Best Bath Mats and Bath Rugs for Your Bathroom

At first glance, bath mats and bath rugs can seem pretty interchangeable, making it hard to determine which you need.

• Bath mat: The most absorbent of the two options. Soaking up water like a bath towel, a bath mat should be placed right outside of your tub or shower to eliminate slipping. While bath mats are available in different colors, they are not as decorative as bath rugs may be. Additionally, certain bath mats can be placed inside the tub to prevent slippage.
• Bath rug: While bath rugs are the more stylish option, they usually are not equipped to deal with water as well as bath mats. They will keep floors a bit dry but may become dirty or moldy. Bath rugs are offered in more colors, textures and sizes. They can also be used in front of the tub, as well as in front of the sink, for comfort and decor purposes.
• Rubber bath mats or shower mats: These water-resistant, non-slip mats are placed inside a tub or shower to create traction and grip for safety purposes.

The type of material you choose for your bath rug or mat is important. As it will be absorbing water daily, it should be able to withstand moisture.

• Cotton is comfortable to stand on, easy to clean and highly absorbent. It’s a common material for both bath mats and bath rugs. One downside: a long dry time, which can breed mold and mildew. Proper care is essential. You can find cotton in a variety of textures. Cotton bath mats range from a flat pile that stays in place under doors to those with large, fluffy loops. Some cotton bath mats are even reversible. Look for a mat made with long-staple fibers. These are better-quality and will last longer.
• Synthetic materials, like microfiber, polyester and nylon, are durable, dry quickly and are low maintenance. However, they may not absorb water as well. Choose from shaggy or fluffy to waffle weave, depending on your preference.
• Memory foam is used for both bath mats and rugs. It offers cushioning and relieves pressure, especially when standing for a while, like in front of a vanity. Memory foam is usually covered in another material, like cotton or microfiber, to protect the foam from water.
• Teak or bamboo are hard materials and can give a spa-like feel and look. They resist mold and mildew. Teak requires more of an upfront investment than bamboo. Teak or bamboo mats can slide around, so make sure there is sturdy rubber feet on their bottoms.
• Rubber, plastic and vinyl are the most common and traction-friendly materials for rubber bath mats. Look for an option that’s antimicrobial. This will make the mat better able to resist mold and mildew. Most mats are basic white, but some have rounded shapes or look like bubbles or pebbles.

Your bathroom should capture the style of the rest of your house. It is a great place to have fun with decor. Just like in other rooms of your home, a bath rug can really set the design tone for your bathroom. Coordinate with other elements, including your shower curtain, towels and vanity accessories. Bath mats are available in many colors, textures and some patterns. Bath rubber mats are more functional than stylish, but you can choose one that’s white or clear, so it blends in.

For a traditional look, choose a bath rug with a classic colorful border or a Persian-style print. For a more modern space, a neutral rug with lots of texture complements sleek surfaces. For a more luxe bath, go for all white. For a kid’s bath, bright colors can really give the room a more fun feel.

Bath mats and rugs can vary quite a bit in size: You can find them as small as 17 x 24 inches and as big as 24 x 60 inches. Rubber bath mats are narrower, usually 15 x 17 inches wide and 27 x 36 inches long, to fit a standard tub with little extra space around it inside a tub. You can also find square versions for shower stalls. It’s especially important that any floor covering in a bath fits well. If a mat or rug is too large and doesn’t lie flat around fixtures, it can be a tripping hazard.

Make sure you get the right size mat. Always pre-measure, not only the area where you plan to place a mat or rug, but also the tub's interior and the entire room. Before deciding on placement for a bath mat, consider your bath’s floor plan. A bath mat should be placed where you step in and out of a tub, whether that’s near the front, back or center.

You might consider a few different placements for a bath rug. For a double vanity, one longer runner could stretch across the entire area in front of the sinks. Or two small rugs could do their part in front of each sink. If your bathroom is spacious, it may look better to place one bath rug in the center of the room. If you have a long and narrow bath, look for a rug with runner dimensions (about 2 feet wide, with a length that suits your space).

Water plus a hard floor can be a recipe for accidents. Slick surfaces, like porcelain and ceramic, are even more slippery when wet. A slip-resistant bath rug, bath mat or tub mat can be a lifesaver. If there’s a concern about falling, make sure both tub mats and bath rugs have non-slip backing of latex or rubber as an extra safety precaution. Rubber mats for the bath should have strong suction cups or magnets that will hold them in place. If your bathroom floors are hard, or you just need a little extra support underfoot as you get through your daily routine, consider a memory foam bath mat. Memory foam adds an extra layer of softness.

Bat mats, bath rugs and rubber bath mats are frequently exposed to moisture, dirt and dust. Make cleaning them part of your regular routine. Check the care tag for special instructions and follow them for best results. Below are some general tips:

• Daily care. After use, drape rubber bath mats over the side of the tub or a towel bar. Let them dry completely. Water can get trapped underneath tub mats, so lift yours up and wipe them down daily to avoid standing water. you should also allow mats to dry out properly. Bath rugs don’t need as much daily maintenance because they don’t get as wet in front of a vanity or in the middle of the bath. Vacuum them if needed to pick up hair or dust.
• Washing. Wash bath mats at least once a week. More often, if several people live in your home. Have a backup mat, so you’ll always have one available. Shake it out before you place it in the washer. In general, you can wash a bath mat in cold water in the washing machine using mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, which can discolor or damage a bath mat. Bath rugs can be cleaned the same way if they are machine washable. Check the label. If they aren’t machine washable, vacuum or shake them out and spot clean as necessary. Spray your rubber bath mat down with a tub cleaner and scrub with a sponge or brush. If possible, wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water.
• Drying. Bath mats without backings can be dried on the low setting. High heat can shrink or damage the fibers. Line dry bath mats or rugs with non-slip backings. Heat can degrade the rubber or latex and even damage your machine. Rubber bath mats should never be put in the dryer. Dry them with a towel after cleaning them.