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The Wonderful World of Outdoor Matting and Why I’m Obsessed!

If you’re anything like me, you probably relish the idea of a good outdoor setup. A garden, a patio, a little nook in your backyard where you can lounge and enjoy the weather. But when it comes to outdoor spaces, there's one thing that we often overlook: outdoor matting. It’s not just about keeping the dirt out, it's about adding comfort, style, and safety to your spaces.

If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be waxing lyrical about outdoor matting, I might have given you a curious look. But life is strange and unpredictable, and here I am, about to share with you the myriad benefits of outdoor mats, and more specifically, outdoor rubber matting. Bear with me, because once you're through with this post, you might just become as enamoured as I am!

So, Why the Obsession with Outdoor Matting?

To start with, let's appreciate the unsung hero that is the humble outdoor mat. Ever stepped outside after a rainy day, only to find the ground slippery and dangerous? Or perhaps, you've tried to maintain a pristine home, but the garden's mud just won't cooperate? Enter, outdoor mats! These fantastic creations are the buffer between the unruly nature and our homes, and they ensure we don't end up with a twisted ankle or muddy footprints all over the floor.

Protection: Especially in unpredictable UK weather, outdoor matting provides a safe surface to walk on, reducing the risk of slips and falls. It’s a simple investment that can help avoid unnecessary injuries.

Cleanliness: Less dirt and moisture get tracked into your home. If you're like me, who is all about fewer chores, this alone is a winner!

Durability: High-quality outdoor rubber matting is designed to last. It's resilient to ever-changing weather conditions, from the scorching summer sun to frosty winter mornings.

The Rise of Outdoor Rubber Matting

While there are various materials you can opt for, my personal favourite has to be outdoor rubber matting. Not only does it give all the benefits mentioned above, but rubber is also incredibly long-lasting. Plus, rubber mats often have textured surfaces, adding an extra grip. Trust me; this feature becomes a lifesaver on those frosty mornings when your driveway or patio resembles an ice rink!

Why I Recommend Commercial Matting

In my quest to find the best outdoor matting, I stumbled upon Commercial Matting, a leading UK manufacturer of matting products. Their range of outdoor mats is vast, and the quality is truly unmatched. What struck me most was their commitment to producing products that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. I've personally tried and tested their products, and folks, they deliver what they promise. The durability, the design, the sheer variety – everything is top-notch. Click here.

It’s a no-brainer that if you're in the UK and looking for the best in the business, Commercial Matting should be your go-to place. And, if you’re a newbie in the world of matting like I was, their friendly team is always ready to guide and assist.

Making It Personal: The Aesthetics Matter!

But let's not just talk functionality. In our homes, whether it's the interiors or the exteriors, aesthetics play a crucial role. The right outdoor mat can complement your garden furniture, the colour of your home or even your garden plants. Imagine having a beautiful garden setup, only to have it disrupted by an ill-fitting mat? The horror!

Thankfully, with the wide variety of designs and colours available, especially at Commercial Matting, there's something for everyone. From neutral tones that seamlessly blend in, to bright colours and patterns that pop, you're spoiled for choice.

There we have it – a whirlwind journey through the world of outdoor matting. Who knew there could be so much to say about mats, right? But, if there's one thing I want you to take away, it's this: don't overlook the importance of a good outdoor mat. It’s a blend of safety, cleanliness, and style all wrapped up in one product.

Whether you're revamping your garden, setting up a new outdoor space, or just want to make an informed choice for your home, I hope this post has shed some light. And remember, if you want the best, you now know where to head. Happy mat hunting, and may your outdoor spaces always be safe and stylish!

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10 Intriguing Facts About Coir Door Mats That'll Make You See Them Differently!

Have you ever wiped your muddy shoes on a coir door mat and wondered about its history, or how it came into existence? Today, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of coir door mats and uncover some intriguing facts that might just have you looking down at your feet more often!

1. What is Coir, anyway?

Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut. It’s incredibly tough and resistant to wear and tear, which makes it perfect for door matting. When you're wiping your feet on that rugged, textured surface, you're essentially scrubbing them on coconut husks!

2. A History that Dates Back Centuries

Coir has been in use for over a millennium. Ancient mariners in places like India and Sri Lanka recognised the value of coir for making strong ropes and rigging for their ships.

3. It’s Super Eco-friendly

Coir door matting is entirely biodegradable. So, when you eventually retire your old coir door mat, you can rest assured knowing that it won’t be sitting in a landfill for centuries to come.

4. Versatile in Style

Coir door mats aren't just the brown, bristly rectangles you might be imagining. Thanks to innovative manufacturers like Commercial Matting (which I personally recommend for their top-notch quality!), you can find coir matting in various designs, colours, and even with bespoke prints here.

5. The Making of a Coir Door Mat

The process is genuinely fascinating. First, the coconut husks are soaked in water to soften and separate the fibres. Once separated, they're cleaned, sorted, and then spun into yarn. This yarn is woven to create the iconic coir door mat we all know and love.

6. Natural Pest Deterrent

Coir door mats are naturally resistant to bugs and mould. That means less worry about unwanted critters taking up residence under your feet!

7. Supports Thousands of Livelihoods

The coir industry provides employment to over half a million people in India alone. By purchasing a coir product, you're indirectly supporting numerous families and artisans who've been in the trade for generations.

8. A Mat with a Memory

Did you know that coir fibres have a natural ‘memory’? They can spring back to their original form even after being compressed. This makes coir door mats durable and long-lasting.

9. Natural Absorbent

Coir door matting is naturally absorbent, soaking up water and moisture with ease. This is especially handy in the UK, where one can never truly predict when the skies might open up!

10. Not Just for Doors!

Whilst we often associate coir with door mats, its usage is vast and varied. From brushes to upholstery, and even in horticulture, coir's durability and resilience make it a favourite in multiple industries.

In conclusion, the humble coir door mat isn't just a staple for clean homes; it's a product with a rich history, intriguing facts, and eco-friendly benefits. The next time you step on one, take a moment to appreciate the journey of that coir from how it started on a tree to how finished on your floor!

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Coir Matting: An Ode to Sustainability and Elegance

You know that ecstatic feeling you get when you find something that’s not only functional but also sustainable? Well, that's precisely how I felt when I first stumbled upon coir matting, also fondly known as coconut matting. Let me take you on a brief, tropical journey into the world of this wonderful product.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The first time I was introduced to coir matting was during a vacation. I was staying in a quaint little beachside cottage, and right at its entrance was this beautiful, rustic-looking mat. It felt strong under my feet, had an earthy scent, and simply screamed 'sustainability'. I learnt later that it was made from coconut fibre, an incredibly renewable resource. The perfect amalgamation of beauty and sustainability, right?

What Exactly is Coir Matting?

For those who might be new to the term, coir matting is a dense, robust mat made from the fibres extracted from between the shell and outer coat of a coconut. Sounds exotic, doesn’t it? It's the kind of product that not only adds an aesthetic touch to your home but also speaks volumes about your commitment to the environment.

Coconut matting, as the name suggests, is close kin. The two terms can often be used interchangeably, but what's in a name when the essence remains the same?

Why I Recommend Coir Matting

Now, I must tell you about Commercial Matting. They are a leading UK manufacturer of coir matting products. I had the pleasure of trying out one of their mats, and let me just say, the quality is top-notch. They manage to encapsulate the essence of the tropics and the ruggedness of coconuts into their products. Whether it's for your home or your business, their range of coir matting will definitely impress, click here.

The reasons for my admiration are plentiful:

Eco-friendly: Coconuts are a renewable resource, and coir matting is biodegradable. In a world where sustainability is the need of the hour, using products like these is a step in the right direction.

Durability: Don’t be fooled by its rustic charm. Coir matting is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy footfall, making it ideal for both homes and commercial establishments.

Natural Aesthetics: Its natural, golden-brown hue can complement a wide range of décors. Whether you’re going for a beachy vibe or a rustic look, coconut matting seamlessly fits in.

Low Maintenance: A quick shake or vacuum is usually all it takes to keep your mat looking as good as new.

A Little DIY Fun with Coir Matting

Being on Tumblr, I know we all appreciate a good DIY. Here's a quick one for you. Want to give your coconut mat a personalised touch? Get some non-toxic paint and stencil in a welcoming message or an artsy design. Not only do you have a durable mat, but also one that reflects your personal style!

Wrapping Up

My journey from being a coir matting novice to an enthusiast has been delightful. And the best part? I've found a sustainable alternative that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics. So, if you’re looking to make a switch, give coir matting from Commercial Matting a try. Let’s make sustainable choices, one mat at a time.

Till next time, stay sustainable and stylish! 💚🥥

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A Quick Guide on How to Clean Your Coir Mat

Just like any other type of flooring or covering, coir mats require a level of maintenance and cleaning, to ensure your inside space stays clean and dirt free. Coir mats are one of the most popular types of entrance matting (click here), and you probably have one yourself if you have clicked on this blog post! They are an excellent natural matting product, that effectively scrapes all the dirt and moisture from the bottom of your shoes. But due to this, they can end up holding a lot of dirt and dust and need to have a thorough clean from time to time. Even coir mats need a freshen-up sometimes!

I know pretty much everything and anything about different types of matting and how to clean them, so I have made a quick guide on how you can clean your coir mat.

Removing Dry Dirt

Shake Off the Excess

Firstly, you will want to take your coir mat into a well-ventilated space, I would suggest just going outside and shaking your mat in the air. Make sure to use quite some force to remove the dirt and dust - just avoid getting it into your eyes! And whilst it is in the air, you might as well clean underneath the mat, so no debris is remaining.

Use a Broom

Next, I recommend using a broom to sweep away the dirt that is now loose. A hard bristled broom might work better but any broom will do.

Vacuum Cleaning

To really get into the nit and gritty, a vacuum cleaner is an excellent way of reaching the debris that is stuck deeper in the coir fibres. Hopefully by now the dirt will have become unstuck and the vacuum will easily be able to suction it up. To minimise disrupting the fibres, use your vacuum on a lower setting.  

Using Water to Remove Dirt

Washing by Hand

If you are wanting to use water to remove the dirt from your coir mat, the best way is to wash it by hand. I do not recommend washing your mat in a washing machine, as it may damage the fibres. The best way to clean your mat is to use a little bit of warm water and a hard bristled brush, and gently scrub the dirt off the mat. If it is being a bit stubborn, I recommend using a tiny bit of natural soap to encourage the dirt to loosen up.

Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaners

If you can get your hands on a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, this is also a fantastic method to clean your entrance mats, especially in commercial spaces. These kinds of vacuums are designed to remove solid dirt and dust, as well as liquids. Before doing this step, I would suggest checking with your entrance mat supplier on whether your mat is suitable for wet and dry vacuum cleaners, as they can be a little harsh.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Spot Cleaning

Have you got an annoying stain that won’t come out? Don’t worry, I also methods of how you can get this out too! To remove general household spills, use a bit of natural soap and water to spot clean the stain, or what works just as well is diluting some carpet shampoo.

If you have a pet and are worried about certain incidents happening, these can be covered in bicarbonate of soda, which will absorb the liquid and eliminate the odour.

And finally, we all know oil stains are an absolute pain to remove, however with perseverance they can be reduced (although you might need to pop out to the shop for this one). Oil stains can be treated with water, coconut oil, and white vinegar. Similar to the above, gently spot clean the area with this mixture and the stain should lift.

And that is how you maintain and clean your coir mat, and also how to remove those stubborn stains. I know cleaning is a bit of a boring chore, but from my experience after your entrance mat is cleaned it does make a massive difference! I hope you have enjoyed this quick and easy guide and stay tuned for more!

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Enhance your Interiors with Indoor Matting

If you are an interior design fanatic like myself, this blog post might be right up your street.

Most people tend to believe that the only purpose of indoor mats is to protect your flooring and to prevent dirt and moisture from accumulating on the floor, and although they do that, people forget that they can also enhance the look and feel of a space. Indoor matting is a great and simple way to spruce up your interiors, whether that be in your home or at your place of work.

To enhance the many different areas in my home, I have purchased a range of different indoor mats, as they are a reasonably cheap and effective way to add a pop of colour or texture to a space.

There are many types of indoor mats available to purchase (click here), such as entrance mats and hallway runners, which I believe are the two most popular choices to dress up an area. Many companies supply indoor mats in a range of colours, patterns, and sizes, to suit a range of interiors.

Below I have listed the ways in which you can improve the interiors of your home or workplace with indoor mats. Hopefully, by the end of this blog post, you might want to buy an indoor mat for yourself!

1. Choosing the Right Colour

We all know that certain colours can evoke different moods and emotions, and they play a powerful role in interior design. Colours have the ability to change an atmosphere, so it is wise to know what colours to choose, to achieve your desired outcome. Whether you’re wanting to make your hallway look classier and more elegant or want to make your office feel more relaxing and calmer, the choice of colour can stimulate different psychological signals.

Blue – blue is by far one of the most popular hues on the colour spectrum. Dark blues such as royal blue and navy blue are rich and dark in colour, evoking a feel of luxury and confidence in a room. Light blue, on the other hand, creates a feeling of tranquillity and relaxation.

Black – although black may seem dark and boring, it is a fantastic option to add an element of sleekness and sophistication.

Grey – as a lighter hue of black, grey is frequently used in home interiors to add a soft and delicate feeling to a room.

Green – green is commonly associated with the colour of nature, symbolising harmony and balance. Green is a restful colour for the eyes, bringing a refreshing feeling indoors.

Red – red emotes feelings of strength and ambition and can have more of a dramatic impact compared to other colours. If you are wanting to be more daring, or commit to a true pop of colour, red is the perfect option.

Yellow – just like the effect of sunshine, yellow evokes feelings of joy and happiness. Yellow can also brighten up a space, making it seem more welcoming.

Purple – similar to that of dark blue, purple adds an element of luxury and richness to a space. Purple is more of a unique colour choice, that may give the impression of a more creative home or workspace.

2. Unique Designs

I have recently noticed that more and more businesses now have a logo on their indoor mats, which I think is a great way to make your workplace seem more professional. As a company, it is very important to make a good impression on your visitors and adding your logo to an entrance mat is a great and simple way to do so. Not only do logos create a better relationship between a company and a visitor, but they also make the interior seem more put together and sophisticated.

Unique designs have also made an appearance in home settings - even I am partial to a ‘welcome’ message on a door mat. Although quotes and designs on door mats may seem a little cringey, many can enhance an entranceway. These little messages or images can make your home seem more welcoming and homely and could maybe even cheer people up if the quote is funny.

3. Patterns

Especially with hallway runner mats, the choice of pattern can create different interior impacts. Patterns add a little more excitement to a room, rather than a plain block of colour. When they are done successfully, they can really add a wow factor! They work particularly well in settings such as hotel corridors, to add some depth and pizazz.

Stripes – stripes are an excellent way to make a space seem larger. Vertical lines can elongate a hallway, whereas horizontal lines can make a hallway seem wider.

Geometric shapes – patterns that include circles, squares, and triangles, can help a space seem more cohesive. Whether the pattern is repeated, or random, geometric patterns can be used to bring everything together. For example, a square-patterned hallway runner would look fantastic with square mirrors, windows, or picture frames. Even contrasting shapes look good together.

And that is how you can enhance your interiors with indoor matting! I hope that my knowledge will help you pick the right mat for you and your space. There are so many variations of indoor matting to choose from, so you are not limited. Don’t be hesitant either, if you want a bold and bright mat, just go for it!

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Why Anti Fatigue Matting is So Beneficial

Are you up on your feet all day? Or stand up a lot at work or behind a counter? And would like to give your body support? I have recently discovered an innovative mat, that has not only helped my posture but has also relieved all the aches and pains in my joints, and that is anti fatigue matting. In all honesty, I had never heard of anti fatigue matting before, and I was a bit skeptical if it would actually work or not. But I was pleasantly surprised!

So, what is an anti fatigue mat?

In truth, they do what exactly they say on the tin, they make you feel less fatigued!

Anti fatigue mats are designed to reduce the physical stress on the body, to help you feel less fatigued at work or in places where you are standing for a long period of time, especially on a hard surface. Thousands of jobs require you to stand for almost the entire workday, and so these mats have been created to make you more comfortable.

These mats are cleverly designed with a cushioned base that encourages the natural movement of the lower body, to make sure blood is circulating around the body correctly. When you stand on a hard surface for a long time, the lower body is unable to move and the blood becomes stagnate, which unfortunately makes us feel stiff and uncomfortable. But anti fatigue mats are here to save the day! The cushioned, soft surface of an anti fatigue mat allows you to distribute your weight from one leg to the other, overall reducing the stress on your body and making you less tired. If you are struggling with standing up for a long time, I would highly recommend these mats, and there are plenty on the market, click here.

Not only do they make you feel more comfortable and less fatigued, but they also reduce the chances of serious injuries happening. You may not know that when you stand for a long time on a hard surface, you have a higher chance of suffering from more severe injuries such as lower limb disorders, muscle tension, spine compression, and more! However, anti fatigue mats can help prevent these medical problems from occurring, and that is why they are a great investment.

Other Amazing Benefits of Anti Fatigue Mats

Improves Productivity and Concentration

Obviously, when you are in less pain and discomfort, you can focus a lot more and concentrate on your tasks. From a first-hand experience, I definitely became more productive when I started using this type of mat.

Improves Posture

If you feel yourself stooping or are suffering from neck and shoulder pain, it might be because of the surface you are standing on. As I mentioned above, when you are standing on a hard surface, the lower part of your body cannot move correctly, and in turn, that affects your upper body too. This is because your weight is imbalanced, and other parts of your body then have to work harder. Anti fatigue mats help to distribute your weight evenly, which encourages you to stand up straight.

Happier Work Environment

By using anti fatigue mats, you will 100% notice a difference in your happiness (I have definitely become less grouchy since introducing this mat into my life!) and you will also see a difference in your workplace. If all of your colleagues start using anti fatigue mats, your workplace will be the most upbeat it has ever been.

And that is why anti fantigue is so beneficial. Not only do they make you feel happier and more relaxed, but they also help to reduce the risk of serious injuries happening – what more could you want from a mat! I hope you have enjoyed my first-ever blog post, and keep your eyes peeled for more!