Photo: depositphoto.com
A well-decorated foyer can offer a warm welcome into a home, and the right entryway rug sets the stage for the decor style throughout the rest of the home. Besides looking pretty, these rugs serve a helpful function by capturing dirt, dust, and grime before it’s tracked farther into the house. This dual purpose means it’s important to find an entryway rug that is as tough as it is beautiful.
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which is best. However, there are some key characteristics that make it easier to narrow down the options. Read on to find out how to choose an entryway rug that makes arriving home a pleasure, and check out some of the best entryway rugs below.
- BEST OVERALL: NuLoom Moroccan Blythe Area Rug
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ottomanson Sundance Collection Reversible Area Rug
- BEST WOOL: NuLoom Hand Tufted Kellee Area Rug
- BEST JUTE: Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection NF447A
- BEST DOORMAT: Bungalow Flooring WaterHog Cordova Doormat
- BEST RUNNER: Unique Loom Sofia Runner Rug
- BEST INDOOR/OUTDOOR: Nourison Aloha ALH05 Multicolored Area Rug
- BEST MACHINE-WASHABLE: ReaLife Rugs Machine Washable Rug
Photo: amazon.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Entryway Rug
Entryway rugs serve a couple of purposes: first, as floor protection and second, as decoration. This dual-purpose function means there are some important features to look for in the best entrance rugs. When shopping for an entryway rug, consider the rug material, pile height, size and shape, ease of cleaning, and style.
Material
In general, many rug shoppers look for durable and easy-to-clean options, but these features are especially important when choosing the best entryway rug. Entryway rugs are exposed to a lot of foot traffic as well as dirt and moisture from outside.
Ease of cleaning is often dictated by the rug material. Some common materials include polypropylene, nylon, wool, and other natural materials.
- Polypropylene: Polypropylene is one of the most common synthetic rug materials, chosen for its strength and versatility. Polypropylene rugs are affordable and easy to clean, and they come in a huge range of colors and styles.
- Nylon: Nylon is another popular synthetic material that is stain-resistant, resilient, and easy to maintain. Like polypropylene rugs, nylon rugs hold up nicely to frequent foot traffic and come in a large variety of styles.
- Wool: Wool is a classic and popular rug material for good reason. Not only does wool look and feel luxurious and beautiful, but it’s also durable and grime-resistant. However, wool rugs usually come with a higher price tag than those made with synthetic materials.
- Natural materials: It’s tough for synthetic materials to capture the rustic beauty of natural fibers such as jute, sisal, and sea grasses. These rugs have an earthy texture and bring a relaxed feel to entryways, and they’re often durable.
Pile Height
When it comes to the best rugs for entryway rooms, a flat weave or low pile height can be best, though a medium-pile rug can also work. Pile height refers to the height of the rug fibers. Low-pile rugs are ¼-inch or less in pile height. As the name suggests, flat-weave rugs are flat, woven rugs with no pile. Both flat-weave and low-pile rugs tend to have a denser texture, which results in a smoother rather than a fluffy surface.
Flat-weave and low-pile rugs tend to be easier to clean and can be ideal for high-traffic locations such as entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms. Besides holding up well to foot traffic, these lower-pile rugs also shouldn’t get in the way of entry doors and closet doors. One downside of low-pile rugs is they tend to have a coarser, less comfortable feeling underfoot.
Fluffy or plush rugs may be tempting, but it’s usually best to avoid rugs with a pile of ½-inch to ¾-inch in high-traffic entryways. High-pile rugs are more likely to trap dirt, flatten, and look dingy over time.
Size and Shape
Choosing the right rug size and shape is relatively easy for an entryway. The easiest method for choosing a rug shape is to match the room shape. Rectangular rugs are a popular choice, ideal for wider rectangular entryways. For long, narrow entryways, opt for a runner rug. Those who want to make a bolder style decision or create a contrasting shape with the rug may decide to go with a round or oval rug.
The size of the rug can also correspond with the room size. Doormat-size entryway rugs are suitable for rooms of any size. For narrow entryways, choose a narrower size. To make more of a statement or for large entryways, an entryway area rug can be a good choice. The same sizing rule that applies to area rugs also applies to entryway rugs: it’s best to leave 6 to 18 inches of bare floor space around each side of the rug to prevent the rug from overwhelming the space.
Ease of Cleaning
In many homes, the entryway rug is probably where shoes and jackets come off, creating a big potential for mess. One upside is that entryway rugs can help reduce the tracking of dirt into the home, trapping dirt and grime by the doorway. To keep the entryway rug looking presentable, it’s important to find an option that is easy to clean.
By following the advice above (choosing a resilient and easy-to-maintain material and a low pile), shoppers are already well equipped to find an easy-to-clean rug. Those who want to go a step further can seek out an indoor/outdoor rug or a machine-washable rug. Indoor/outdoor rugs are usually made of waterproof materials, so they’re very easy to wash off. Machine-washable rugs can be separated from their rug pad and tossed in the washer to get rid of grime.
Style
The entryway rug is often one of the first items people see when they enter a home—so it’s an opportunity to make a good first impression. Entryway rugs come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors to suit most home decor. There are no real rules when it comes to style, but it’s key to choose a rug you love. After all, it will be the first thing that greets people at the door.
An entryway rug can be subtle or bold. Rugs with bright colors or patterns can make a statement and add personality to the room. Plain solid-colored neutral rugs may not be as eye-catching, but they still serve a purpose. They can blend in with the decor while keeping dirt and grime contained near the entryway.
Beyond just personal taste, keep one functional factor in mind when choosing a style: Patterns and dark colors tend to hide any inevitable dirt or stains better than lighter colors.
Our Top Picks
A good entryway rug can make a big difference in a home, both in terms of style and function. Make a style statement and keep dirt and debris at the door with one of the attractive and hard-wearing entryway rugs ahead.
Photo: amazon.com
Made for high traffic areas, the NuLoom Moroccan Blythe Area Rug is designed with everyday life in mind. It’s made with 100 percent polypropylene, which stands up well to daily wear and tear. With a 0.37-inch pile, this rug has a slightly higher pile than low pile rugs, but it’s still low enough to fit under most entryways and furniture. The low- to medium-pile feels soft underfoot.
A busy but rather simple line pattern gives this rug a bit of personality while also keeping the design subtle. This design helps hide dirt and marks, and its neutral coloring can suit an array of decor styles. The rug is available in several colorways and in a vast range of sizes.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polypropylene
- Pile height: 0.37 inch
- Shape options: Rectangle, runner, square, oval, round
Pros
- Soft texture
- Easy to clean
- Neutral design
- Color and size variety
Cons
- Lighter colorways may show stains
Get the NuLoom Moroccan entryway rug at Amazon, Overstock, NuLoom, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Area rugs can be pricey. For those on a budget, the Ottomanson Sundance Collection Reversible Area Rug is worth considering for an entryway because it is both affordable and long wearing. Made of shed-free polypropylene, this rug is suitable for both indoor and outdoor locations, a sign that it’s extra-durable. Because it’s made to withstand sun, rain, snow, and dirt, it’s a rug ready for high-traffic entryway rooms.
Besides the easy-to-maintain materials and durable build, this rug is also reversible. This feature doubles the lifespan of the rug; if one side is stained, just flip the rug over and it will look new again. This rug comes in several solid colors and in a few sizes to suit different rooms.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polypropylene
- Pile height: 0.2 inch
- Shape options: Rectangle (rug, mat, runner)
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Indoor/outdoor
- Reversible
Cons
Get the Ottomanson entryway rug at Amazon, Ottomanson, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
A real wool rug is a worthwhile investment for some; wool rugs have a luxurious look and feel that can’t quite be captured by polypropylene. Since wool is also resilient and dirt-resistant, it’s an excellent pick for the foyer. The NuLoom Hand Tufted Kellee Area Rug offers the beauty of a wool rug at a reasonable price. This rug is hand-tufted in India using 100 percent wool, and with a reasonably low 0.28-inch pile, it’s a great choice for high-traffic entryways.
NuLoom manufactures this rug in several colorways and sizes, making it a versatile pick. The rug features a neat Scandinavian-inspired diamond pattern that is simple yet eye-catching. The neutral colorways and geometric pattern makes this rug an excellent choice for contemporary homes.
Product Specs
- Materials: Wool
- Pile height: 0.28 inches
- Shape options: Rectangle, runner, square, oval, round
Pros
- 100 percent wool
- Hand-tufted construction
- Contemporary style
Cons
Get the NuLoom Kellee entryway rug at Amazon, NuLoom, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Jute rugs can instantly bring a casual coastal feel to a room, and because these rugs are durable, they’re a good choice for a foyer. This selection from the Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection is a 100 percent jute rug. Woven out of thick and sustainable jute fibers, this rug has a chunky weave that adds texture and character to a room.
For even more flexibility, this rug is reversible and borderless, giving it a minimalist aesthetic that can suit many rooms. The rug’s simple design makes it also a great choice for those who want to layer rugs for a boho or eclectic look. In case of any stains, just flip the rug over to start anew. Because this rug has a chunky weave, it does have a thicker 0.5-inch pile, which is a factor to keep in mind for those with low furniture and low-clearance doors.
Product Specs
- Materials: Jute
- Pile height: 0.5 inches
- Shape options: Rectangle, runner, square
Pros
- Chunky woven texture
- Reversible
- Borderless
- Minimal design
Cons
Get the Safavieh entryway rug at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Those who don’t want to commit to a large entryway rug may still want to consider an indoor doormat, which can help keep dirt and moisture at the door. The Bungalow Flooring WaterHog Cordova Doormat is a heavy-duty all-weather option, built to catch rain, snow, dirt, and mud. The design includes a Water Dam border that traps up to an impressive 1 gallon of water per square yard.
This doormat is constructed using a tough, eco-friendly PET fiber that is made from 94 percent recycled materials. With a stain-, fade-, and water-resistant design, this doormat is guaranteed not to rot, mildew, or shed like other mats and rugs. The plastic construction also makes cleaning this doormat super-easy to help keep both the mat and interior spaces clean.
Product Specs
- Materials: PET fiber
- Pile height: 0.38 inches
- Shape options: Rectangle
Pros
- Holds up to 1 gallon of water per square yard
- Stain-, fade-, and water-resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons
Get the Bungalow Flooring entryway rug at Amazon, Bungalow Flooring, or The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
A runner rug can dress up a narrow home or an apartment entryway. For those looking for a stylish but affordable choice, the Unique Loom Sofia Runner Rug is an excellent pick. With a distressed, French-inspired traditional design, this rug suits contemporary, boho, or rustic rooms. It comes in a selection of neutral and bright colorways to bring style to any foyer.
This rug is made of polypropylene, so it’s stain-resistant and easy to clean, and it suits high-traffic spaces. The nonshedding, low-medium pile makes vacuuming this rug a breeze, and it feels soft and comfortable underfoot. Because this runner doesn’t come with a nonslip backing, Unique Loom recommends pairing it with a rug pad.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polypropylene
- Pile height: 0.33 inches
- Shape options: Runner
Pros
- Stylish design
- Easy to maintain
- Nonshedding polypropylene pile
Cons
Get the Unique Loom entryway rug at Amazon, Unique Loom, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
Made to withstand the great outdoors, indoor/outdoor rugs are a smart choice for homes with mess-prone entryways. Made from 100 percent polypropylene in a flat-weave style, the Nourison Aloha ALH05 Multicolored Area Rug stands the test of time, even in homes with children and pets.
A colorful tropical pattern gives this rug a cheery look, and the woven floral patterns are made of soft-cut pile to add a pleasant texture underfoot. Since it’s stain- and water-resistant, this rug is also very easy to clean—just hose it off and let it dry. Nourison recommends this rug for any high-traffic area, including porches, entryways, and living rooms.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polypropylene
- Pile height: 0.25 inches
- Shape options: Rectangle, runner, round
Pros
- Flat-weave construction
- Easy to clean
- Water- and stain-resistant
Cons
- Loud pattern may not suit some decor styles
Get the Nourison entryway rug at Amazon, Overstock, or Target.
Photo: amazon.com
Machine-washable rugs make cleanup as easy as tossing the rug into a washer, an especially useful feature for messy entryways. On top of being machine washable, this ReaLife Rugs Machine Washable Rug is also stain-resistant, nonshedding, and nonslip.
Made from durable and long-wearing recycled polyester, it’s a convenient and shopper-friendly choice. The flat-weave construction makes this rug a good choice under low-clearance doors and helps to make this rug less bulky, so it’s suitable for machine-washing. Regarding stains, this rug has a busy distressed vintage pattern that does a good job of hiding small stains and marks. A nonslip backing keeps it in place.
Product Specs
- Materials: Polyester
- Pile height: Flat weave
- Shape options: Rectangle, runner
Pros
- Machine washable
- Flat-weave construction reduces bulk
- Nonslip backing
- Made from recycled fibers
Cons
Get the ReaLife Rugs entryway rug at Amazon, Overstock, or Fab Habitat.
Our Verdict
Striking a balance between affordability, softness, and easy maintenance, the NuLoom Moroccan entryway rug is a top choice for many typical home entryways. For high-traffic entryways, the Ottomanson entryway rug may be a better pick for its added durability as a reversible indoor/outdoor rug.
How We Chose the Best Entryway Rugs
There are several features that are a must when it comes to entryway rugs, the most important being durability, ease of maintenance, and style. We kept these factors top of mind when evaluating candidates for the best rugs for entryway use, choosing lower-pile rugs made of resilient and easy-to-clean materials.
Style is subjective, so we chose a variety of rug types, colors, and shapes, choosing rugs that look attractive and are high quality. We prioritized rugs with a decent size range as well, to make it easier to fit various foyer dimensions. Entryway rugs sometimes also need to be replaced because of dirt and foot traffic, so we made sure to include several budget-friendly options on this list.
How to Measure for Entryway Rugs
When it comes to styling a rug, sizing can be as important as the rug design. Before shopping for an entryway rug, it’s important to measure the foyer.
Start by removing any objects that will get in the way of taking measurements. Use a measuring tape to measure the length and the width of the floor area in the entryway. The usual rule of thumb for area rug sizing is to keep 6 to 18 inches of bare floor around the rug. Use this guideline to determine the maximum size of your entryway rug.
To further narrow entryway-rug options, shoppers should decide on a preferred look by considering how much flooring they want to show. Entryway rugs can range from a stylish indoor doormat to large area rugs. They can be placed under entryway furniture such as console tables and coat racks, or sit in the middle of the room. Also consider rug shape. Decide whether you want to match the foyer shape or go for an irregular design. In short, to measure for and choose an entryway rug:
- Remove any obstacles.
- Measure the room length and width to get the maximum area rug size.
- Consider stylistic choices to narrow down your preferred rug size.
- Remember to take room shape into account.
FAQs
The right entryway rug can make a house feel like a home. Entryway rugs are one of the first items that greet people at the door, so it’s important to choose a rug that’s beautiful and durable. We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers ahead to help shoppers choose the best entry rug for any foyer.
Q. What type of rug should be chosen for the entryway?
There are various types of entryway rugs, from doormats to area rugs. Ultimately, style, shape, and size come down to personal preference. Apart from these factors, look for a rug that is durable and easy to clean.
Q. What is the right size rug for an entryway?
The right entryway rug size depends on your space. As a general rule of thumb, keep at least 6 to 18 inches of bare floor around each side of the rug.
Q. How do I style an entryway rug?
A neutral entryway rug can serve as the base for foyer decor, and a bolder rug can be an eye-catching statement piece. Entryway rugs can add a lot of visual interest to a foyer, so make sure not to overstyle the rest of the room.
Keep the rest of the home decor in mind when choosing an entryway rug, and consider selecting a rug that complements the decor style and color scheme throughout the rest of home.
Q. Can I use an entryway rug in my kitchen?
Yes. A good entryway rug shares many traits with a good kitchen rug, including resilient materials and an easy-to-clean low pile.
