match your outdoor doormat colors to your door decor and accessories
You can never go wrong with a classic! We love how this Solid Navy outdoor doormat creates a beautiful canvas for us to switch out seasonal flowers, like these brilliant yellow and purple mums.
The yellow in this Teal, Yellow and Seafoam doormat works beautifully with a sunny door (add in some bright yellow flowers, too!).
When paired with a greenery wreath, the Navy, Green and Seafoam outdoor doormat adds a vibrant pop of fresh color to energize your entrance.
Whether you go for understated and classic or colorful and bright, the best outdoor doormat choice should be a great opportunity to reflect your own personal style.
So, that's it. You've got all you need to find the best outdoor doormat?
Check out our weatherproof Lobster Rope Doormats so you can find just the right one for your front door and give your guests a warm welcome!
Or, email us at hello@thenewenglandtradingcompany.com if you have any more questions about how to choose the best outdoor doormat.
