How to Choose the Correct Rug for Your Entryway

You only get a single chance to make a good first impression, and you can make sure your entryway reflects your home’s style with a good rug.

If you’re going to add a rug to the entryway, you should do your research to make sure you get a good fit that is durable without overtaking the entryway.

How to Choose a Rug for Entryway

Measure your foyer first to find out how big the rug should be, and then subtract between 6 and 18-inches to leave space from the edge of the rug to the wall. The rug size you pick out will depend on the size, shape, and overall design of your foyer, and the amount of floor you want visible will also factor in.

Now that you know how to calculate the general size of your rug, you have to know who to pick out the rug’s size and shape.

We’ll go into detail about different shapes and sizes for your foyer rugs, and we’ll answer a few more questions along the way to help you make an informed decision.

Your Foyer Will Dictate Your Foyer Rug Size

Even though we touched on this above, we want to go into more detail here to ensure that you have a very good grasp of how to pick the best rug size.

Foyers come in a host of sizes and shapes, and this will also factor into the rug size you pick out.

Having a general idea of the correct way to size the rug will ensure you get a great fit that elevates your space and ties everything together beautifully.

Narrow and Long Foyers

If you have a narrow, long foyer, you would be best served by getting a runner rug. Runner-style rugs are usually between 6 and 14-feet long and 3-feet wide. If you have a big doorway, a runner rug can also work horizontally if you put them in front of the door.

Wide and Big

If you’re someone who has a home with a larger foyer, the open space can easily dwarf your rug unless you get a larger rectangular-shaped one.

This style rug can start at 3 by 5-feet, but it can get up to an impressive 9 by 13-feet. If your front door goes straight into your living room, it may be a good idea to try something larger. Another option is to create a hallway-like area in your living room if you use a runner.

Rectangular and Small

For those people that don’t have a lot of space in their foyer, a small 2-foot by 3-foot rug are usually more than enough.

Not every rug has a square shape, so you may want to look at rounded ones because they can add dimension to your room to make it appear bigger than it is.

Criteria for Choosing an Entryway Rug

You should have an idea on how to pick out the correct size rug based on the shape and size of your foyer, but what other criteria are important? You have to consider practicality and how it’ll fit with your home’s overall design.

Higher Traffic

Even though there are dozens of gorgeous rugs out there, picking out a very shaggy rug for your entry usually isn’t the best idea if you have pets or children that can drag dirt onto the rug from the bottom of their feet, paws, or shoes.

If you get a lot of traffic in this space, pick out a rug that has a pattern. A solid color or neutral can be nice, but they’ll show much more dirt than a patterned one.

Closing and Opening the Door

Anyone who plans on putting the rug right up against the door should make sure that you can still easily close and open it without catching on the rug.

Having to fight with your rug every time you enter or exit the space will get old very quickly, and it can be a tripping hazard if it bunches up. You don’t want your guests to trip when they first come to your home.

Design Considerations as a Whole

The goal of picking out a new rug is to get something that fits well with your home’s overall design.

Do you want the rug to stand out as a focal point, or do you expect anyone who enters your home to look at something else like your entryway table or the cute wallpaper?

If you want something a little more subtle, try a neutral color on your rug that pairs with virtually any decor.

What is the Best Material for an Entryway Rug?

The rug in your entryway will get a lot of wear and tear because it’s a high-traffic area with a lot of moisture and dirt. This is why you have to choose a suitable material, including:

Jute or Sisal – Both of these materials are extremely durable, and they catch dirt and moisture while being easy to clean by frequently vacuuming them or giving them a hard shake. They’re also natural fibers that will absorb a lot of moisture, so you’ll want to hang it out to dry if it gets soaked and ensure it dries completely before returning it to your floor. This prevents bacteria or mold from growing under the rug.

Synthetic Fibers – Synthetic fiber rugs include olefin, nylon, and polyester, and they all make a solid choice for the entryway. You can dye synthetic rugs to show intricate designs of very deep and vivid colors, and they resist stains while being easy to clean. However, they will show wear from heavy traffic over time. As a bonus, they’re relatively inexpensive to replace.

Wool –Wool is one of the top choices for designers when it comes to entryway rugs because it’s very easy to clean and durable. The fiber is naturally moisture and stain-resistant, and it spot cleans well if you use a rag with warm, soapy water. Wool will resist wear and tear while holding its color, and you can get a rug pad to extend the rug’s lifespan.

Is It Necessary to Have a Rug in the Foyer?

A rug can easily transform any space in your home, and it’s one of the first things anyone sees when they step into your house.

However, there are times when it’s more appropriate to have an entryway rug and times when it’s not needed.

If you have tile flooring, it could be easier to clean the tile than a rug, especially if you know it’s a very high-traffic area.

If you have hardwood or carpeted floors, a rug is easier to clean while providing a layer of protection.

Bottom Line

The size of your entryway rug depends on your foyer size first and foremost, and we’ve outlined several hints and tips to ensure you pick out a good size for the space.

Keep the design, the look you want to achieve, and the overall practicality of the rug when you pick it out.

If you get it correct, you can boost how your entryway looks like getting a rug that will last for years.