The 8 Best Bathroom Rugs According to Our Tests - Southern Living

After a hot shower or bath, there's nothing more soothing than letting your wet feet touch the surface of a comfortable bath mat. Bath mats not only prevent you from slipping on the bathroom floor, but also help you keep your bathroom floor clean .

When choosing a bathroom rug, interior designer Pamela O'Brien offers this advice: "I recommend good quality rugs that are a little thicker. When thrown in the washing machine with the towels and sheets, they are soft and fluffy. Plus.", they last a long time.

Pamela O'Brien is an award-winning luxury interior designer, author, speaker and owner of Pamela Hope Designs Interiors in Houston.

In addition to thickness, we recommend considering material, size and care. To help you find the perfect bath mat, we tested 16 different options in the lab and at home for up to six months and rated them for comfort, quality, durability, value, and ease of cleaning.

Our best options

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

• Absorbent

• Resistant to pet stains

• Comfortable

which is better

The Genteele bath mat takes first place in our ranking. The soft material provided a comfortable cushion and adapted to the shape of our feet. As soon as we left the mat, it quickly returned to its original appearance.

Even after turning the carpet on its side, there were no leaks (water was trapped in the fibers of the carpet). This rug was also resistant to pet stains - there was no change in its appearance or texture after washing.

Although we loved this bath mat, we found that it took a little longer to dry. There are small plastic dots on the back of the mat that provide better grip on the floor and prevent falls. However, we wish they were bigger and closer together so you don't slip.

Size: 17 x 24 inches; 20x32 inches; 22 x 36 inches; or 22 x 42 inches | Material: polyurethane, memory foam | Thickness: 0.75 inch | Colors: 12

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

• Prevents mold formation

• Non-slip base

• Sustainable

which is better

At an affordable price, this is a great option for anyone looking for a non-slip bath mat. Thanks to the non-slip backing, this mat prevented us from falling, and no matter how many times we put our wet feet on it, the water was quickly absorbed.

Best of all, it dries quickly (limiting the risk of mold growth). After cleaning, there were no signs of loose threads or wear and the pleasant texture of the bathroom carpet remained unchanged.

Although this rug is available in 21 colors, we tested it in cream. This color makes dirt, hair and other deposits visible very quickly. However, since this option is easy to clean, the only problem is that you will have to wash it frequently.

Size: 24 x 17 inches to 70 x 24 inches | Material: memory foam, microfiber | Thickness: 0.75 inch | Colors: 21

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

which is better

Although they aren't as luxurious as memory foam, cotton bath mats are still a great addition to your bathroom. Compared to our overall top picks, this one looks more premium. At first, this carpet felt soft and plush under our feet. We also appreciate that water and foot odors quickly evaporate from the bath mat's fibers.

However, over time the fibers began to flatten. Although the carpet was still soft, it no longer felt as cozy as it did when I first purchased it. But when we took it out of the dryer, the fluffy texture was restored. On the other hand, the carpet underlay may become less effective over time. We also noticed that one of the corners had a tendency to curve.

Size: 21 x 34 inches and 27 x 44 inches | Material: cotton | Thickness: 0.63 inch | Colors: Blue Stone, Sea Sage, Silver Moon, White.

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

• stays in place

• lasts a long time

• High quality

which is better

• short size

If you're looking for a simple yet luxurious bath mat without too many extras, check out the Lifewit bath mat. The special thing about this bath mat is its very soft microfiber material. After I got out of the shower, walking was still pleasant. It takes about 30 minutes for the mat to dry. But no matter how wet it gets, the non-slip backing keeps the mat in place. Even if you accidentally splash water on it, we found that the water doesn't flow through the mat.

We have had this rug for a few months and the quality has not changed. This and other factors make us believe that we are dealing with a high quality bathroom rug that will last a long time. We just wish this rug was a little larger for our bathroom.

Size: 32 x 20 inches | Material: Microfiber | Thickness: 1 inch | Colors: Black, Beige, Blue, White

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

which is better

• Lack of additional padding

Who says your bathroom has to be boring? You can quickly upgrade your bathroom decor with this bath mat from Southern Living Seville. We found that this rug gives our bathroom a warm feel and its neutral color fits easily with our decor.

In addition to its cute design, this bath mat felt soft and warm every time we stood on it. Although this mat is much thinner than our other options, it still absorbs the majority of the water that splashes on it. We never had to worry about the mat moving because the rubber backing kept it in place. Even though the rug has been cleaned and has been in our bathroom for a long time, every part of this rug is still in excellent condition.

Overall, we liked this bath mat and the additional styles that come with it. Although this rug doesn't lack extra padding, we still think it's a great addition to your bathroom.

Size: 21x32 inches; 24 x 42 inches; or 24 x 60 inches | Material: Polyester | Thickness: 0.5 inch | Colors: terracotta, gray, natural, taupe

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

which is better

With all the humidity and excess water, your bathroom can easily become a slippery place. But with a non-slip mat like this, accidents are less likely to occur.

We have found that this plush rug catches most of the water that runs off, reducing the amount of water on the bathroom floor. And when our shower door leaked, this mat did a great job of absorbing the water droplets. When we cleaned our bathroom, we usually shook out the carpet to remove the dirt. However, when we put it in the washing machine, it was fluffy and undamaged.

This is the perfect bath mat for someone who needs a comfortable mat that doesn't take up too much space in their bathroom. The only problem we found was that it took a few hours for the carpet to dry completely.

Size: 24 x 17 inches to 70 x 24 inches | Material: Chenille | Thickness: 1 inch | Colors: 28

PHOTO: Life in the South

That's great

which is better

Nobody likes walking on a soggy bath mat and with this option you don't have to. Although it did an excellent job of absorbing excess water from our feet, it also dried quickly. After we got out of the shower, we could only see our footprints for a few minutes before they disappeared.

We were also surprised at how well it absorbs water since it is a thin carpet. Although it's not as plush as other options, this Oeko-Tex certified rug feels like a bath towel , making it a comfortable option. Additionally, we have never had any issues with fading, discoloration, or wear.

When it comes to cleaning, you can throw this mat in your washer and dryer, making it a perfect option for anyone with a busy schedule. We warn that some products can permanently discolor this bathroom rug - we accidentally spilled some of our self-tanner on the rug and it never came out.

Size: 20 x 31 inches | Material: Turkish Cotton | Thickness: 0.25 inches | Colors: 7

• PHOTO: Life in the South
• PHOTO: Life in the South

The essentials

Our best pick overall is the Genteele Bath Mat . Not only did it hold up well to excess water and pet stains, but it was also comfortable to walk on. It is also a very flexible mat as it adapts to the shape of our feet and returns to its original appearance when we step off it.

For a cheaper option, it's best to opt for the Yimobra memory foam bath mat . This particular bath mat was not slippery on the floor and was comfortable to walk on. We also liked how quickly it absorbed water and dried quickly.

Our testing process

We lab tested 16 bath mats and rated them for performance, comfort, durability, cleanability and value. Before washing the carpet, we carefully examine it for possible defects. To test the comfort of the mat, we placed it on the floor and pressed it with our feet to see whether it would stay in one place or not.

Then we take off our shoes and socks and stand on the carpet to check the softness. To check whether the bath mat returns to its original shape, we stood on the mat for a minute. After we got out, we examined the mat to see whether or not our feet had affected the shape of the mat.

For better performance, we pour 1/4 cup of water on the bathroom mat. Instead of pouring the water in just one spot, we pour it into the middle of the bathroom mat. After pouring water on the mat, we take our fingers and slowly push the mat back, imitating someone getting out of the shower onto the bathroom mat. We checked how easily the mat moved and stayed in one place. After waiting 15 seconds, we lift the bathroom mat to check if there is any excess water underneath. To further check the performance, we held the bath mat on its side to see whether water was leaking out of the mat or not.

Our next round of testing was to evaluate cleanliness and durability. For machine washable carpets, we add a mild detergent . We also cleaned some carpets together when there was enough space in the washer and dryer .

According to the manufacturer's instructions, we wash them on the normal warm cycle or on the cold gentle cycle. For the drying process, we dry them on medium or low heat. After we remove them from the dryer, we check them for signs of loose threads, fraying, or discoloration. We wash and dry each bath mat twice to check its durability.

For the next part of our test, we repeat the same series of tests as at the beginning. The only change was to let the bath mat air dry for 15 minutes. After the time was up, we examined them to see if they were wet or dry.

After our lab testing was complete, we selected the best-performing rugs and tested them in our home for six months to assess how well they held up to daily use and regular washing.

Tips for choosing the right bath mat

size and thickness

Before purchasing a bath mat, it is important to think about the design of your bathroom. We recommend measuring your bathroom floor to know what type of bath mat you should buy. However, as a general rule, for powder rooms, half baths, and small bathrooms, it is best to choose a bath mat that measures 2 x 3 feet or 3 x 5 feet.

For larger bathrooms, we recommend purchasing a rug measuring 27" x 48" or larger. As for placement, O'Brien says she likes to place smaller bath mats near the shower or tub because they're easier to pick up when it's time to wash them. If you're having trouble deciding between a thin or thick bath mat, keep in mind that thicker bath mats, like the Lifewit bath mat , tend to last longer than thin ones.

Another factor to consider is how the bathroom rug makes the room look overall. O'Brien says: "I often place a rug in the middle of the bathroom as a focal point. It's all about anchoring the space, looking pretty, and providing a warmer surface for bare feet. I leave the drying of my feet to small bath mats that are easy to dry and wash.

material

From our list, it's clear that bath mats come in many different materials, such as memory foam, bamboo, cotton, and polyester. When purchasing a new bath mat, it is important to think about the pros and cons of each material and choose the material that fits your everyday life. Cotton bath mats like the LLBean Premium Cotton Bath Mat are very soft and absorbent. Some cotton bath mats also have an anti-slip feature to prevent anyone from slipping. On the other hand, their color is more likely to fade and they may shrink over time. To prevent this, it is important to wash them at temperatures below 104°F.

Memory foam bath mats are another comfortable option. They naturally adapt to the shape of your feet and have an anti-slip function. This type of material is also known to dry quickly, limiting the amount of bacteria that can grow on it. Unfortunately, machine washing can cause these bath mats to lose their texture over time. Polyester carpets are easy to clean but do not absorb water well.

It's also good to know that most bath mats have some kind of coating on the back. This coating makes the bath mat more durable and prevents slipping. Typically, you'll find bath mats made from thermoplastic rubber, hot melt spray, PVC mesh, or latex. Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and latex are more durable than other types of coatings. Bath mats with hot melt spray are much lighter and can be safely put in the washing machine. Most often you will find PVC mesh liners on the back of sponge bath mats. Because this type of covering has an uneven structure, the bath mat may wear out more quickly than other options.

Cautious

When it comes time to clean the bath mats, O'Brien follows the manufacturer's instructions. Although some bath mats like the Gorilla Grip Bath Mat are machine washable, it is also important to know how to clean them by hand. We recommend tapping the bath mat to remove loose dirt and applying stain remover if stains are visible. From there, take a large container and fill it with cold water. Also, be sure to add some dishwashing liquid to the container. Then place the mat in the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then shake the mat for a few minutes to remove any remaining residue. Finally, allow the carpet to air dry.

questions and answers

Do bathroom rugs get moldy?

Like other materials that are frequently exposed to moisture, bathroom carpets can develop mold. To prevent this, it is important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. After cleaning the bath mat, make sure it stays dry.

O'Brien adds, "I think most bath mats dry naturally on the floor if they don't get too wet." However, hanging them over the edge of the tub or shower will help them dry better before the next use.

How often should a bathroom rug be cleaned?

Because we use bathroom mats frequently, it is very easy for dirt, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens to accumulate and grow on them. To keep your bathroom mats clean and pathogen-free, we recommend washing them at least once a week.

How often should a bathroom rug be replaced?

It is generally recommended to replace bath mats every two to three years. However, O'Brien mentions that high-quality products tend to last longer than other options.

Why trust Southern Living?

This article was written by Moriah Mason , a Southern Living writer specializing in product reviews and shopping content. For this roundup, we lab tested 16 bath mats and rated them for comfort, value, durability, cleanliness, and performance. To get an expert opinion, Moriah spoke to interior designer Pamela O'Brien .

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