Standard Doormat Size (Buying Guide)
Doormats are often one of those things people don’t think about. In fact, they’re often given as gifts to people who just moved into a new apartment. Though they are pretty nice and can help you avoid staining your carpeting with messy shoes, it’s still smart to get a doormat that looks good. A doormat that looks good is one that’s properly sized. But, what is the right size for a doormat, anyway?
The standard doormat size is 18” x 30”. A doormat is considered large if it measures 24” x 36” or is bigger. Double doors sometimes require doormats as big as 32” x 60”.
Though sizing a doormat doesn’t really impact the functionality of said doormat, it’s still something that’s good to know. Want to learn about doormats, or just get a good idea of how much mat you need? We got you.
How Big Is A Typical Doormat?
Doormats come in a wide range of different sizes, from small to large. However, there are a handful of sizes that tend to be more common than others, as well as a couple of standard shapes. The standard shape used to make doormats is a rectangle, so that’s what we’re going to focus on here.
Standard Doormat Measurements | ||||
| Standard | Large | Mini | Double Door | |
| Length | 24 | 24 | 16 | 22 |
| Width | 18 | 36 | 24 | 47 |
Standard Semicircle Doormat Measurements
Another popular option people enjoy is a good ol’ fashioned semicircle doormat. Also known as half-circle doormats, these tend to give a home a more traditional appearance. They are good for people who want to have a country club look to their home. However, they tend to be more varied in sizing. We dug up some of the more common sizes below…
Standard Half Circle Doormat Measurements | ||||
| Standard | Large | Extra Large | Double Door | |
| Length/Diameter | 27-30” | 36” | 24” | 32” |
| Width/Height At Tallest Part | 15-17” | 24” | 42-48” | 60” |
Note: Half circle doormats are not actually circular, though their name would suggest otherwise. They are actually more oval, with the peak circle portion being slightly stretched out. This is why the length and widths don’t quite match what they would in a complete circle. How much the top of the circle is extended can vary greatly from mat to mat.
Why Are Circular Doormats Larger Than Rectangular Ones?
There is no real reason for it, to be honest. Rectangular doormats are definitely the standard and give extra berth for small accessories like shoe brushes and the like. Circular doormats are definitely more stylistic. While their dimensions are bigger, it’s important to remember that you’re going to lose out on materials on the corners. This gives your eye the impression that they’re about the same size, even if they aren’t.
How To Choose A Residential Doormat
How Thick Is A Typical Doormat?
Doormats are not meant to be too thick, but they are meant to be thick enough to give your doormat some weight. After all, you don’t want to have a doormat blowing around in the wind. The truth is that most doormats, both circular and rectangular, tend to have the same height range. They’re all between half an inch to an inch thick, with an inch being a little larger than most.
When you’re getting a doormat, it’s good to think about how much thickness you want. Too much can turn into a tripping hazard, while too little might make your doormat lightweight. Sticking to a heavier doormat can work for people who tend to trip.
What Size Doormat Should I Get?
Now that we’ve gone over the basic sizes and what each size actually measures up, it’s time to match those sizes with a typical home setup. Though doormats can be any size you want them to be, there are some guidelines that can help you keep things more proportional. Check these suggestions below:
- Extra small doormats are mostly meant for pets. If you have a pet door on the side of your home, then you might want to use a 9 by 12 doormat for that. After all, pups and cats need to be able to clean off their dirty paws, too. In some cases, homeowners have also used these tiny mats as pet food mats.
- Standard doormats fit your typical outdoor-facing apartment doors, as well as most simple front doors. If you have a generic door, no double doors, sliding doors, or other stuff, you can use a standard mat. It’ll look pretty slick and will have the same features as everyone else’s.
- Doormats with a thinner build are meant for indoor apartments. These are actually meant for people who live inside a building. They work well in places where you don’t need to wipe your feet.
- Large doormats are meant for front doors that have sidelights on one or both sides. The larger frame keeps things looking proportional while also giving your front porch extra space for things like shoes or accessories. If you have a building where your stoop doesn’t quite have enough space for a mat this size, stick to a standard doormat or go for a circular version.
- Extra-large doormats tend to work best with French doors and sliding doors. As the “double door” name suggests, these are specially designed for big doors in mind. If you can’t find a doormat in this size, you can also stick to using two large doormats stacked next to one another.
What Happens If You Get A Doormat That’s Too Small For Your Door?
Honestly, nothing really that bad will happen. It’s not like you will have your home suddenly light on fire, nor are people going to pull up to your home just to mock you. However, it is possible that you might notice that your doormat doesn’t quite look right for your home. If you have a larger crowd of people, they might not always be able to step on the doormat on the way in.
With that said, there is nothing that says a doormat has to be on the front of your steps. If you don’t want a doormat outside, you don’t need one. It’s better to have something rather than nothing.
What Materials Are The Best For Generic Doormats?
Remember, your doormat’s thickness is partly meant to work as a weight against things like wind, shifting weights, and sudden sneakers shuffling around on it. Too slippy a doormat means that you might end up with an injury, or just have your doormat go gone with the wind. These materials below are great for doormats for both stability and shoe-cleaning properties:
- Rubber. Rubber doormats are excellent for a number of reasons. They are thin, which makes them less likely to cause a fall. They’re grippy, so they won’t skid. They also won’t fly away since they’re fairly hefty. Oh, and their durability? Some of the best in the industry, bar none.
- Iron + Rug. This is a combination that you might see among upscale homes. It’s a metal mat that holds a smaller rug of the same depth in place, much like a frame. These tend to be larger in size, and are great for Victorian homes as well as for people who want to “stop out” water before they enter a home.
- Wrought Iron. Sometimes, you might be better off getting a doormat grate instead. This is a “matless doormat” that ends up draining out all the water or mud you have. If you get one of these, you won’t have to ever worry about replacing it. However, you might trip if you’re not careful.
- Fiber Coir. Coir is a rough, brushy material that is made from coconut shell fiber. Most of us have seen it as the rough brown material typically used in doormats. While coir might have an abrasive, shedding-prone make, the truth is it’s still popular. Why? Because it’s a good doormat material that keeps its color and shape in most situations.
- Vinyl. Vinyl mats are increasingly popular among interior designers, primarily because they have a lot of the same traits as rubber doormats. The only difference between the two is weight, really. Vinyl mats are lighter than rubber. Aside from that, it’s almost entirely identical.
Note: If you have a home with a wooden porch, think twice before you add a metal doormat to the area without cushioning underneath. Metal bolts on the bottom of the doormat can scratch sensitive woods, especially if you have kids who enjoy running out the door. Iron and other metal doormats are best left for concrete steps.
Which Doormats Are The Best For Wintery Areas?
If you live in the Northeast or the Midwest, you already know that a lot of doormats just can’t hold up against the harsh winters. The snow and ice alone can make most doormats turn into sludgy messes. These materials below can withstand the intense use that they are expected to deal with during inclement weather.
- Rubber or Vinyl. Both rubber and vinyl are famous for being waterproof and also storm-proof. If you choose to get these, make sure that you get a doormat type that has a light texture to it. This can help prevent slipping on ice if water freezes over it.
- Lobster Rope. This classic New England material is a tightly woven and grippy rope originally used by fishermen who brought lobsters to Maine. Though it’s a little bit more unusual as a material for a doormat, you can still find some doormat makers who offer wares from this material. It’s remarkably winterproof and won’t mold up once spring is here.
- Fiber Coir. If you live in an area prone to flooding, then you already know that most doormats don’t fare well with floods. Fiber coir, surprisingly, can take to cold weather and water well. The coir just soaks up water but doesn’t mold very easily. It also can help you brush off your shoes before you track mud into your home.
- Iron Grates. While this is not always a good idea, many homes tend to do better with iron grates simply because water can wash out underneath them. If you have a home that has a small gap near the house and the lawn, grates can act as a good bridge, too.
Related Questions
Should your doormat be inside or outside of your home?
If you own your own home, you should have doormats outside, by both the front and back doors. If you have a home that is located inside of a building (such as an apartment on the second floor), you can have your doormat inside or outside of your place. However, it’s still generally seen as a good idea to have a doormat outside.Of course, having multiple doormats can be a good thing. If you have a mudroom, you can also use a secondary doormat as a place to let shoes dry off before you place them on a rack.
How do you clean a doormat?
Cleaning a doormat is pretty easy. If you have a rubber, vinyl, or metal grate doormat, the easiest way to clean your doormat would be to wipe it down with an all-purpose cleaning rag. You can also rinse them off with a water hose, if the weather permits. Fabric and coir fiber rugs can be picked up and shaken out.Beating a coir rug is also a doable endeavor. This is particularly smart if you have a fiber rug that has been “choked out” with too much grit.
How long do coir mats usually last?
Believe it or nor, coir mats are remarkably durable. This is true, even if you’re used to vinyl or wood doormats. Coir mats can last from six to 10 years on average with careful maintenance. If you live in an area that’s known for mild weather and simple rains, they can last for as long as 15 years.With that said, there’s another perk to having a coir doormat. Coir is an organic, biodegradable substance. In fact, it’s even used for erosion control purposes. (They call that CoirGreen!)
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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