We like to think of the entryway as a sneak peek at the rest of our condo. The easiest way to make a great first impression? Rolling out an area rug. It's a quick and on-trend way to spruce up your entryway without shelling out tons of cash. Check out a few of our favorite tips below for finding the best area rug for your entryway.

Entryway Rug Must-Haves

The Right Size

Your area rug should be proportionate to the space and furniture in your foyer or entryway. We'll give an overview of sizing below, but for more detailed info check out our How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes guide.

Complementary Design

Choose an area rug that complements the rest of your entryway's decor. Ask yourself: Does it work well with the surrounding furniture? Does it reflect my vibe? An area rug with a unique pattern is on-trend and hides stains.

Durable Material

Speaking of stains – the ideal entryway rug needs to be able to weather some serious foot traffic. Choose a rug that's made from long-lasting materials in durable weave patterns. Think: wool, sisal, hemp, and polypropylene. Look for hand-knotted or flatweave patterns in low pile heights (so your door can open and shut smoothly).

Easy to Clean

With your family and friends coming in and out of your entryway, choose a rug that's super simple to clean. Rugs made from jute are easy to wipe down. Flat-pile rugs are easy to vacuum.

Entryway Rug Inspo

Standard Entryways

Most entryways are square or rectangular. Choose a rug in a similar shape for the smoothest layout. If your entryway is large, leave at least 8" of floor space on all sides of the rug. In a small place, you can choose a rug that spreads all the way to the wall.

If your entryway has a semicircular opening or a curved staircase, choose a round rug to play up the space.

Pro Tip:

Try the open door test. If your entryway rug is in the door's pathway, does the door struggle to open or close? This can hurt your rug over time, so choose a rug with a short pile or move your rug away from the door.

Grand Entryways

If you're working with a lot of space or have a dramatic staircase, you've got what we call a grand entry. Optimize the room with a large, eye-catching area rug. Consider an unconventional shape, like an octagonal rug. Or opt for a geometric pattern. We love Morrocan rugs in entryways, too.

Small Entryways

If you're limited on space, choose a rug that gives off the illusion that your entryway is larger and more spacious than it is. If your entryway is a long hallway, choose a runner that's almost the entire length of the hallway. Or opt for an oval rug with a bold pattern to create an open and inviting entry.

Mudroom Entryways

Mudroom entries can be affected by life's daily comings and goings. If your entryway is the space where you kick off your shoes, corral backpacks, or organize sports gear, it probably needs a little extra TLC. We love using indoor-outdoor patterned rugs because they're super durable, camouflage stains, and prevent dirt from being tracked into your home.

👀 Don't forget about a rug pad!