Front door mats…welcome mats…entryway mats…they probably aren’t what folks from the older generations remember anymore. Those of you who are over 40, for instance, when you think of door mats—unless you’ve purchased a lovely door mat in recent years—probably picture the unattractive, black, thin, virtually useless “Welcome” mats that have been around practically since civilization began…AND STILL ARE!

But like so many things that have evolved with technology, door mats have been transformed into things of beauty…into home decorations that can be proudly displayed, and from which you’re likely to receive many compliments on! Many of today’s door mats are made of highly durable, 100% recycled rubber, and are “eco-friendly” meaning they won’t harm the environment once they do eventually wear out and are thrown away.

Nowadays, door mats have even inspired mats to be used for other practical purposes other than wiping one’s feet before entering someone’s home, such as a kneeling pad, which is great when you have to kneel on hard ground and don’t want to bruise your knees. Yes, it’s true…gone are the days of those boring, plain, black Welcome mats!