Your foyer is your best chance to make a great first impression. You can make the most of it with a beautiful entryway rug. The right rug will not only welcome guests in with open arms, but also be a familiar comfort every time you come home from a long day. Read on to learn all you need to know to find the perfect entryway or foyer rug for your home.
Benefits of Entryway Rugs
Foyer rugs have a few jobs to do.
First, they set the stage for the style visitors should expect to see throughout your home. This means they’re a great opportunity to show off your taste and give visitors a glimpse into your personality.
Second, they’re functional. In fact, the functional benefits of rugs are probably more apparent in your entryway than anywhere else in your home. Being right next to your door, the primary purpose of an entryway rug is to capture any dirt or grime that might track into the rest of your home. Simply placing a rug in your foyer can make a huge difference when it comes to cleaning your whole house.
Foyer Rug Styles and Materials
The double duty of entryway rugs as decoration and protection means you have some important decisions to make when it comes to style and material.
First of all, your foyer rug should reflect your personal style. As we said before, this is your home’s first impression—make it a good one! That being said, many people will choose a patterned rug for their entryway, as these do a good job of hiding any dirt or grime that might be tracked in on them.
When it comes to material, it is important to choose something durable and easy to clean.
Natural plant fibers like jute and sisal are popular choices for entryway rugs. These materials are some of the toughest around, and since they are typically flat-weave, clean-up is a breeze. Natural rugs are a great choice, especially when paired with modern or coastal style décor.
Synthetic materials like polypropylene are another popular choice. These rugs tend to be inexpensive, easy to clean, and available in a wide variety of styles so you can find the perfect one for your style.
No matter what material you choose, however, it’s important to pay attention to pile height. In entryways, you want to choose a rug with a low pile, as these will be the easiest to clean. It should go without saying that shag rugs should be avoided as they tend to trap dirt and will quickly look worn out in high-traffic areas like a foyer.
Sizing Entryway Rugs
The easiest way to size your entryway rug is to simply match the shape of the space.
Runner rugs are perfect for long, narrow entryways. These will best complement the shape of the room and invite any visitors to follow them further into your home.
In wide, shallow entryways you should use more rectangular rugs. These are a great opportunity for bold patterns for maximum impact.
Round and oval rugs are a bold option. These work best in grand entryways where they can add some additional visual interest or near arched doors where they will complement the architecture of your home.
No matter what shape you choose, however, the usual rule of thumb from other rooms still applies. Leave an 18- to 24-inch border around the outside of your rug so you can still show off your beautiful floors and to maximize the effect of making your room appear bigger than it is.
Get Your Foyer Rug Online
Ultimately, the best entryway rug will be the one that speaks to you. Luckily, you have options. And armed with the tips above, you’ll be able to make the best decision for you and your home.
When you’re ready to decide (or if you just want to see what’s out there) check out our collection at Rugs.com. We have thousands of rugs in hundreds of styles, so there’s something for everyone!