A new welcome mat may be the easiest way to spruce up your front door area and add instant curb appeal. With so many options available—and at such affordable prices—there’s no reason not to toss the boring mats aside.

Whether it’s a funny message, a neon color, or an interesting shape, make your mat as distinctive as the rest of your home. One rule of thumb: make sure your mat is as wide as your door (anything less will appear too small).

Looking for some inspiration? Start here!

Pretty Pattern

Photo: wisteria.com

Give your front stoop a hit of global design with this Suzani motif. Suzani Doormat, $34 at wisteria.com

Upcycled

Photo: uncommongoods.com

Made from recycled scrap foam rubber (from flip flops!), this mat will not only wear well underfoot, but serve the earth as well. Flip Flop Mats, $30 at uncommongoods.com

Seasonal Switch

Photo: westelm.com

Now that the temperature is dipping and holidays are around the corner, add something seasonally appropriate mat to your entry. Penguin Doormat, $29 at westelm.com

Animal Magnetism

Photo: allmodern.com

Make a true statement with an oversized animal-shaped doormat, like this hippo design by Ed Annink. Droog Hippo Mat, $156 at allmodern.com

The Key

Photo: urbanoutfitters.com

No need to hide it under the mat with this skeleton key-patterned design. Locksmith Welcome Mat, $34 at urbanoutfitters.com

Colorblock

Photo: cspost.com

If it’s good enough for boats, buoys, and lobster traps, you can bet it will serve foot traffic well. Recycled Marine Rope Rug, $52 at cspost.com

More Faux Bois

Photo: Pottery Barn

To mark the transition from the great outdoors to indoors, consider a doormat with a faux bois, or “false wood”, design. Faux Bois Printed Doormat, $29 at potterybarn.com (no longer available)

Stay in the Lines

Photo: potterybarn.com

The best thing about colored multi-stripes—they go with everything. Multistripe Door Mat, $29 at potterybarn.com

The Doormat Says It All

Photo: eBay

Let your doormat say it for you. One of many amusing doormats available on ebay.com, $33.32

Garden Hose

Photo: markkintzel.wordpress.com

Make your own doormat by turning an old garden hose into a distinctive mat. You can learn how at Mark Kintzel Design.

Personalized

Photo: Etsy.com

A bold chevron pattern in navy and white makes a stunning statement, particularly when personalized with a name or monogram. Personalized Door Mat, $35 at etsy.com

Classic with a Twist

Photo: grandinroad.com

No one says the mat has to be rectangular! Consider something like this half-round design to welcome guests. Monogrammed Half-Round Door Mat,  $79, grandinroad.com

For more on exterior decor, consider:

11 Hot House Numbers to Add Curb Appeal
10 Simple “Under 60” Updates to Boost Curb Appeal
It’s All in the Details– House Numbers