A floor recess in the hallway is the best place for an entrance mat. The mat sits flush with the floor, doesn't slide, and feels like part of your interior. But a recess is unforgiving: a few centimetres too small and you'll see a gap, too large and it won't fit.
The good news: with the right size and a cutting margin, you can always get a snug fit. In this guide, you'll learn how to measure, why you should choose the cutting margin, and how to cut the mat to size at home.
Why a recess is different from a loose mat
A loose mat can be a centimetre off; on an open floor, you won't notice. In a recess, you see every millimetre. On top of that, walls and recesses are rarely perfectly straight. If you measure in one spot, the size on the other side is often slightly off.
That's why, with a recess, you always work with two things: measuring generously and a cutting margin, so you can cut away the last centimetres yourself.
Step 1: measure at three points
- Using a sturdy tape measure, measure the width (horizontal) in three places: left, middle and right.
- Do the same for the length (vertical): top, middle and bottom.
- Write down the largest measurement for each.
- Round up to whole centimetres. 83.4 cm becomes 84 cm.
Also pay attention to door frames, skirting boards and the swing of the door. Everything is explained step by step in our measuring instructions.
Step 2: choose the cutting margin
If the mat is going into a recess, choose the cutting margin when ordering. Simply enter your measured size; the calculator automatically adds 3 cm, in both width and length.
Why 3 cm? During production, a mat can turn out up to 1.5 cm smaller. With the margin, you'll always receive a mat that is 1.5 to 3 cm larger than your recess. Enough to cut away, and never too small.
| Example calculation | Width × length |
|---|---|
| Your measured recess | 84 × 60 cm |
| In your summary (incl. 3 cm margin) | 87 × 63 cm |
| What you receive | between 85.5 × 61.5 and 87 × 63 cm |
| After cutting to size | 84 × 60 cm, snug in the recess |
Read more about the choice in cutting margin: yes or no?
Our Modern Herringbone gives the classic herringbone pattern a fresh update.
Step 3: choose no vinyl border
You should always order a mat for a recess without a vinyl border. With a border, it won't fit, and without one, the design runs beautifully right up to the floor. The recess itself forms the border. Read more in vinyl border or no vinyl border.
Step 4: cut it to size at home
Our mats don't fray when cut, so with a sharp utility knife you'll be done in no time:
- Place the mat in the recess and push it snugly against one long and one short edge.
- On the other two sides, mark where the edge of the recess runs.
- Turn the mat over and cut through the backing along a straight edge.
- Place the mat back and check the fit. It's better to cut a little twice than too much once.
Is your recess deeper than the mat?
Our mats are 8 mm thick. If your recess is deeper, the mat will sit lower than the floor. Make up the difference with an underlay; you can find one at the DIY store. Not sure? Send us a message and we'll help you figure it out.
Is there a PVC or poured floor around the recess?
Then choose the plasticizer-free backing. Plasticizers in standard vinyl can cause stains or discolouration on such floors. Read when to choose plasticizer-free.
In short
- Measure width and length in three places and take the largest measurement.
- Round up to whole centimetres.
- Choose the cutting margin: the calculator automatically adds 3 cm.
- Order without a vinyl border.
- Cut away the last centimetres with a sharp utility knife.
Find your entrance mat
We make every custom entrance mat to your exact centimetre, in the design you choose. Not sure about colour or pattern? Order free samples first; you only pay for shipping.
Our Archway is a luxury designer mat that sets the tone from the moment you walk in.
Our Mirage is a bold design mat that captivates your senses.
Our Mesa is a luxury design mat with soft colours and a motif reminiscent of distant lands and timeless traditions.
Want to read more? See also dirt-trapping mat vs. scrape mat and how to clean your doormat.