A door mat has one job: it stops the street from walking into your house. Pick it for that job first, and for looks second.
Material
- Coir: rough, good at scraping off mud. Can be scratchy on bare feet.
- Jute: softer and natural, less hard-wearing in wet weather.
- Rubber: lasts outside and grips the floor, but is not warm.
- Cotton or carpet-backed: soft underfoot, best indoors.
Shape and size
A rectangle is the usual shape because two feet fit in one step. If shoes come off at the door, as in most Indian homes, size up so a couple of pairs can sit on the mat.
Five things to check before you buy
- Does it trap dirt and moisture? Rainy-season feet need a mat that absorbs water.
- Is it hard-wearing? A door mat takes more foot traffic than any rug.
- Does it have an anti-slip base? Tiles and a wet mat are a bad mix.
- Will the colour hold? Dark, fade-resistant shades also hide dirt.
- Is it warm enough in winter? Cotton beats rubber for bare feet.
If a coir mat is scratchy, lay a thin flat mat over it. You get comfort without buying a new one.
Shop indoor mats or outdoor mats.
