Welcome mats are one of those fringe decor items. So we rarely take the time to shop properly for these workhorses.
And if your house is anything like ours, a welcome mat purchase tends to start with a mess on the entryway floor. Then it ends with a rushed impulse buy at the local home goods store.
As a result, most doormats either work really well or look extremely cool—but not both.
But what if we told you there’s a better way to shop for welcome mats? Not only can you find the perfect mat to keep your floor clean, but you can also buy one that will add the perfect dash of welcoming style.
We scoured the magical world of online shopping for welcome mats that will keep your floors clean all year-round and look great doing it. Here’s our top five finds.
1. Minimalist Nordic Heymat
First up on our list? Heymat Sand ($195) is a machine-washable mat made from recycled materials that trap dirt while looking like a Japanese sand garden. (Yes, really.)
“Heymat is an incredible resource for those looking for outdoor rugs in urban settings,” says designer Devin Shaffer, of Decorilla. “Their avant-garde approach to motifs makes them extremely popular for those living in multiresidential units with stylish placements in shared hallways and corridors.”
Best for: Entryways with medium-high traffic where you can appreciate this mat’s beauty.
2. Customizable tile mat
If you want a mat that’s just as artsy but a little less rugged, look no further than the tile mat by Letterfolk ($75). This little mat makes having a festive (and clean) entryway easy. And it’s perfect for switching up your entryway decor with the changing seasons.
“Clients obsess over customizable decor and furniture, mainly because they love having control over their spaces and feeling like they are truly at home,” says Shaffer.
3. Botanical coir mat
Are you a garden lover looking for a more subtle (but still unique) high-traffic mat suitable for an outdoor lifestyle? Then check out this botanically inspired coir mat from Anthropologie ($48).
“Here’s a mat that’s fully intended for outdoor use with strong natural fibers that can remove and hold debris from your shoes,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of FLOOR360. “It welcomes guests into a home with a naturalistic style and eco-friendly vibe. And the neutral color scheme and nature-inspired pattern is the perfect bridge between the outside and inside.”
Best for: Outdoorsy types needing a stylish dirt-trapping solution.
4. Earn your stripes mat
If you like the idea of a coir mat but aren’t interested in the plain brown color scheme, then you’ll like this eclectic tiger mat from Trouva ($41).
“This is a perfect choice for a home with a bold or quirky style,” says Wollersheim. “It would be a great introduction to decor that has a tropical feeling with lots of plants or a maximalist-styled home. In addition, the natural fiber coir is excellent for trapping shoe debris and keeping it outside.”
Best for: Eclectic homes with a bold style and lots of visitors.
5. Braided fibers mat
For the less quirky, more classically styled homes, you will want to check out this chunky-knit sailor’s knot doormat from Serena & Lily ($148). This subtly nautical mat is perfect for pristine porches that need a little extra help trapping dirt.
“This is a classic doormat for any home since it’s both functional and stylish,” says Wollersheim. “The weave pattern contrasts with modern smooth lines (like we see in contemporary and midcentury modern design). And it can complement eclectic styles like modern farmhouse or cottage core. In addition, this outdoor mat will absorb lots of moisture and debris, making it perfect for a lake or beach home.”
Article originally appeared on Realtor.com.
