Since your home's entryway is the first thing people see, naturally you want it to make a great impression. Think sleek storage furniture, optimal lighting, and maybe even a cozy place to sit and slip out of shoes.

One thing that really can tie it together is your entryway rug. It can add the pop of color, print, or texture your entryway needs to feel complete. This is a tall order for any decorative accent—and any decorator. But, there’s plenty of inspiration to help you pick the right rug for the job.

Whether your entryway is a sprawling foyer, a sleek hallway, or a space-efficient mud room, there’s an entryway rug that’s perfectly suited for your space—and an entryway rug idea that’ll help you find it.

01 Pair a Classic Interior With a Bold Rug

Since entryway rugs are eye-catching but impermanent, they’re open invitations to take a risk. So consider using yours to add some contrast to your space. If your entryway is skewing classic, balance it out with a bold modern rug. The accent will change the way your space feels—especially if you pair it with equally striking entryway furniture.

02 Roll Out Your Runner Longwise

Instead of filling your entryway with a massive rug, look for a narrow runner and display it longwise. If you find an option that’s about as wide as your door is, you can create the at-home equivalent of a red carpet—giving guests a pretty path to walk down every time they step through your front door.

03 Soften Your Space With a Shag Carpet

Rugs are as much about how they feel as they are about how they look, so shop with texture in mind. If you want your home to make a cozy first impression, snag a small shag carpet. The fluffy find will welcome your feet with comfort every time you slip off your shoes.

04 Keep It Simple With a Striking Doormat

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Investing in a pretty doormat may seem like a boring choice. But the tried-and-true approach is a classic for a reason. Doormats are the right size to dress up an entryway without making it feel crowded. So snag one that’s pretty enough to pass as a rug—or find a rug that’s small and sturdy enough to double as a doormat.

05 Trade Your Rectangular Rug for a Round One

When looking for rugs, you’ll find rectangle after rectangle. But remember that other rug shapes exist, too. A round rug could make the perfect addition to your foyer, filling the space without making it feel cluttered.

06 Pair Your Rug With Matching Throw Pillows

Your entryway rug doesn’t exist in a vacuum—at least, it doesn’t have to. By adding a bench to your entryway and snagging some pillows that match your rug, you can turn your standalone statement-maker into a standout decor scheme.

07 Turn Your Rug Diagonally

There are lots of ways to orient your rug in your entryway. But one unexpected option? Turn it diagonally. If your foyer leads to two different spaces, tilt your rug toward one of them. This surprising choice is sure to draw the eye—plus, it’ll suggest a natural way for traffic to flow through your space.

08 Set the Scene With a Hardy Floor Mat

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Don’t have space for an entryway rug and a traditional doormat? Split the difference with a hardy floor mat. By snagging a rug made of a tough material, like jute, sisal, or nylon, you can invite houseguests to wipe off their shoes—while dressing up your entryway.