Millions of doormats exist and have existed during the history of the world. Different kinds of doormats are found in most countries across all continents, and, they come in all shapes and sizes, designs and colours. Doormats have many purposes in addition to the perhaps obvious reason, which is to wipe dirt from shoes and boots before entering a room or building. They can be used as design statements or to advertise company names or to give the passer-by a specific message.
Coir was imported by the manufacturers of doormats during the early years of the nineteenth century. The mats were made by weaving the coir. Coir has been imported from India since the nineteenth century until the current day.
Since then all sorts of materials have been used to manufacture door mats. The materials include cotton, rubber, seagrass, woven PVC, microfibre and astroturf. The mats are typically manufactured in a range of sizes to fit most doorways, however, bespoke door mats can be ordered to an individual specification. There are mats available that are black in colour and look as if they are made of wrought iron. These mats are actually made of 100% rubber and are very often laid at the front doors of houses.
The doormat is normally laid at the entrance to the home or commercial premises and therefore it is important the best mat is selected to give the visitor a good impression of the home or other building.
Mats for use in commercial premises may be printed with the company’s logo and corporate colour. Those for home use are offered in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are often found printed with text or pictures, for example ‘Welcome’ or ‘Beware of the Dog’. When bespoke mats are ordered the text and colour can be defined by the person ordering the mat.
A choice of mats are available for indoor or outdoor use. Some are created specifically for use in the bathroom or kitchen, or for pet mats or boat rugs and may contain anti-bacterial properties. For safety, many of the mats are made with an anti-slip backing and may be washable and some can be tumble dried. PVC or rubber mats may be wiped clean for practicality.
It is important that door mats lie flat or fit correctly into a mat well so that there is no risk of accident by anyone tripping over a badly laid mat. Some types of mats are designed, not only as a dirt trapper, but also may include materials for safety, for example, protection against Electrostatic Discharges is provided by incorporating a conductive layer within the mat.
Mats are specially made to provide effective method of removing thick mud from boots and shoes. These are typically called boot scrapers and are manufactured with galvanized wire embedded in the coir to strengthen the mat so that many boots and shoes can be wiped across the surface cleaning most of the mud away. Coco mats are offered for sale in many different colours and patterns. As an alternative to natural coir the materials of sisal or wool may be used in the manufacture of different kinds of door mats.
Suzi Sinclair is an interior decorator and home staging expert. For more information on Cape Cod doormats, visit www.hardtofinditems.com.
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Tags: Decor Home, decorating, doormats, doors, Home, home accessories, home improvement, home repair, interior decorating