A doormat is a special kind of flat mat that is placed near the entrance of a house or other building. Most doormats (Fußmatten) are rectangular and flat in their design, and are placed immediately outside or inside an entrance door. There are a wide range of different doormats on the market, differing in terms of their size, design, and materials.
Some of the most common materials that are used in doormats include coir, palmyra or palm tree, various fibres and stalks, nylon, rubber, cloth, aluminium, and other metals. The materials that are used in the construction of doormats have to be long lasting and tough in their nature, and able to withstand the constant abuse of being walked on and trampled over. The principle purpose of a doormat is to allow people to wipe and scrub the soles of their shoes before entry, therefore bringing less dirt and fewer loose particles into the home itself. However, many doormat designs are also used as welcome mats, and include a welcome message or greeting sign to all visitors.

Doormats have a long and rich history around the world, along with many other styles of domestic matting and floor coverings. In the past, there was less distinction between the various styles of matting used today, with carpets, rugs, doormats, and other floor mats often filling a similar purpose depending on their location. The term matting refers to a number of coarsely woven and plaited fibrous products produced over the centuries, with various mats used for a wide range of different purposes. For example, similar designs of matting could be used for flooring, furniture covers, wrapping, and many other miscellaneous purposes.

Because of their tensile nature and strength, jute mats started to be used as doormats and tough floor coverings in the early days. Jute mats consist of strong woven, tufted, of piled carpets, and are often associated with Southern India where they have been made for centuries. Doormats are a common feature in modern homes, with a wide range of products available on the Internet and through local retail stores. When purchasing a doormat for your home, there are a few important decisions to make, in order to make sure you get the perfect product for your needs. Along with the material used, it is also important to consider the size, price, and design of the product in question.