Best Placement for a Doormat: Inside vs. Outside

September 18, 2024

Should a Doormat go Inside or Outside?

cosy cabin with woodstove and red terrier dog sitting on a large gray doormat with Arabic writing on it

Is Best Placement for a Doormat Inside or Outside? Trick Question, the Answer is BOTH!

  • Doormat placement = functionality + fabulousness.
  • Outdoor door mats are your dirt-blocking bouncers.
  • Indoor door mats absorb moisture
  • Choose the right size and material for where the action happens.
  • Show your welcome mat some love (maintenance) to keep it doing its job.

Your doormat might seem like it's just porch decor, but it’s the frontline in your home’s war on dirt. Whether you place it outside your front door to stop dirt and debris or inside to absorb moisture, this little coir rectangle of glory is working hard. Plus, it's the ultimate "I care about my floors and my guests" power move.

cute red terrier rescue dog looking up while standing in a doormat on a gray all weather doormat reading "rhythm rug"

Best Outdoor Mats: The Grime Fighters

Throw a rough texture coconut coir doormat outside, and it’s like hiring a bodyguard for your entryway. Dirt, mud, bacteria and who-knows-what else gets stopped right in its tracks, especially in high-traffic homes or areas with nasty weather conditions. Don’t leave your floors unprotected—let the doormat's scraping action handle the heavy lifting!

black toy poodle dog sitting on a doormat with the image from Pompeii "Cave Canem" Latin for Beware of Dog

Indoor Mats: The Cozy Moisture Catch-All

For extra cleanliness points, adding an indoor mat for moisture control is an excellent choice for that “wipe your shoes” moment. Not only does it stop moisture from getting indoors, but it also makes your entryway welcoming. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’m stylish *and* smart—welcome to my well-maintained castle!”

cute terrier and black pug puppy in Christmas sweaters on an all weather doormat reading "shoes off fuckers"

First Impressions Matter: Doormats with Personality

Your doormat is the first thing people see before they step into your home — so why not make it fun? Whether you’re rocking a traditional coir entrance mat or a fun rubber mat indoors, your welcome OR unwelcome mat sets the tone. Make it reflect your personality (or at least distract from the shoes piled up behind the door). If you're looking for something personalized, we also offer custom made welcome mats.

custom coir doormat in arabic on a blue layering rug with houseplants

More Than a Pretty Face: Clean Floors & Safer Entryways

Doormats are more than front porch accessories—they're safety features too! With their non-slip PVC and rubber backs, a well-placed mat keeps people's shoes from slipping on wet days and stops inviting dirt, dust, and allergens inside your home. It’s like your personal floor security, working hard to keep everything clean and safe.

natural coir ourdoor doormat reading "welcome" with 1970's style mushroom pattern on a patio with a red rescue terrier dog

Before You Place That Rug: Consider This

Foot Traffic: Busy home? You’ll want mats inside *and* outside to double up on protection. Don't forget back door, patio entry and mudroom mats for muddy paws.

Weather: Living in an inclement weather zone? Opt for our durable all-weather recycled rubber door mats for outside to handle the mess. All-natural coir mats must be protected from moisture, but all-weather door mats can handle sun, snow and rain.

Style Vibes: Match your mat to your home’s personality. You’ve got options—classic, colorful, funny, interesting or rude: from Cottagecore to Mermaid-by-the-seashore. Damn Good Doormats has over 1000 attractive designs for a personal touch in whatever floats your design boat.

an all natural coconut coir doormat with a mermaid and "What up fishes?" painted on it at a beach condo doormway with a rescue caroliner dog

Weather Woes and Foot Traffic Flow

Outdoor mats need to be tough. Think rubber for those rainy days, or natural fiber coir to scrape off all the outdoor grime.

If you have an outdoor covered porch or enclosed entryway, that's the best place to keep your coir doormat safe from direct rain to last longer. Because even your mat deserves a little shade from the storm!

Is your front porch exposed to direct rain and snow? Our all-weather mats are the best outside door mats for your home. All-weather door mats come in sizes up to 30" x 47".

High foot traffic? Go big or go home. A larger mat means more dirt gets caught, and less cleaning for you. We have sizes to fit every home, all the way up to our huge door mats for double doors at 36"x72".

a double wide coir doormat on a brick patio with the Ancient Pompeii mosaic "Cave Canem" Beware of dog painted on it with a little black pug dog

Mat Maintenance: A Little TLC Goes a Long Way

When you put a coir doormat outside, pick a spot that has good cover from the weather. A covered porch or overhang works well. This keeps the mat safe from direct sunlight, rain, and snow, making it last longer.

Show your indoor or outdoor doormat some love. Shake it gently, vacuum it, sweep it every now and then. An all-weather doormat is water-resistant, so feel free to give it a hosing down to remove dirt. With these simple cleaning tips, you can help your doormats last longer, keeping your home safe from dirt and moisture.

If your exterior welcome mat is looking tired and no longer catching dirt like it used to, it’s time to retire it and get yourself a fresh one. Damn Good Doormats' super fans keep their mats fresh by collecting seasonal doormats to switch out monthly. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

an all weather doormat reading "welcome ot my shithole" in cross stitch lettering on a brick patio

To sum it up: The Perfect Mat for your Apartment

Where you place your doormat is your call, but choosing wisely means it’ll last longer and work harder. Whether you keep your entry mat indoors or outside battling the elements, picking the right material and spot makes all the difference. Consider the weather and foot traffic—because nothing says “I’m an adult” like thinking about mat placement, right? Choose a classic coir doormat for scrubbing off muddy boots or an all-weather mat that's tough enough for outdoors, yet soft enough for indoors. Follow these tips, and you’ll not only keep your home clean and safe but also dazzle your guests with an entryway that says, “Yes, I have thought this through!”

Be here now coir doormat with three cute rescue dogs, a Bugg, chihuahua and a terrier

FAQs about Doormats:

Q: Can I use a classic coir or all-weather mat for both inside and outside?

A: Absolutely! You can use an outdoor mat indoors

Our coir mats handle dirt and grime best, their traditional stiff bristles traps dirt inside and outside. They will shed for a while and are rough on bare feet, but they do soften over time. If you choose to keep your coir mat inside, be sure to sweep it off from time to time. Kept protected from the elements, the design on your coir doormat will last longer too!

All-weather mats are waterproof and washable. This means they are the best outdoor doormat AND the best indoor doormat: tough enough for outdoors, yet soft enough for indoors. Heavy-duty recycled rubber backing means they are non-slip and won't blow away in the wind. Low-profile at only 0.5mm thick, these are the best doormats to use inside your home for low-clearance doorways. Our all-weather doormat is the best bath mat, mudroom "Park your shoes here" mat and just about anywhere you can think of mat!

3 sizes of all weather mats in a stack on a brick porch

Q: How often should I replace my doormat?

A: If your doormat looks old, faded, or stops catching dirt, then it’s time to get a new one. High-traffic areas may need replacements more often, especially if you have pets who think it’s their personal lounge space.

So, whether your mat’s inside, outside, or somewhere in between, you’re not just cleaning your floors—you’re making an entrance. And who doesn’t love that?

SHOP THE POST!

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Arabic Welcome doormat

Rhythm Rug ATCQ doormat

Cave Canem Pompeii mosaic "Beware of Dog" Doormat

Shoes Off Fuckers! Doormat

Eid-al-Adha Ahlan Wa Sahlan Arabic Welcome doormat

Welcome retro mushroom doormat

Mermaid- What up fishes?! Beach House Doormat

All-Weather Crosstitch Welcome to MY SHITHOLE

be here now mindful doormat

ALL WEATHER DOORMATS