Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Welcome Mat

Last updated on August 16, 2024
Categories Garden & Outdoors Tags ,

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Welcome Mats

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Theodore Magnus Easy Clean Eco-Friendly Welcome Mat

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Theodore Magnus

Easy Clean Eco-Friendly Welcome Mat

Measuring 30 inches in length and 15 inches in width, this welcome mat works well in front of a porch door, mudroom or front entryway. The bristles are made from natural fibers that do an excellent job of gently removing dirt for visitors' shoes. When the mat is in need of a cleaning, simply shake it to release trapped dirt and debris.

Overall Take

Multiple Designs AvailableYou'll find this welcome mat comes in an astounding 28 different colors, patterns and sayings.

 Runner Up

DII Entryway Non-Slip Welcome Mat

DII

Entryway Non-Slip Welcome Mat

Greet your guests with this adorable checkered welcome mat. It's constructed from an all-natural coconut coir fiber and outfitted with a PVC backing that holds the mat firmly in place. The mat is pet-friendly and works well in both indoor and outdoor locations.

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly OptionAlthough this welcome mat has an affordable price tag, it doesn't sacrifice on quality.

 We Also Like

MIBAO Non-Skid Waterproof Welcome Mat

MIBAO

Non-Skid Waterproof Welcome Mat

Made from 100% all-natural rubber, this welcome mat is built to hold up even under constant exposure to weather. The woven polypropylene fabric is slightly raised to help remove dirt and debris from your shoes before you enter the house. Available in four color options, these half-inch thick mats measure 18 inches by 30 inches.

Overall Take

Sturdy and EffectiveIf you have an area that gets constant exposure to the elements, this durable rubber welcome mat is a good choice.

 Strong Contender

CHICHIC Dirt Trapping Decorative Welcome Mat

CHICHIC

Dirt Trapping Decorative Welcome Mat

This mat provides an eye-pleasing greeting to anyone who visits. The eco-friendly rubber mat weighs 7.75 pounds and is sturdy enough to hold up to months of bad weather. The fabric is built to resist staining, making it easy to clean with just the occasional wipe of a cloth or spray-down with a garden hose.

Overall Take

Eye-Catching DesignThe faux stone and brick design on this welcome mat makes it an elegant addition to any home.

Buying Guide

Your front door is the entryway to your home. It’s the first impression you make on guests, whether someone stops by to sell you something or friends and family come to visit.

For that reason, a welcome mat is more than just a place for visitors to wipe their feet before entering your home. Sure, it serves that purpose, but there’s also an attractiveness factor, as well. You want your welcome mat to set the tone for the rest of your house.

Before you start shopping, it’s important to know what to look for. As a general rule, the width of your welcome mat should be no more than 80% of your front door’s width. Measure your front door and pay attention to the dimensions of each welcome mat as you’re shopping.

The weight of your mat is also important. You’ll want a mat that’s durable, especially if it will be exposed to the elements. A nonskid bottom can make a big difference, giving you stability as you step onto it even when the ground beneath it is a little wet.

The build of the mat is also key. Most outdoor welcome mats are made of rubber, which is a durable, weighty material. But rubber can’t do as well when it comes to removing debris or mud from your shoes. For that, many mats will combine rubber and some type of raised fiber to remove the debris and moisture while also giving you a stable surface as you enter the house.

What to Look For

  • Welcome mats come in a variety of thicknesses. A thicker mat can provide more durability. Look for one that’s at least a half an inch thick.
  • Keep in mind that if a mat isn’t underneath a covered area, it will have constant exposure to the elements. The sun will naturally fade the dyes in a mat over time, so you may want to look for one that’s built to hold up to daily UV exposure.
  • If you’re environmentally conscious, there are eco-friendly mats made from natural materials like coconut husks.
  • You can find a variety of design options, including some for pet lovers and some that will add a little class to your front porch.
  • Keep in mind that you’ll occasionally need to clean your mat. Look for one you can spray off with a garden hose or wipe with a cloth.
  • Although cast-iron doormats have become trendy, they aren’t so good at removing mud or debris. These mats are more for decoration than functionality.
  • You’ll find doormats in a variety of shapes. Rectangular is the typical option, but semicircular and circular shapes are also popular.

More to Explore

Doormats are an attractive addition to your entryway. But they also serve an important purpose. An estimated 75% of dirt and grime on carpets is tracked in from outdoors. Imagine what those contaminants are doing to your home’s air quality.

For best results, welcome mats should be stationed both inside and outside the major entry points to your home. Wiping your feet on the outdoor mat can help eliminate most of the debris, and that final wipe once inside can get rid of the remainder. But it’s important to note that most outdoor mats aren’t typically as absorbent as indoor mats. That means your indoor mats will help more on rainy or snowy days.

From our partners