Welcome Mats

Welcome to Our Home, 20 1/2" x 31", #3-cut wool on linen.  Designed and hooked by Gayle d’Eon, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, 2012.

Some of the earliest mats made for homes were actually welcome mats, but they were known as doormats because they were placed by entrance doorways. Although their use was practical—to clean one’s feet before going farther into the house—these mats were the first object seen upon entering, and when visiting a home, a first impression set the mood.

Most early dirt-gathering mats were rectangular, but today, welcome mats come in many shapes and designs. They hang on walls, grace stair bottoms, warm feet at the foot of a bed, and lead guests to the bathroom. Even a doghouse or pet bed might sport a welcome mat.

This article is from the November/December 2012 issue. For more information on our issues, check out our issues page.