An entrance mat is the first thing you see when you come home, and the first thing your guests see. It has to catch wet shoes, keep dirt out and protect your floor. But it is also part of your interior.
How do you choose one that does both well? It comes down to five choices.
1. Size: bigger works better
An entrance mat works step by step. If you only put one foot on it, some of the moisture and dirt stays on your soles. The more steps you take on the mat, the cleaner your floor stays.
A standard size often just doesn't fit: too small for the hallway, or it leaves a gap beside the mat. A custom entrance mat fills exactly the space you have, from wall to wall or from door to stairs.
2. The spot: loose on the floor or in a recess
This determines how you measure and order:
| Loose on the floor | In a recess | |
|---|---|---|
| Size to order | Exact size | Measured size + cutting margin |
| Deviation | Up to 1.5 cm smaller, you won't notice | You receive it 1.5 to 3 cm larger |
| Trimming | Not needed | At home with a utility knife |
| Vinyl border | Allowed, not required | Always without |
Is it going in a recess? Then first read entrance mat in a recess: how to measure and choose it.
Our Archway is a luxury designer mat that sets the tone from the moment you walk in.
3. The backing: consider your floor
Underneath the mat is a backing with anti-slip. You choose from two:
- Standard vinyl for wood, laminate, tiles and natural stone. Most people choose this.
- Plasticizer-free (TPE) for a PVC or poured floor. Plasticizers in vinyl can cause stains or discolouration on those floors.
Not sure? Read when to choose a plasticizer-free doormat.
4. The border: with or without a vinyl border
A vinyl border is a band around the mat. It protects the edges of a mat that lies loose and is walked on often. In a recess or between walls it's unnecessary, and without a border the design runs all the way to the floor.
Plasticizer-free and a vinyl border don't go together. More in vinyl border or no vinyl border.
5. The design: choose what suits your hallway
An entrance mat doesn't have to be a grey expanse. A few questions that help:
- Calm or bold? A classic pattern like the herringbone of Modern Herringbone suits almost anywhere. Want colour? Choose something like Bold Colours, solid and full of colour.
- Light or dark? A pattern or a mid-tone shows dirt less quickly than a light, plain mat.
- Which colours do you already have? Echo a colour from your floor, door or stairs, and the mat will feel like part of your hallway.
Colour is hard to judge on a screen. So order free samples first (up to 3 per sample box, you only pay for shipping) and lay them out in your own light.
Our Modern Herringbone gives the classic herringbone pattern a fresh update.
Our Bold Colours proves that simplicity never has to be boring.
Our Mirage is a bold design mat that captivates your senses.
What else to consider
- Thickness: our mats are 8 mm. If it's going in a deeper recess, make up the difference with an underlay.
- Material: polyamide yarns that absorb moisture well and are easy to keep clean. Read how to clean your mat.
- Indoor or outdoor: our entrance mats are for indoor use. You can read about the difference from an outdoor mat in dirt-trapping mat vs. scrape mat.
- Warranty and delivery: 2-year warranty, shipped free and delivered to your home within 1 to 3 weeks.
Ready to choose?
Measure your hallway with the measuring instructions, choose your design and enter your size. See all designs at custom entrance mats.