Do you think we should fill up that entire nook by the back door with a rug?

Also, for the front door should I just get one long runner that starts at the front door and extends to the right down the hallway?

You don't have much space to work with do you. I would get a rug made for the back door that is the exact size of the space to maximize the space. then get a matching runner for the other door, that runs down the hall. Home depot has rugs they will make to your exact size needed and will bind them and deliver. Is there a closet that we can't see on the wall opposite the back door? where do you hang your coats?

In this situation I like to use a mat that matches the floor as closely as possible. It won't be attractive, but you actually don't want to attract attention to this area do you? You want it to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Next I would find a bench (or console) with an open base to sit over your boot tray. That will give the boots a tidy place to be tucked away and further draw attention away from the floor. If there is a closet there the bench will have to be short enough that it doesn't interfere with the door's practicality. If there is no door and you choose a console, center it on the wall and add a lamp or two and a mirror.

For the front door I would choose an oval mat in the darker colour of your dining rug's pattern (blue? black?)

We do have a closet directly across from the back door, that has a little built-in bench. But we were planning on purchasing this bench to go above where the shoe tray currently is. Thoughts?

I'm thinking one of these Gabbeh wool rugs would be great there. They come in all different colours, sizes and patterns. I like a solid neutral colour, but stripes might also look good. They remind me of a real door mat and look like they would trap all that grunge that comes in on winter boots.

For the area in front of a sliding glass door that the dog uses to go in and out, which collects lots of water and dirt, I use fake oriental rugs in dark colors, usually 2 x 3 but they come in various sizes. I've gotten them from Home Deport and, I believe, Lowe's. I put a solid rubber mat (the kind you put under carpets and cut to size) under it to catch any moisture that goes through the rug. Since they are usually $20 or so, when they get dirty (which is often), I just wash them under the shower or hose them off in the summer. They last a couple of years, but at the price are easily replaced. In very dark colors, they would fade into your floors and after a while you don't ever see them.

If you can find a bench with a completely open bottom you'll still be able to fit your boots under the bench.

Like this, although not necessarily this style. But if you wanted you could add a cushion with a washable cover to this one:

Have you seen where they take the door off a closet and add a bench and shoe storage below and hooks for coats above? I wonder if you did that in the closet across your back door if that would get rid of the shoe mess. Just walk in sit down, put the shoes under, hang the coat and go.

I lived in snowy state, and my wool rug was trashed too soon - just too much muck coming in from shoes and boots.

I live in Chicago, I understand the issue. You need a larger rug in both areas--suitable in color, pattern and style to the space. There are wonderful carpet products that are cleanable in a great array of colors/patterns. Ideally the rug under the table and rug at door will match, I have many that are magically cleanable. Good luck to you and hope it all comes out to your satisfaction. Happy New Year!

You have interest in nearby rug - here's brown for example: 22" x 32"

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/76924?feat=515475-GN3&page=waterhog-doormat-recycled-locked-circles&csp=f

We had a piece of carpet used elsewhere in our house cut and bound to fit the front door.

If I lived in a state with your snowy weather, wouldn't you want something machine washable ?

Which way do those doors swing? into the home or the other?

llbean waterhog mats. we now have 4 at every door and would not go back to regular rugs! easy to vacuum and easy to clean and we think they look great! wear like iron!!

here's the linkllbean

I went with a vinyl floor cloth..it's washable and I take it away and stuck it under a guest bed when I don't want to see it

they have many nice designs

https://www.spicherandco.com/home.php?cat=1398

I bought mine on Garnet Hill though I think..less design choice but same maker..probably was on sale or something

https://www.garnethill.com/vintage-vinyl-c2ae-floorcloths/rugs-home-decor/rugs/455303

I'm very pleased with the quality, and how it doesn't move but doesn't get stuck to the wood beneath either

I agree something that is washable is important. The snow that melts of your shoes is some dirty, grimy stuff.

I went with a large, non-descript rug from JCP that basically matches my floor color. It's washable, dry-able and has a rubbery backing so my floor won't become damaged from the water and ice melt.

Try Ballard Designs ...they have many to choose from. ballarddeesigns.com

I used Ballard Designs ones in front of the doors outside(the rubber ones)..very pleased with the quality.

A vinyl rug would be a great solution- https://www.spicherandco.com/home.php?cat=1398 :)