A bath mat should be absorbent, stop slipping and sliding, feel wonderful underfoot, and of course, look amazing. That’s a really big ask for a relatively cheap accessory. Accents in décor, however, are crucial since they add the finishing touches that can make a space feel well-put-together, especially in small areas. Whether it’s a trash can, shower caddy, or over-the-toilet storage cabinet, no detail is too small.
Best Bathroom Mats 2023
Although bath mats may seem like a small addition to your bathroom, they are actually incredibly useful. They not only offer a soft, pleasant surface to avoid slipping when you exit the shower, but they can also unify the space and give it a spa-like atmosphere.
Being very wet after stepping out of a shower or bath and onto the bathroom floor can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if you stumble. A nice bath mat can become a fixture in your bathroom by absorbing excess water, providing as a comfortable cushion between you and the floor, and even acting as decor that enhances your area. You can always just toss an old towel on the floor to absorb water.
Even if spending time looking for the ideal bath mat is worthwhile, the process can initially seem simple and quickly develop into endless scrolling. There are countless colors, finishes, and sizes available for cotton bath mats and hardwood ones made of teak or bamboo, plastic, or microfiber. For your benefit, we have done the legwork and compiled a list of the best bathroom mats available.
Read on to learn more about the best bathroom mats to buy :
Frontgate Resort Collection Skid-Resistant Bath Rug
Key Features
- Thick, Plush Pile
- Nonslip Finish on Back
- Cotton Pile with Latex Backing Material
- Multiple Colors Available
Overview
Our analysts were impressed by the quality construction and plush surface of this bath mat when we tested it in the Lab. This bath mat is fuller and more luxurious than any of our other picks, with a 1.8-inch-long pile made of 100% long-staple cotton fiber. One tester gave it perfect ratings for absorbency, saying it quickly absorbs water left over from a shower and is “luxuriously soft and fluffy.” Our tester noticed excessive linting (a.k.a. shed fibers) in the wash when she first washed the bath mat at home, and she felt that the bath mat lost some of its initial fullness, but she hasn’t noticed as much linting with subsequent washing.
A nonslip coating on the back prevents the bath mat, which received perfect ratings for staying in place from testers, from sliding around. There’s a bath mat for almost every bathroom, with 23 color options and four sizes.
Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Mat
Key Features
- Highly Absorbent
- Budget Friendly
- Lots of Colors and Sizes Available
- Rectangular Shape
Overview
To protect your floors from moisture damage and spruce up your bathroom decor, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. The budget-friendly Yimobra Chenille Bath Mat is also very plush, with an ultra-comfy, shag-like weave that feels good between the toes—and a slightly grippy backing to boot.
This mat is machine washable and can even be vacuumed in a low suction setting. We also like that it comes in a variety of sizes and colors. One thing to keep in mind is that while the microfiber is highly absorbent, it does not dry as quickly as others in its class. This rug took longer to dry after multiple showers in our tests.
Privet House Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat
Key Features
- Beautiful Appearance
- Hand Woven
- 100% Recycled Cotton
- Rectangle Shape
Overview
After testing one, we can understand why our testers love the lovely, handwoven Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat from Privet House. While the style is classic, they have a distinct ‘perfectly imperfect’ aesthetic because they are crafted by hand.
Overall, this 100% cotton bath mat is a high-quality item with a genuine appearance. Make sure to place a rug pad underneath a sophisticated, more traditional-style rug if you want to use it as a bath mat to prevent slippage. Our tester gave this item a three out of five rating for comfort and overall value and said that the weave makes it feel more like a mat than a rug.
L.L. Bean Classic Cotton Bath Mat
Key Features
- Non-Skid Backing
- Long-Wear Looped Cotton
- Multiple Colors and Sizes Available
- Machine Washable
Overview
We also love L.L.Bean’s Classic Cotton Bath Mat. The brand is a tried-and-true source of useful home goods, so it’s no surprise that this rug is a hit. Baker recommends looped cotton for durability and absorbency. This mat will absorb water while providing luxurious comfort because it is woven from long-wear cotton and loomed with extra-thick, ultra-tight loops.
Despite the fact that the shag-like surface feels great underfoot, the Classic Cotton Bath Mat looks like any other bathroom rug. Our tester gave it a four out of five for value because the appearance was not as high-end as other options on this list. Having said that, it is unquestionably sturdy, but it is also lightweight and soft, with a non-skid backing to keep it in place on your bathroom floor.
Lifewit Microfiber Bathroom Rug Bath Mat
Key Features
- Highly Absorbent
- Budget-Friendly
- Incredibly Soft
- Rectangle Shape
Overview
This is the bath mat to get if you want a super-soft one, as it received a perfect score for comfort during testing. The ultra-thick, high-pile Lifewit Bathroom Rug is reasonably priced, highly absorbent, and feels almost sherpa-like underfoot. However, you should consider the thickness of a bath mat when designing your shower. Think about shower and bathroom door clearance—will your door clear a thick mat?
This mat is machine washable and made of microfiber with a grippy and protective TPR (thermoplastic rubber) backing. The manufacturer, however, recommends air-drying it to avoid warping the rubbery back. This bath mat received a four out of five rating in our tests because it shed a lot, necessitating more frequent vacuuming.
Nestwell Ultimate Soft Bath Rug
Key Features
- Nonslip Padding on Back
- Long, Soft Pile
- Polyester with Rubber Back Material
- 18 Colors Available
Overview
Nestwell’s bath mat impressed our Lab analysts by feeling silky and fluffy, thanks to the polyester yarns. The bath mat was also praised by our tester, who described it as “attractive and functional at a price that works!” The back of the mat is coated in rubber for added grip and to prevent slipping, and it received a high rating for “staying put” from our tester. The machine-washable mat has a stain-resistant finish for easy care. Although our tester had no complaints, some reviewers reported shedding fibers both in and out of the wash.
Mats come in 18 different colors and four different sizes, as well as toilet lid toppers and contoured mats that fit around the toilet. It’s not the cheapest option, but we think the high quality is a great value for the price, and you can choose a two- or three-piece set to cover more ground — or put in different bathrooms.
Simply Essential Memory Foam Bath Mat
Key Features
- Strong Grip Backing
- Plush Memory Foam
- Comfortable
- Polyester with Foam Fill
Overview
The plush memory foam bath mat from Simply Essentials feels like a cloud beneath your feet. A tester was “obsessed” with the bath mat, calling the microfiber material and foam padding “cozy” and “so beautifully soft!” This bath mat also had the most substantial nonskid backing of any mat we tested in the Lab. “The backing almost has a sticky feeling because the grip is so strong,” one tester said, and reviewers and our tester say it doesn’t slip and slide around.
Because it is filled with a thicker layer of memory foam, it can absorb a lot of water but takes longer to dry than cotton options. This pick is completely machine washable, but some reviewers reported rippling in the outer fabric after washing.
Sonoro Kate Bathroom Rug
Key Features
- Super Absorbent
- Soft Microfiber Chenille Material
- 11 Colors Available
Overview
This soft bath mat is made of microfiber chenille, which has a shaggy appearance and super-soft feel that our Lab analysts adored. This mat has received five-star ratings from over 7,000 Amazon reviewers, and it is Amazon’s Choice for bath rugs. Reviewers praised the absorbency, saying it soaks up a lot of water after a shower.
“No more wet footprints on my bathroom floor!” exclaimed one reviewer. Other reviewers mentioned how soft the material feels under their feet. Because the inner foam layer and absorbent yarns may take longer to dry, and some reviewers have reported the nonslip backing peeling in the wash.
Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat
Key Features
- Machine Washable
- Polyurethane Foam Material
- Bright Colors and Patterns
Overview
Memory foam bath mats are available in addition to mattresses and pillows. This one from Genteele is quite soft beneath your feet, which explains why it is popular not only in bathrooms but also in front of kitchen sinks. (If you spend a lot of time standing in one spot on a hard floor, a springy surface like this mat can help relieve stress in your feet, knees, and hips.)
This bath mat stands out for two reasons: its low price and plethora of design and size options. There are 27 different colors and patterns to choose from, including solids, stripes, and even an adorable duck pattern perfect for a child’s bathroom. It is also available in eight different sizes to accommodate any space. (Please keep in mind that some colors are available in fewer sizes than others.)
The main disadvantage of memory foam mats is that, while they are extremely absorbent, they take longer to dry than cotton mats. It may feel like you’re stepping into a puddle if it’s used too frequently. Fortunately, you can dry (and wash) this bath mat in a machine, which you should do on a regular basis to prevent mold and mildew growth.
The Citizenry Hinoki Wood Bath Mat
Key Features
- Cypress Wood
- Wipe with a Damp Cloth
- Low-Maintenance
- Supremely Stylish Mat
Overview
Even though wood isn’t as plush as softer materials, it makes an excellent bath mat. It is much less likely to grow mildew and mold, making it ideal for people looking for a low-maintenance product. The Citizenry’s bath mat is definitely on the pricey side, but it’s an artisan-made piece. A small fair trade workshop in Okawa, Japan, known for its hinoki cypress furniture, handcrafts it over the course of a week.
The Japanese wood is soft by wood standards, making it comfortable to step on when exiting the bathtub or shower. It also emits a relaxing aroma, making your bathroom smell like a spa.
All you need to do to maintain the wooden mat is wipe it down with a wet cloth every now and then. To help preserve its natural light color, the manufacturer also suggests wiping it dry after use and keeping it out of direct sunlight. Keep in mind that prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the wood to darken.
Final Words
Overall, we like the L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Bath Mat because of its high absorbency, plush feel, and variety of color options. It also has a latex backing to prevent slipping and is available in two sizes and four colors. It’s a little more expensive than the cheapest bath mats, but it’s a high-quality item that will last a long time. We hope these reviews on the best bathroom mats will be helpful for you to make a wise choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Wash a Bath Mat?
Some bath mats are machine washable but check the label first for specific care instructions. If you can wash your mats in the washing machine, make sure to do so separately from other items to avoid overfilling the machine. They should be washed on cold with a mild detergent. Tumble dry them on the lowest heat setting or air dry them.
Are Bath Mats Sanitary?
It is sanitary as long as you wash your bath mat properly and frequently. Keeping your bathroom well-ventilated can also help keep excess moisture and humidity off your bath mat. This keeps it fresh and clean for a longer period of time. A wooden bath mat, on the other hand, is a great option because it does not absorb water and keeps your bathroom more sanitary.