How to Choose the Best Rugs for Your Entryway
From grand entryways to mudrooms, we’ll help you pick the best rug for your entryway.
Your entryway is your chance to make an impression that sticks, and a carefully selected area rug can help you wow guests. From material to shape to size, read on to discover the best entryway rugs for your home!
1. Find the Proper Rug Size for Your Foyer
Your area rug should be proportional to the space and nearby furnishings in your foyer or entryway. To find the right rug size for your entryway, you will need to measure the space. Remove any objects that may get in the way of your measurements and make note of any objects or doorways that may interfere with your area rug.
Typically, the rule of thumb is to allow for 18" – 24" of floor to show around your rug. Subtract that measurement from both your length and width of the space to get the ideal rug size for your entryway. If you want to show off more of your floor, opt for a smaller rug, and vice versa if you’d prefer to cover more.
Tip!
Read our guide How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes for more tips on getting the correct rug size.
2. Choose the Best Rug Material for High Traffic
Entryways are high-traffic spaces that require a rug material that can withstand everyday wear.
- Durability: The ideal entryway rug will be made of robust, long-lasting materials in durable weave patterns. Good, durable entryway rug materials are wool, sisal, bamboo slat, seagrass, hemp, and polypropylene. Keep an eye out for hand-knotted or flat-woven constructions in low pile heights as those can handle the most wear and tear. For more information on area rug materials, check out our guide, How to Choose the Best Rug Material.
- Easy-to-Clean: Cotton area rugs are often flat and woven rugs that can be put in the washing machine, making them easy to clean on a regular basis. Polypropylene rugs are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand weathering. Jute and sisal rugs are some of the best entryway rugs as they are great for catching dirt and moisture. To clean, give the rugs a shake or vacuum often. If you find that your rugs are wet, hang to dry to ensure they are dry before putting them on your entryway floor.
Pile height is the rug’s thickness. While a thicker pile rug will feel cozier to the touch, it’s best left for lower-traffic spaces like living rooms or bedrooms. A rug that has a lower (or thinner) pile will be easier to clean. The best entryway rugs are flat or thin-pile area rugs with a pile height of 1/4" or thinner. Opt for a pile that is low enough that your door can open and close without getting stuck on the rug.
The shape of your entryway can help you determine which rug shape would suit your space.
- Square or Rectangular: Match the shape of your entryway with a similarly shaped area rug. Most standard entryways are square or rectangular, so accentuate that layout with a rectangular area rug. If your entryway is large, leave at least 8" of floor on all sides of the rug. Alternatively, have the rug go right up against the wall in a smaller space.
- Round: If your entryway has a semicircular opening or a curved staircase, mimic this with a round or half-circle rug to fully play up the space. Half-circle rugs are also a great option for smaller entry ways that don’t have a lot of available floor space.
- Uniquely Shaped: If you’re working with a lot of space or a dramatic staircase, you’ve got a grand entry. Consider unconventional area rugs such as octagonal or novelty-shaped options for a unique look.
- Long & Narrow: Choose a rug that gives off the illusion that your entryway is larger and more spacious, if you’re short on space. In a long, hallway-style entrance, we suggest a runner that extends almost the entire length of the hallway. If you’re going for personality, try an oval shape with a bold pattern – it will make the space seem long and inviting.
Tip!
To keep your rug from slipping, opt for a rug pad or an area rug with a nonslip back. It will give you peace of mind when guests come to visit or when little ones run through the entryway.
Consider the style of your home and how the area rug can enhance it. From pattern to color to material, certain rug designs can play up your style.
- If your style leans more coastal, opt for a striped or jute area rug to amp up the beachy vibes.
- For a traditional-style foyer, pick timeless patterns and rich hues often seen in Oriental rugs.
- Modern mudrooms would be best paired with a bold, solid-colored area rug or one with a sleek geometric pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size rug for an entryway?
For an entryway, opt for a 2' x 3' area rug or a runner 2' x 6' – 10'.
What rug material is best for high-traffic entryways?
Polypropylene or jute area rugs are best for handling high-traffic areas like entryways.
Should entryway rugs be nonslip?
Yes, nonslip rugs can help prevent slips and falls.
Are washable rugs good for entryways?
Yes, washable rugs are ideal for entryways because they're easier to maintain.
