The Great Outdoors

The Best Doormats for a Warm Welcome

All-weather options that look good underfoot, too

Blue front door with white metalwork archway over it.
When her suburban Long Island nest emptied out, Nancy Hoguet enlisted designer Daniel Sachs and architect Kevin Lindores to reimagine it as a country getaway. The front door gleams in Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft blue.
Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna
What should you look for in the best outdoor doormats?

Although design is important, you also want to make sure that your doormat is low profile enough to fit under your door and also has a non-slip backing to keep your guests from busting it before they make it into your home. (Talk about a first impression!) Materials like PVC with rubber backing are key for the latter, while 100% coir doormats give your entryway a more natural look and are more ideal for trapping dirt and debris.

Can you keep a doormat out year-round?

The answer is a tentative yes. You’re always going to want to see what the manufacturer recommends and it, of course, depends on where you live. Doormats are always made for outdoor use, but various climates will wear down the materials differently. Frequent rain and snow might soften jute while constant sunshine will fade most textiles. An easy solution, if you aren’t sure what your mat can withstand, is to drag your doormat into the mudroom or somewhere with a bit of shelter whenever there’s big weather on its way.