Inside or Outside? The Truth About Where Trendy Door Mats Actually Belong

The classic debate about doormat placement has a surprisingly simple answer - you need both inside and outside mats. This two-mat setup works wonders to keep your floors clean and helps your mats last longer.

This is going to be more of an informative article so get your reading glasses on cause this is packed with value.

If you have not yet got the low down on trendy doormats read our article here: Why Interior Designers Love These Trendy Door Mats (And You Will Too)

The Carpet and Rug Institute suggests you need at least 15 feet of matting to remove 90% of soil entering a property. This fact explains why many people choose the two-mat approach. Your outdoor mat handles the heavy dirt, and your indoor mat takes care of leftover moisture and finer particles.

Why do people put a door mat at the front door?

Did you know that shoes bring 85% of dirt and moisture into our homes? This number goes up ten times when it rains or snows. These facts make a strong case to put a doormat at your entrance.

A quality doormat serves many vital purposes. New doormats can catch up to 95% of dirt, dust, and moisture. They create a barrier that keeps your floors clean.

A well-placed doormat helps keep your indoor air clean. Shoes can make dirt and debris float in the air and affect what you breathe. Your doormat stops these particles right at the entrance.

Homes with kids and pets need doormats even more. They keep spaces clean by collecting dirt from little feet and paw prints. Your floors stay protected from scratches that grit and dirt can cause.

The best doormats have these key features:

• Dense, absorbent fibers that trap dirt and moisture fast
• Anti-slip rubber backing for stability
• Tough materials that clean easily
• Enough space for both feet

Today's doormats look great while doing their job. You can find options that trap dirt well and match your home's style. They add both function and beauty to your entryway.

Washable doormats make cleaning simple. You can wash them in regular machines at 30ºC. This keeps your first defense line fresh all year round.

Where should a door mat be placed?

Your doormat's strategic placement significantly impacts how well it keeps your home clean and safe. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends at least 15 feet of matting that removes 90% of soil entering a property. This might seem like a lot, but proper placement helps you get the best results.

Place your outdoor mat right against the door to avoid trip hazards. Any gap between the mat and door creates a chance for accidents, especially when people unexpectedly step there. The ideal spot is 1-2 steps from your front door, with ¼ to ½ inch space so the door doesn't catch.

A two-tier mat system proves most effective. The outdoor mat serves as your first defense by scraping off bigger debris and dirt. An indoor mat then catches remaining moisture and finer particles. These two mats work together perfectly to protect your floors.

Your back door needs just as much protection, even with less foot traffic. These entrances often face the wettest, muddiest traffic your floors see. Sturdy, all-weather doormats with rubber backing work best here, especially if they lead to gardens or patios.

People's walking patterns should guide your mat placement. They rarely walk straight - instead heading toward elevators, reception areas, or other spots. You might need wider mats or ones placed horizontally rather than vertically.

Natural fiber mats like coir excel in covered porches or enclosed entryways. However, all-weather mats work better in areas exposed to direct rain and snow. Note that aluminum mats should stay indoors because they can become slippery when wet.

Are door mats worth it?

Numbers tell an amazing story about doormats.

Here's a surprising fact - 80% of all dirt comes into buildings on people's shoes. Good entrance mats will cut down your cleaning supply costs and labor expenses right away. Your flooring lasts longer too.

Money isn't the only benefit - doormats create healthier indoor spaces. They block allergens and harmful contaminants that would normally settle into your carpets. Your indoor air stays cleaner, which makes the space safer for everyone.

Good quality mats are worth their price tag because they last so long. Materials like coir with PVC backing really stand up to wear. These mats need little care - a regular brush or hoover with an upholstery attachment keeps them working well.

Want the best results? Here are some handy tips:

• Pick moisture-resistant mats for outside
• Match the mat size to your entrance traffic
• Choose designs that look good but still work hard
• Go for washable mats to make cleaning easier

The bottom line? 

Placing doormats shouldn't puzzle you anymore. Our research shows that a combination of indoor and outdoor mats provides the best defense against dirt and debris. Each mat serves a unique purpose - outdoor mats remove most of the dirt while indoor mats trap leftover moisture and smaller particles.

The numbers speak for themselves. Proper mat placement can trap up to 95% of dirt and moisture before it reaches your home's interior. This means you'll spend less time cleaning, breathe cleaner air, and protect your floors better. Your investment will pay off quickly with lower cleaning expenses and longer-lasting floors.

Material selection makes a significant difference. Rubber mats work best outdoors because they withstand harsh weather conditions. Your indoor mats can be more decorative yet still functional. The mats should align perfectly with your door and suit your home's traffic flow.

Doormats work best as a team - one inside and one outside. This setup gives your home maximum protection and keeps it welcoming.

Still looking for more info?

Why Interior Designers Love These Trendy Door Mats (And You Will Too)