One of those necessary objects that we take for granted is the simple doormat. But it’s an essential component of our houses, helping to keep floors clean and leaving muck at the door. The greatest door mats fulfill the apparent purpose of keeping our shoes clean while also being strong and long-lasting.
With recommendations for doormats that may be used indoors, outdoors, or both, we’ve tested a range of doormats to offer you our selected assortment. Whether you put your doormat inside or outside is completely up to you; many of us do both for increased protection from muddy feet (and paws).
Uncertain of where to begin or what kind of doormat to purchase? Read our buying guide in the section below. Alternatively, you may skip through to our suggestions for the perfect doormat lower down the page.
How to choose the best doormat for you
Finding the right doormat might be challenging because there are so many options available. It goes without saying that appearance will be important to your choice because you’ll be gazing at a doormat frequently. But there are additional considerations than a doormat’s appearance.
What are doormats made of?
Numerous materials, including those that are soft or weather-resistant, are used to make doormats. The most typical kinds of material are those.
- Coir – Coir is a fantastic environmentally friendly option because it is formed from the outer husk of coconuts. It has long been the most popular doormat material since it is so effective at eliminating dirt and debris. Despite the availability of more affordable synthetic materials, coir is still widely used since it is such a durable and strong substance.
- Microfibre – Since it is so good at capturing dirt and moisture, this is the most widely used synthetic doormat material. Despite being exceedingly fine, the synthetic fibers are weaved to provide a huge surface area. Because of movement (like scraping your shoes on the mat), these fibers develop a static charge that attracts mud and grime within the mat.
- Natural rubber –Avoid the temptation to use synthetic PVC for an outdoor mat; instead, go with natural rubber. Rubber is resilient enough to withstand the cold and the wet, unlike other man-made materials prone to breaking in cold weather. A rubber doormat won’t slide around since rubber is a heavier material. To make cleaning shoes simpler, go for one with a textured top surface or one with open holes.
- Cotton –Natural cotton is quite absorbent and dries very rapidly. This is particularly suited for thin, inside doormats that can pick up moisture from shoes when visitors enter a home. Cotton doormats are often machine washable, making it simple to maintain them fresh and clean.
- Nylon – This tough synthetic plastic is water-resistant, strong, and flexible. As a result, water will be forced to the mat’s surface where it may be easily wiped off. It frequently serves as a cotton substitute.
What shapes of doormats are there?
In other words, doormats may be found in practically any shape. Although semi-circles are also popular and might be handy for spaces with odd shapes, rectangular doormats are the most common. Although doormats come in a number of bespoke forms, such as leaves or lightning bolts, to name just two at random, you can also find them in full circles and squares, which are also pretty popular.
The best doormats you can buy in 2022
- Super Absorbent Magic Microfibre Doormat: Best for pet owners
For pet owners coping with muddy paws, this cotton fiber doormat with a high absorption rate is a lifesaver. There’s no need to try to teach your dog to clean its feet because the fibers absorb fine dirt and wetness as you or your pet tread upon them. This doormat has a non-slip rubber backing that ensures it won’t slide about and is machine washable. To maintain it clean and stop odor from accumulating, we advise cleaning it periodically. The mat may be used indoors or outside in a protected entranceway, but you shouldn’t leave it totally outside because it can soak up a lot of water.
There are four sizes available for the mat, with the largest measuring 140 x 90 cm. We tested it at its smallest size, which is 75 cm x 45 cm. Additionally, you have the option to combine black and grey or brown and tan. Personally, we consider the colors black and grey to be excellent neutral options for the majority of homes. Although it may not be the most eye-catching doormat, it is undoubtedly quite useful and performs a fantastic job of keeping hallways clean.
2. Scroll Half Moon Rubber Doormat: Best for outdoors
Rubber doormats are the obvious choice if you want one that will withstand the unpredictable British weather. Natural rubber is durable and enduring, able to withstand dampness and cold. If you frequently go for walks in the countryside, the classically designed half-moon doormat from Dunelm is the finest option to put outside your entrance since its ridges are great for scraping dirt off. Rubber is also quite sticky, so this mat won’t slide about and will give your property a firm entryway. The £5 doormat from Dunelm is also a great deal. However, you can’t use this mat indoors since the rubber can stain the carpet or the flooring. Wipe down the doormat frequently to get rid of mud and debris to keep it clean.
3. Habitat Hello Doormat: Best for style on a budget
The doormat from Habitat is incredibly cost-effective at only £7, especially considering that it can be used both indoors and in covered outside spaces. It is tough enough to collect dust, crud, and dampness from your shoes while yet appearing fashionable because it is made entirely of natural coir. The mat’s sturdy PVC backing avoids any slipping by holding it firmly in place on the floor. Although it cannot be washed, it is simple to maintain with a sharp brush and a shake outside. Additionally, this doormat features a playful, stylized pattern with the word “Hello” written in an attractive typeface, which should make guests feel welcome when they knock on your door.
Its dimensions of 60 cm x 40 cm make it slightly smaller than our other doormats, but it would be perfect for smaller entranceways or people with smaller houses who don’t want a doormat to take up too much space. Please be aware that using the mat on carpets might cause discoloration or other harm. Additionally, you should anticipate some initial shedding from the coir; this is quite natural and won’t affect the doormat’s functionality at all.
4. Likewise Matting Recyclon Mayfair Bee Sweet Mat: Best for indoors
Ideal for indoor usage is this wonderful soft doormat. It has a fluffy pile that is quite soft underfoot and won’t irritate your bare feet. Despite appearing soft, the doormat is comprised of a dirt-resistant microfibre yarn that is incredibly absorbent.
The mat is always firm and in place thanks to the grip-friendly Microflex backing. It’s a great alternative for those seeking environmentally friendly products. The doormat uses zero energy since it is made from 100% recyclable materials and 20% recycled materials.
This doormat, which comes with a three-year Lakeland warranty and has a non-stain backing, may also be used on carpets. Be warned that this doormat may lose some of its fluff after being used for the first time. Additionally, it shouldn’t be used outside.
5. Vader Vision Doormat: Best luxury doormat
Want to get a high-end doormat? Then look no further than Ruggable’s ingenious two-piece system. This rug is made comprised of a mat and a cover, with the cover being washable and replaceable. As a result, you may always add to your collection or alter your appearance. We chose a traditional Star Wars design, but there are also a tonne of fun and modern variations, as well as some Marvel and Disney ones, available. Covers alone cost £90, and there is a large selection available.
The washable cover is made with heavy-duty bristles to trap dirt and mud and uses UV-resistant colors to keep your doormat looking its best in all elements. It’s also made to order to reduce waste. The rubber backing is extremely grippy and anti-slip, although we should point out that it’s also quite heavy. While covers are 55cm x 85cm, the rubber mat is larger at 60cm x 90cm, so do be aware that you’ll need a big enough doorway to fit this. The doormat can be used indoors or on a sheltered outdoor porch.
6. Hello Sausage Doormat: Best for large houses
If you’re fortunate enough to live in a big house, consider getting a long doormat that covers a lot of ground. Once they have traversed the entire length of this doormat, neither people nor animals will be able to deposit dirt on the floor.
This lovely doormat from Bombay Duck, which has a cute Dachshund wearing a sweater stretched over its length, is no exception to the company’s reputation for unusual and enjoyable doormats. It has a PVC backing and is made entirely of coir, making it durable, absorbent, and slip-free. It’s only suitable for indoor use and we did notice that it sheds more coir initially than some other doormats. However, it’s great at dealing with mud and moisture and is sure to be a talking point in any home with its fun design.
7. Amazon Umi Heavy Duty Doormat: Best indoor/outdoor hybrid
Made of polypropylene with a natural rubber backing, this doormat is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The textured pile is ideal for trapping mud and dirt, while also soaking up water and moisture. The mat comes in two sizes, a petite 60cm x 40cm or a larger 75cm x 45cm, as well as a choice of two colors – grey and brown. The backing ensures the mat grips well to the floor, while the polypropylene means that the rug won’t shed bristles. It does have quite a strong smell when it arrives, which takes a couple of days to dissipate. It’s also delivered rolled up and we recommend you weigh it down flat for a short while with some heavy books to keep it flat for use.
