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Doormat Shopping

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A doormat is a doormat by any other name right?

Sure, sure. But that doesn’t change the fact that we can obsess over something so seemingly small and insignificant. But really, is it? It’s one of the very first things your guests will see when they’re entering you’re home. Maybe it’s even a bit understated.

Well, I can tell you that our doormat situation hasn’t been looking very welcoming as of late. I bought this cute little leaf-shaped doormat for fall, oh I don’t know, three years ago or so. Then, it kind of just stayed there — through winters, and summers, and springs, and yet more falls. Despite the fact that it’s so clearly a leaf and meant for fall, it’s also looking a bit sad. The bright colors have faded and it is no longer very cute at all.

I won’t picture it here, it’s not necessary because it’s just…well, sad.

So, I’ve been doormat shopping. We’re trying to work on our curb appeal a bit, slowly but surely-ish. So I thought this would be a quick n’ dirty decision. But, it’s turning out to be another big decision just like everything else.

That’s okay though, of course. I don’t mind tearing my hair out over a doormat. My husband would have another opinion on that altogether, but he just doesn’t realize how important this is.

I’ve been drawn lately to the half-moon shaped doormats with the iron lacing type designs. However, I also am kind of liking the good ol’ classic “Welcome” mat as well. Here’s the options I’m thinking of:

Doormat Comparison

I know, I know, they all look the same for the most part. Well, not entirely. I’ve got the scrollwork down. I definitely like that. But, there are some other elements to consider. The price for all of them are about the same, so that’s not the issue.

Let’s break it down, shall we.

1. Smith and Hawken® Half-Moon Doormat (Target) – $19.99
2. Serene Garden Rubber Cast Iron Door Mat (Amazon) – $18.68
3. Esschert Design Rubber Doormat with Cocos (Amazon) – $19.95
4. DII Welcome Half-Moon Shape Rubber Scroll Gate Doormat (Amazon) – $24.00
5. Gardman Welcome Mat (Amazon) – $11.49

Price-wise, they are all free shipping (with a certain amount), except for number five. But, even with shipping, that one ends up being around the same price as the others, so no big there.

Looks-wise, the first two are about the same, with number four being similar, but with the “Welcome” text included. The only thing I don’t like about number four though is the scrollwork isn’t my favorite. It almost looks mechanical with little gear-looking flowers. The “Welcome” text also gives the appearance right off of being on a train or something. Maybe because of the circles underneath? I don’t like that, but I like that the text is in the scrollwork design, which I’m obviously fond of.

What I like about number three is that it has the scroll work, but it is kind of anchored with the coir in the background. On a similar note, I also found this one on Amazon as well, which I like too. It has a more simple scroll work design and it’s cheaper than any of the others at $12.99 with free shipping.

Then we have number five, which is pretty much unlike any of the others, with the exception of the scrollwork. I like that it’s just a classic “Welcome” mat, but I sort of wish it was in a half-round format so it could combine everything I like about the others.

Overall, I just don’t know. I’m going to have to mull over it for a few days and make my final decision in a little while.

What are your thoughts on welcome mats, and what are your favorite types/styles?
06/16/2011
Home Decorating
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DIY Patio Lattice Fence

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First project for the back patio overhaul. Check out what we did to define the blank slate as an area, give ourselves privacy, but still letting the light shine through.
Patio Privacy
07/15/2010
Home Decorating
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Back Patio Makeover Kickoff

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Checkout the plan I have for my back patio area before the summer is over. I have lots of ideas and I've already started on a number of the projects. Hopefully I'll get it completed before summer's end.
Outdoor Makeovers
07/13/2010
Home Decorating
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Weekend Finds

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Check out the deals I snagged this Memorial Day weekend and what I plan to do with the goods I scored!
CraigsList Finds
06/01/2010
Budget & Finance
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Weekend Finds

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It was a very busy weekend, but a beautiful weekend for garage sale-ing! So here's what I found this past weekend in between all the projects we were working on.
Garage Sale Finds
05/24/2010
Budget & Finance
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Craft Cabinet Redo

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One of my first major project for my office makeover. I wanted to make this laminate craft cabinet look more like "furniture" and less like "factory made". Check out what I did.
Furniture Makeover
05/21/2010
Home Decorating
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Office Makeover Kickoff

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Although I mentioned that I started a makeover of my office, I'm officially going to kickoff this makeover here with some nasty before pictures and what I plan to do about it.
Makeover Your Own Room
05/19/2010
Home Decorating
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Dining Room Table Makeover

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My long awaited dining room table redo! It's been a journey, but my table is finally refinished and looks just beautiful. I'm so happy with the results. Check out how I did it, step by step.
How to Stain a Table
05/13/2010
Home Decorating
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Weekend Finds

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There are deals to be found at garage sales, thrift stores, and for that matter, department stores. Check out what I scored this weekend!
Finding Deals At Garage Sales
05/05/2010
Budget & Finance
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Scraps vs. Crap

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Do you feel like scrap fabric is taking over your life, or at least your closet? Well I'll show you some basic principles to organizing your scrap fabric so you can find what you need easily and it doesn't have to be a heaping mess.
Organize Scrap Fabric
04/29/2010
Sewing & Fashion Design
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