They say first impressions count the most, and that they’re the most lasting. If this is true, then it is imperative that you get a door mat just right. It has to look as if you chose it first, that the house was designed around it. There are many different shapes and styles available to fit the many different shapes and styles of a hallway. The following tips will help ensure that you make the right choice:
Functionality has to come first
The hallway of a house is an extremely busy foot traffic area. As such, a door mat needs to be of a simple enough design and texture to ensure easy cleaning. There’s no point in having a mat which spends most of its life at the dry cleaners!
A rug should be big enough to nearly fill the hallway. Too big and it will appear like a carpet and will detract from the hallway decor. An appropriate doormat should be big enough to be noticed and wide enough not to trip people over; wider than the door width at least. It should always be directing people away from the door and into the house, this assist in welcoming them in.
Pick a doormat with personality
For those who don’t know you or who have not been to your home before, this is their first glimpse of you. A chosen rug should reflect your personality. If you’re bright and cheerful, let the doormat be bright and cheerful. Mats with writings on can be an excellent idea. Guests not only get to see a glimpse of your persona but also have a talking point. This is exceptionally good when throwing a dinner party and not all the guest know each other.
Patterns that make an impression
A small rung in a large hallway can seem ridiculous. It is almost pointless. This is even true in a small hallway. Small hallways require large rugs with large geometric shapes on it. These shapes will draw the eye and fool the mind into thinking the hallway is much larger than it actually is.
Don’t place a rug right in front of the door. If your hallway is long and narrow, then make sure your rug is at least as wide as the door and stretches down the hallway. Visitors’ eyes will be drawn down the hall to the room or feature at the end and not register a narrow hallway.
Equally, if your hallway is wide but shallow a rectangular rug is best. It should be at least twice the width of the door but centred on the door. This will ensure people look to the rug and follow it with their eyes, automatically turning into the space and not registering the wall in front of them.
Shape matters
Round rugs have always suggested opulence and elegance. They can be used in larger hallway, preferably with ornate front doors. The effect can be finished with a feature light hanging above the rug. It should never be right in front of the door. The rug should be far enough back to be fully visible as your guest crosses the threshold. This ensures they are in the hallway and then they are enveloped in the setting. Anyone fortunate enough to have curved stairs will find round rugs particularly beneficial as the curve matches the curve of the stairs.
Grip
A beautiful doormat can show your visitors your personality and the personality of your home. You can also throw them off the scent by using an oriental fringed rug or similar to provide a rustic charm. But the most important part of any rug is to make sure it is fastened down properly. Some rugs are heavy and will not move easily but some having backings which will cause the mat to slide. It won’t matter how magnificent your home is or how well chosen the mat if the first thing your guest feels is his feet hitting the floor.
Make your entryway look different and invest in a top-quality doormat. Select an unusual model and thus you’ll be sure that your friends and family will be welcomed. Don’t forget to select a durable type of material, such as bamboo, coir or rubber.
By Peter Smith and CobaEurope.com!
