5 Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing an Entryway Rug

Call it a foyer, an entryway, an entrance hall, but whatever you call it, it’s the space between the great outdoors and your well-thought-out home that’s not always easy to style. This can be particularly true for rugs, because you must consider not only the natural elements, but also the style of your home…and tastefully merge the two.

Because, in case you’re wondering, yes, there will be mud on someone’s shoe when they come through your door. Yes, a child may dribble some ice cream from his cone on his way outside. Yes, someone’s wet footprints will find their way across the rug as she runs inside to grab her forgotten purse. Taking into account these scenarios, and innumerable others, in your choice of entryway rug is important for the longevity of your welcoming, and well-looking, entry. Below is a brief guide in choosing the entryway rug that is right for you:

1. Make sure the size of the rug is in proportion to the size of the entryway. A small 2′x3′ rug in a giant entryway will look miniscule and, let’s be honest, wimpy. Conversely, a larger 5′x7′ rug in an entryway that is barely that big itself will probably look too big for its britches. Although foyers come in every shape and size, be conscientious that the scale of your rug will be complementary to the scale of the space.

2. Open and close your door several times and note the space between the bottom of the door and your entryway floor. Although you might love the feel of thick shag between your toes, the constant rub of a door’s opening and closing will significantly decrease the life of the rug. (Plus, thick-pile rugs are harder to keep clean at a doorway; thinner piles tend to be hardier.) Always leave a sufficient vertical air gap between your rug and the door.

3. Consider the ease of cleaning your dream rug. As an obvious example, an all-white cotton rug might be beautiful to look at for a day or two, it won’t be easy to keep lustrous and bright for much longer than that. Plan on snow, mud, dirt, and/or water (depending on where you live) to come into contact with your entryway rug; even if your home has a no-shoes policy, it is likely that people will take a step or two inside in order to take their shoes off. Indoor/outdoor rugs (typically made of synthetic materials) are a great option.

4. Patterned rugs can be very forgiving. Not only does the well-chosen pattern add visual interest to a space (which is often the most important determining factor but at very least a bonus), but it also hides dirt and grime temporarily until you have a chance to clean the rug. For most entryways I find that, all else being equal, multiple colors and an interesting pattern extend the aesthetic life of a rug much longer than if the rug were of a simple, solid design.

5. Of course, all of this isn’t to say you should throw your entire sense of style out the window because your entryway rug needs to have all of these components. As one of the first things seen upon entering your house, the entryway rug is arguably one of the most important decorating decisions you can make. You want to make sure it correctly introduces your Does it introduce your design aesthetic, your personality, and your home? Does it give the visitor an idea of what s/he will find inside? Be true to your sense of style in selecting an entryway rug, as this will play a big role in your home’s first impression.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.