Doormats

The doormat is not the most glamorous purchase, but it is arguably the most hard-working one. It is the first thing visitors step on as they walk through your door, and it protects floors from years of wear by scraping shoes clean and drying wet boots.

Coir is the traditional choice, woven from coconut husk fibre and with a coarse surface that lifts mud and grit from shoe soles more effectively than softer materials. The fibre also holds a printed or embossed design well, which is why the range runs from plain natural finishes through to bold patterns and witty greetings. The one thing coir does not handle well is sustained soaking: repeated drenching breaks down the fibres, so a covered porch or indoor position suits it better than a fully exposed doorstep.

Water is where fabric doormats in cotton, microfibre and washable polyester do better. They sit just inside the front door, catching the moisture and dust the outdoor mat missed, and most are machine-washable, which suits households with children, dogs and muddy shoes. For the heaviest conditions in side passages, garages and trade entrances, rubber or PVC scraper mats with raised studs and lipped edges hold dirt and water clear of the floor. Using a coarse outdoor mat alongside a softer washable indoor one is the most effective combination in a British climate.

Standard mats of 40 x 60cm suit most single front doors, while wider 60 x 90 designs cover double doors and generous porches. Thin, low-profile mats work well under inward-opening doors with tight clearance, and half-circle shapes soften traditional entrances. Look for a rubber-backed version to ensure it stays put on smooth floors without drifting. Personalised and custom doormats with names, addresses or witty greetings are consistently popular gifts for first homes and house-warmings.

Flitch brings together doormats from over 100 UK retailers in a single search, so you can compare materials, sizes and personalisation options side by side. Price histories show how the price of each design has moved over time, and price drop alerts help you catch any saving. If you would like guidance on coordinating your entrance, our expert stylists are on hand.

What is the best material for a doormat?

Coir is the most effective scraper for outdoor use, removing dirt and grit before it enters the home. Rubber, PVC and recycled tyre mats handle the heaviest wear at trade entrances. Indoor mats in cotton, microfibre or washable polyester catch finer dust and moisture once shoes are inside.

How often should a doormat be replaced?

A good coir doormat lasts one to two years with regular use before fibres start to break down. Rubber and washable indoor mats often last three to five years. Signs that your doormat needs replacing include visible matting, bare patches and curling edges.

Can doormats be washed?

Indoor fabric and microfibre mats are typically machine-washable on a cool cycle. Coir mats should be vacuumed and shaken out rather than washed, as soaking damages the fibre. Rubber-backed mats can be hosed down outdoors and left to air dry.

What size doormat do I need?

Match the width to the doorway, leaving 5 to 10cm of clearance either side. Standard 40 x 60cm mats suit most single front doors, while wider double doors and porches benefit from 60 x 90 centimetres or larger.

Are personalised doormats worth the extra cost?

Personalised mats with names, addresses or messages cost a few pounds more but make popular house-warming and wedding gifts. They suit second mats that sit inside the porch, since printed surfaces tend to wear faster than plain coir under heavy outdoor use.