When it comes to outfitting a business premises, a lot of focus is directed towards big items like furniture, signage, lighting, and other décor, but we think there are other beneficial additions that should be considered, like printed entrance mats.
Custom logo mats have two main purposes. Not only do they trap dirt and moisture, helping keep floors clean and reducing slip hazards, but they also have the potential to be a powerful form of branding that can welcome visitors with your logo, message, and company colours from the moment they arrive.
But before you go ahead and invest in one, it’s important to know that not all printed mats are the same. To maximise their effectiveness, you need to select the right size and material, which can be determined by your entrance layout, amount of footfall, and whether you intend to use them inside, outside, or in a transitional area. Below, we’ll guide you on exactly how to do this so that your logo mat performs well and leaves a lasting impression.
Assess Your Entrance Area and Traffic Flow
Before purchasing a printed mat, it’s useful to assess your entrance area and know how it functions so that you can determine your needs. If it’s an outdoor entryway, then you’ll want a logo mat that’s made from weather-resistant materials in order to keep them looking as good as possible all year-round whilst also catching dirt before it enters your premises. If you’re buying one for indoors, however, then you should think about other fibre options that are better able to complement interior décor.
The amount of expected daily foot traffic will also affect your choice of material. Wool, cotton, and silk blends may be highly decorative and able to add a touch of class, but they can also quickly wear out if your building is experiencing constant flows of visitors. If you want your logo entrance mat to be hard-wearing, then it’s best to opt for ones that feature a more durable construction.
Measure the Dimensions of Your Entrance
You should also make sure that your entrance mat is the right size, as ones that are too small are unlikely to provide enough surface area for catching dirt, whilst ones that are too large can be a tripping hazard or interfere with doors. On the contrary, a well-sized mat can reduce slips and floor damage, as well as effectively capture dirt and moisture, improve visual symmetry, and give your brand identity a major boost.
Many suppliers offer bespoke matting that’s cut to your specific size dimensions, so a great thing you can do is measure your entrance’s dimensions in order to get an accurate idea of how big your logo matting should be.
How to Measure Correctly
- Measure the door width: the mat should span at least the width of the main doorway, ideally with an additional margin on either side.
- Consider walking direction: a mat should allow for at least two steps (roughly 1.5–2 metres in length) to ensure enough contact time to scrape and absorb.
- Allow for door clearance: if your door swings inward, ensure the mat isn’t too thick, or it may obstruct movement.
Weigh Up Your Material Options
Printed entrance mats are made with a variety of materials, with each one having a number of benefits and functions. Among the various options are nylon, polypropylene (synthetic fibre), coir, and rubber, all of which have characteristics that are worth keeping in mind. Let’s take a closer look at each material so you can determine which one is right for you.
Nylon
Nylon is a superb choice for printed mats due to its ability to display high-quality prints, making nylon mats able to display crisp logos and vibrant colours that do a great job at capturing an audience’s attention. In addition to this, they are also quite strong, being able to resist stains and fading as well as absorbing moisture quickly and enduring heavy footfall. These attributes make nylon logo mats a good choice for high-traffic indoor commercial areas that rely on impactful branding, such as showrooms.
Polypropylene
Synthetic fibres are known for their affordability and coarse texture, the latter of which also makes brush logo mats great at scraping away dirt. The major benefit of synthetic fibres, however, is their exceptional moisture resistance and strength, which makes them a good option for both indoor and outdoor transitional areas.
Coir
Coir (also known as coconut husk) is also strong and really good at scraping away debris from footwear, but its main appeal is its sustainability and natural, rustic appearance. This makes coir logo mats a great fit for businesses that rely on a natural design language, such as garden centres and farm shops.
Rubber
Rubber has a high level of strength, arguably more so than other materials available. This and its high water resistance make it more than capable of withstanding the outdoor elements, whether that’s rain, snow, or UV rays. Rubber also offers superior grip, making it great for reducing slips and trips, even in wet weather. If you have an uncovered or partially covered outdoor entrance, especially on an industrial premises, then we think it’s best to consider opting for a rubber logo mat.
Final Statement
Your printed entrance mat is a branding opportunity, a safety feature, and a practical investment for your business, and choosing the right size means it can do its job effectively, whilst the right material can have a positive impact on its appearance and strength. Whether you’re running a corporate office, a retail shop, or a hospitality venue, if you take the time to measure your space properly, evaluate traffic, and select the material that best fits your business’s needs, then your printed entrance mat can make a statement, stay clean, and keep visitors safe, all at the same time.
Now that you have an idea of the sizing and what materials to consider, feel free to browse our website and discover how we can help promote your brand with our bespoke services. If you want to get in touch with us, please call 01772 698274, and a member of our team will happily assist you.