While choosing the right bath mat might seem overwhelming, there are many benefits to owning one. “If you are stepping out of the shower or tend to splash water when you are at the sink, a bath mat will help absorb excess water and will not only keep you safe but also help keep your bathroom clean and more hygienic,” explains Samantha Gann, director of marketing at Rugs.com. We’ve created a list of the best bath mats based on their size, material, care, non-slip ability, and more. Our top pick is the Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Mat because of its ultra plushness, color options, and easy cleaning.
Extremely plushSoftens with each washComes in various colors
Pricier than other optionsCan snag and rip easily
It’s made from Turkish cotton, meaning it’s woven to be extremely plush and absorbent. However, its terry texture can snag and rip easily, so keep this in mind if you have any pets who like to scratch at things. Each rug is custom dyed with gorgeous, non-fading hues and will match Frontgate’s Resort bath towels to help create a cohesive look for your bathroom. It’s also machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle and safe for tumble drying on low. The best part? With each wash, the rug will only become softer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a non-slip backing. To remedy this, we recommend finding a small rug pad or two-sided tape to place underneath it. It measures 21 x 34 inches, so it should fit average and large bathrooms. While this bath mat is on the pricy side, we think its stellar performance and luxuriousness make it worth the price. Price at time of publish: $55 Size: 21 x 34 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Care: Machine wash on gentle cycle, tumble dry low | Nonslip: No
Extremely plushComes in various colorsCan fold for easy storage
Can snag and rip easilyColors may vary from online photos
The soft texture feels as luxe as more expensive options and provides a sanctuary for your feet post-shower to avoid the cold tiles. It’s also super absorbent, leaving your floors spotless and free of any access water. Measuring 32 x 30 inches, use it for your tub, sink, shower, or any place where you want to avoid water damage on your floors. Plus, it’s super easy to clean, too—simply throw it in the washing machine and dryer whenever you feel it needs a refresh. It also folds up for easy storage, should you ever need to move it out of the way. We also love that it has a non-slip backing, so you can rest assured that it won’t move when you step on it. It comes in various bright colors, but the brand notes that they may look slightly different in real life due to the lighting and monitor settings. Price at time of publish: $22 Size: 32 x 20 inches | Material: Chenille | Care: Machine washable and tumble dry on low | Nonslip: Yes
Comes in various colorsExtremely plushLint-free
Pricier than other options
It’s available in eight colors, including white and blush, that’ll mesh with your existing decor seamlessly and provide a reprieve from any potential mishaps after your soak in the tub. In addition, its Turkish cotton material feels super luxurious when you step into it—without being overly dense. Better yet, it’s machine-washable and safe to tumble dry, so you can easily clean it with minimal effort. It’s also lint-free and dries quickly after use. It measures 20 x 31 inches, meaning it will fit proportionally in front of many tubs. While it doesn’t come with a non-slip backing, you can easily place a rug pad or two-sided tape underneath it to prevent it from slipping. It’s pricier than other options on this list, but its luxe feel and durability make it worth the higher price tag. Price at time of publish: $49 Size: 20 x 31 inches | Material: Turkish cotton | Care: Machine washable and tumble dry | Nonslip: No
Great to use all-over homeAffordableComes in various colors
Memory foam flattens over timeDoesn’t dry quickly after use
While it’s ideal for usage in your bathroom, it can also be placed in your kitchen, guest room, or other spaces with colder floors. It even comes in various sizes for this purpose, so you can find an option that’s proportionate for each room. Cleaning it is super effortless, too—throw it in your washing machine and dryer every time it needs a good wash. Plus, it arrives in a slew of color options, including fuchsia and royal blue. Since memory foam flattens over time, this isn’t the most long-lasting option. It also takes more time to dry after use, so it may not be the best option if you have a larger household with more frequent showers and baths. Still, it’s very affordable and easy to replace should there be any problems. Price at time of publish: $17 Size: 17 x 24 inches, 20 x 32 inches, 22 x 36 inches, 24 x 48 inches, 60 x 17 inches, 60 x 24 inches, or 72 x 24 inches | Material: Memory foam | Care: Machine washable | Nonslip: Yes
Dries quickly after useGreat to use all-over homeLong-lasting
Not as comfortable as other optionsMay be too small for large bathrooms
Since this ToiletTree rug has a vented design, it circulates air through the slots, allowing the bath mat to drain excess water for fast drying. In addition, it has an anti-slip bottom to ensure it stays in place. Its glossy wood design adds a spa-like feel, and it can be used just about anywhere inside or outside your house, including in your garage, mudroom and entryway, outside shower, outdoor pool, and more. It is pricier than other options, but it’s worth it, given its durability. Although the brand doesn’t give cleaning directions, it’s best to wipe it down between uses. Measuring 25.5 x 15.75 x 1.25 inches, this rug is smaller than other options on this list, so it may not be the best option for larger bathrooms. Still, it’s great for the average home and green shoppers who look for eco-friendly products. Price at time of publish: $50 Size: 25.5 x 15.75 x 1.25 inches | Material: Bamboo | Care: Not listed | Nonslip: Yes
Limited color optionsMay be too large for small bathrooms
It’s available in three neutral hues—midnight blue, black, and white—and two size options to ensure it fits in your space. However, at 24 x 30 inches or 24 x 60 inches, it may feel a bit cramped in a smaller bathroom. Still, we love that its simple design adds a cozy feel to any bathroom area. West Elm also offers free shipping on this item, making it an excellent option for those shopping on a budget. Price at time of publish: $30 Size: 24 x 36 inches or 24 x 60 inches | Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Nonslip: No
Dries quickly after useAffordableComes in various colors
Not as comfortable as other optionsNot dryer-safe
It’s made with an anti-slip bottom to keep it in place without shifting or skidding. Meanwhile, the microfiber material shields your toes from the cold floor when you step out of the shower. It isn’t as soft as other options, but it is super absorbent and locks water in quickly to save your floors from becoming soaked with water. It also dries quickly after use. Even better, the mat comes in several sizes to accommodate large and small spaces. We also love that it’s available in various neutral hues to match your existing decor (although the options are limited compared to other options). To clean this mat, toss it in the washing machine. Note that it’s not dryer-safe, so you must air dry it. A few hours in the sun or under a fan should have it dry in no time. Price at time of publish: $23 Size: 24 x 16 inches, 32 x 20 inches, or 59 x 20 inches | Material: Microfiber | Care: Machine washable | Nonslip: Yes
Extremely plushComes in various colorsGreat to use all-over home
May not look proportionate in all bathroomsMust be laundered in a laundry bag
This rug comes in multiple colors and sizes to blend with your home’s decor and space. However, the long rectangular shape of this mat may not always look proportional, depending on where you’re using it. The rug is also easy to clean and only requires a quick run in the washing machine with cold water followed by drying at the lowest heat setting. The brand recommends using a delicates bag for cleaning and drying to prevent the fabric from snagging and ripping on other items in the load. Price at time of publish: $29 Size: 34 x 21 inches, 47 x 21 inches, or 59 x 21 inches | Material: Shaggy Chenille | Care: Machine washable | Nonslip: Yes
Great for small spacesExtremely plushTrendy design
Only comes in one color
Designed with a round shape, it has an uber-cozy cotton terry material. The crochet trim that runs along the perimeter adds just the right amount of pizzazz without being too much. Also nice: It’s machine washable, so you can clean it easily whenever it starts to become gross. However, the brand doesn’t note if the mat is dryer-safe, so we recommend air drying. It only comes in one color, so this isn’t the best option for those with a strict color scheme. Still, it’s a bright orange that goes great with eclectic, farmhouse, and other decor styles that call for fun, warm colors. With a 24-inch diameter, this should easily fit into small and average bathrooms. As a bonus, it also has a non-slip backing to keep it in place. Price at time of publish: $29 Size: 24-inch diameter | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine washable | Nonslip: Yes
Comes in various colorsExtremely plushResists pulls and snags
HeavyDoesn’t dry quickly after use
The smallest option measure 21 x 34 inches, so it shouldn’t overwhelm your space or look too big by your tub or sink. Even better, it comes in seven bright and neutral colors to liven up your space. Since it’s woven with 100% cotton and has 1-inch thick loops, it’s extra absorbent and feels soft to the touch. Just keep in mind that it can take longer to dry after use than other options due to this. Fortunately, you can machine wash and dry this option when it becomes too dirty. Note that it is heavier than other options, so it does take a bit longer to launder. We also love that it has a latex-spray backing to prevent it from slipping around when you step on it. Overall, this is a reliable option that gets the job done. Price at time of publish: $40 Size: 21 x 34 inches or 30 x 50 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash and dry | Nonslip: Yes
Comes in various colorsDual-texturedLong-lasting
Pricier than other optionsRequires more maintenance than other options
It has a striped border around the plush middle to add an extra look of luxury to the product. Crafted from organic cotton, it feels soft underneath your feet when you step out of the bath or shower. It’s available in seven neutral colors, including frost gray and charcoal, so it’s easy to find an option to complement your space. It measures 20 x 34 inches, so it should fit seamlessly into an average-sized bathroom. Since it’s made with a pile texture, it’s very absorbent but tends to produce loose ends. Due to this, there is a little more maintenance to this rug than just tossing it in the wash. The brand recommends clipping the loose ends with scissors after machine washing it on a cold, gentle cycle to keep it in its best shape. At $45, this is pricier than other options; however, for its luxurious aesthetic, absorbency power, and soft feel, it’s well worth it. Price at time of publish: $25 Size: 20 x 34 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry low | Nonslip: No
Great to use all-over homeLong-lastingDries quickly after use
Limited color optionsNot traditionally shaped
Because it’s sewn with vinyl yarns, it’s durable enough to withstand heaps of water, footsteps, and more. While it’s an excellent choice for your bathroom, it’ll also work well in any indoor or outdoor living space, like a patio, playroom, entryway, and more. It measures 21 x 36 inches, so it should blend well without being overwhelming or looking too small. It also has a latex-backed underside and is slip-resistant, quick-drying, and prevents mold and mildew from building up. While the half-circle shape won’t complement every bathroom, it comes in a few neutral shades to match any existing color scheme. To clean this rug, you just shake it out and vacuum it. For deeper cleanings, shake it out, hose it down with water, and hang it to dry. Price at time of publish: From $60 Size: 21 x 36 inches | Material: Vinyl yarn | Care: Shake out, vacuum or hose with water and hang to dry | Nonslip: Yes
Ethically producedExtremely plushWarms up a space
Limited color optionsPricier than other options
Ethically produced in India, it’s made with 100% cotton and is absorbent enough to dry your feet when you finish your shower or bath. Meanwhile, the geometric design adds a bit of flair to your neutral-hued bathroom. Designed in a lilac and camel color palette, it’s versatile enough to warm up your bathroom without being overwhelming. It also comes in a brown and camel color combo if you want something even warmer. It measures 21 x 34 inches, so it should fit comfortably in small and large bathrooms. The brand recommends machine-washing the rug on a gentle cycle and then tumble dry it on low to keep it clean. Unfortunately, the brand does not list if this has a non-slip backing, so you may need two-sided tape or a rug pad to keep it in place. It’s the most expensive option on this list; however, its absorbency and design set it apart, making it worth the cost. Price at time of publish: $99 Size: 21 x 34 inches | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash, gentle cycle, and tumble dry low | Nonslip: Not listed
WaterproofOEKO-TEX Standard 100 CertifiedExtremely plush
Not dryer-safePricier than other options
Designed with a natural hide shape and color, this bath mat gives the appearance of faux sheepskin—without being delicate or unable to withstand high amounts of water. It’s dense, durable, and absorbent, so it’ll feel like stepping out onto a cloud every time you step into your bathroom. Made of 100% polyester, it has a non-slip synthetic latex backing to allow it to withstand whatever you throw at it. As a plus, it’s also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified, meaning it doesn’t contain any harmful substances. Available in two sizes, this mat seamlessly blends into small and large bathrooms. You can throw it in the washing machine on a cold cycle for easy cleanup. However, it’s not dryer-safe, so make sure you hang it up under a fan or in the sun to air dry it. Depending on what size you buy, this rug is on the more expensive side. However, its design will make it stand out in your home. Price at time of publish: From $33 Size: 22 x 31 inches or 64 x 24 inches | Material: Polyester | Care: Machine wash in cold water and line dry | Nonslip: Yes
What to Know About Bath Mats Before Shopping
Size
Ideally, the best size for a bath mat is around 29 x 31 inches. According to Gann, this is the best size bath mat because it fits on the floor in front of most shower doors and bathtubs, and it works well in front of the sink without taking up too much space in your bathroom. “This size bath mat is also easy to wash, which will help keep your bathroom clean,” she says.
Material
Opt for materials like cotton or polyester as it’s soft, stain-resistant, and shed-free. “Look for a bath mat that is super absorbent but won’t attract bacteria instantly,” explains Gann. “It is not only a soft landing when you step out of the shower or bath but also adds a moment of luxury to your day that you deserve.”
Care
Samantha Hoff, a DIY Interior Designer, Lifestyle Expert, and Entrepreneur, advises looking for a bath mat that is machine washable. “Some bath mats suggest hand washing, which can be hard to do every two to three weeks if you don’t have a spot to line dry your bath mat.”
Nonslip
Both agree that buying nonslip is essential when purchasing a bath mat. “Nonslip is the key to a luxe bath mat, not to mention it gives you peace of mind when you are stepping out of the shower,” explains Gann.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of using a bathmat?
“Using a bath mat is essential if you want a clean bathroom,” says Gann. “What is the point of taking a bath or a shower if you are going to immediately step on a dirty surface?
How do you clean a bath mat?
Bath mats should be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of dirt, bacteria, mold, or mildew. However, Hoff recommends cleaning it every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how many people use the bathroom or shower or how humid/hot it is in the space.
How often should you wash a bath mat?
Every bath mat has different cleaning instructions, so it’s important to read the fine print prior to purchasing. “Some can be both machine-washed and dried, so always opt for bath mats that are machine washable if you aren’t good at remembering—or motivating yourself—to hand wash items,” says Hoff.
Who We Are
This story was written by Rachel Dube, a freelance writer who has written for a wide variety of publications. To find the best bath mats, she consulted Samantha Hoff, a DIY Interior Designer, Lifestyle Expert, and Entrepreneur, and Samantha Gann, the Director of Marketing at Rugs.com. She also took factors like size, material, and care into consideration.
