Deciding how big your doormat should be can be tricky sometimes. Do you want to find a new mat but don't know whether it should fit the entire door or be a bit smaller? Well, we've done some digging and have the answers here for you. Let's check it out.
Typically, a doormat should be at least 80% percent of the width of your door. Considering that the average front door will be around three feet wide, this means your doormat should be at least 29 inches across. You don't have to do a lot of math here, but try to choose a doormat that isn't too small for your door.
As we begin, we will cover all things doormats and explore the various sizes you may want to try for your front door. Whether it's time for a new mat or you need some inspiration, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
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What Is The Average Size Doormat?
A doormat will usually measure 18 x 30 inches. Of course, these dimensions work best for a standard-sized single door, while a mat measuring 21 x 33/34 inches or 24 x 36/38 inches will be better for larger-style entrances.
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As mentioned, you want to make sure the doormat you select covers at least 80% of your door's width.
How Do You Pick A Doormat Size?
Most times, you want to choose a doormat that will fit your door and entrance. Having a big enough mat is essential, especially for anyone working with a double door design or grander entryway.
Even for smaller front doors, choosing a doormat that will be almost as wide as the door or wider will help create a cohesive look for your home. Again, as long as your mat's width is 80% of the door's width, it should look fine, so no need to worry.
What Size Doormat Should You Have For A Double Door?
Considering the average single door will be three feet wide, double doors should be around six. That means your doormat will need to measure at least 4.8 feet wide to look appropriate.
With that said, a doormat that's 5-6 feet wide will look the best with double doors, and it will give two people enough room to wipe their feet.
Do You Need Two Door Mats For A Double Door?
No, it's not necessary to double up on your doormats. As long as you follow our recommendation above, there shouldn't be any need to purchase two separate mats for your double doors.
Again, that's not to say you can't try this if you prefer, but from a cost standpoint, choosing a mat that's 5-6 feet wide will be cheaper than getting multiple smaller ones.
What Size Rug Do You Put Under A Doormat?
You want to put a rug that is slightly bigger than your doormat underneath it. So, for example, if your doormat is 18 x 30 inches, the carpet underneath should be around 2 x 3 or 3 x 5 feet.
That said, you don't have to choose a rug that is dramatically larger than your doormat to achieve a layered final look, but try to keep it at least a foot wider and longer.
Should You Put A Rug Under The Doormat?
If you want to give your front door some personality and pattern, layering the doormat with a rug underneath is a great idea. Although you don't have to do this, adding an extra carpet under the doormat can add warmth to your front door, making it look super inviting.
Doing this is also great for adding color to a plain porch or entryway, so we recommend it if your home needs some vibrance.
Mudder 2 Piece Layered Doormat With Rug
This two-piece layered set comes with an 18 x 28-inch doormat, a 24 x 36-inch checkered rug, has a non-slip backing, and can go indoors or outside.
Follow this link to them on Amazon.
Should Doormats Match?
Although your doormats don't need to be exact, they should share similar colors and patterns. Typically, you will be able to find a set of matching doormats that you can use at different entry points around your home, but again, this isn't required.
If your mats are on opposite sides of your home and you want to switch things up, there's no issue with having them be completely different, so there are no rules here.
Emerson Essentials Indoor Outdoor Doormats
This set of matching doormats are absorbent, low profile, indoor/outdoor, measure 32 x 20 inches, and come in black or grey.
Check out this doormat set on Amazon.
How Many Doormats Should A House Have?
Ideally, a home should have a doormat at the front entrance exterior and another one inside. Having two doormats will help control the amount of dirt and debris that come into your house, so we recommend more than one.
You can also try placing doormats at other entrances around your home, whether it's the back door, porch door, or even on your balcony upstairs. In general, the more mats you put down, the less chance outdoor elements will get inside, which in turn will keep your house cleaner.
What Type Of Doormat Is Best For Outside?
When it comes to outside doormats, you want to find something durable. A few features your outdoor doormat should have include:
- A water and weather-resistant design
- UV resistant/non-fading material
- Mold/mildew-resistant material
- Synthetic fibers (natural mats should stay inside)
It's also a good idea to find a doormat that won't slip or move when you walk on it, which goes for both interior and exterior mats.
How Do You Clean An Outside Doormat?
For those with a dirty outside doormat, hope is not all lost. Generally, cleaning won't require more than a good sweep or shake, although stains can be harder to get rid of.
If your mat is stained or extra dirty, follow these steps:
- Shake out your doormat over the grass or another outdoor area.
- Vacuum or sweep your mat to remove any remaining dust/dirt.
- Sprinkle baking soda over your rug, focusing on any stained sections.
- Rub the baking soda into your doormat using a broom or scrub brush.
- Let the baking soda sit on your rug for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, spray down your doormat with water.
- Let your mat dry, give it another good shake, and it's now clean!
It's also a good idea to sweep and spray down the area underneath your doormat while it's drying, so dust and dirt won't make their way into your house and onto your mat once you place it back down.
How Often Should You Replace A Doormat?
It's usually a good idea to replace your doormat every two years. Although this timeline can depend on whether your mat is inside or outside, doormats tend to deteriorate quickly.
For example, an outdoor doormat won't last more than six months to a year if the weather is harsh, so you may need to refresh yours every few seasons. That said, if you choose a sturdy, synthetic rug for the outside, it might last a bit longer, so the material makes a difference.
How Can I Make My Doormat Last Longer?
If you're not ready to let go of your favorite doormat, there are ways to make it last longer. Our first suggestion is to use a water repellant spray/sealant on your mat, which will keep it from rotting and falling apart in the rain.
Another way to keep your doormat in good shape is to regularly clean it, which won't require more than a sweep or quick vacuum most times. Again, a doormat can only last so long before it falls apart, so try to maintain it regularly.
Scotchgard Sun and Water Shield
This water repellant spray works outside, blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays, covers 60 square feet per can, and comes in a few bundle options.
Click here to view this spray on Amazon.
To Wrap It All Up
Whether you have multiple doormats or haven't ever thought to buy one, getting the size right is essential. A doormat should be 80% as wide as the door or even bigger, so try to find one that fits your entire entryway.
Choosing a doormat that won't fall apart after a few months is also important, so we recommend something synthetic and water/UV resistant.
You can also try adding a second mat inside your front door to pick up any dirt and debris your outdoor doormat didn't catch. In addition, you can layer a rug underneath to add some charm to your entrance.
Regardless, try to choose a big enough doormat for your front door, and don't be afraid to get a couple for the other entrances in your house.
Before you go, be sure to check out these helpful related posts below!
How To Keep Your Doormat From Sliding - 7 Easy Ways!