Top 5 Bath Mats

A bath mat helps protect tile, hardwood and other types of flooring from water damage after someone gets out of the shower or tub. It also helps prevent slipping.

Look for a linen that’s soft to stand on, absorbent and easy to maintain. Cotton is one option, especially looped cotton that’s loomed from long-wearing yarns and extra-thick high-pile fabric.

Gorilla Grip Bamboo Bath Mat

This budget-friendly bath mat has the right mix of softness and durability. Its heavy-duty rubber backing keeps it in place and safeguards your floors from moisture damage. It also has hundreds of suction cups to hold it firmly in the tub or shower. The chenille surface feels good underfoot and is machine-washable; however, the manufacturer recommends letting it air-dry to prevent warping of its rubberized back. This mat sheds a lot during use, so it may require frequent vacuuming.

Unlike the other bath mats we tested, this one isn’t made of microfiber, but it still holds up well against dirt and stains. The plush, textured fabric is comfortable on tender feet and comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different needs. It’s easy to spot clean and rolls up for storage. It was also the cheapest of the models we reviewed, making it an excellent choice for a tight budget.

Bamboo is a sustainable, renewable resource that’s naturally resistant to mold and mildew. This kiln-dried bamboo bath mat is durable and soft, with spaces between the slats that let water evaporate faster to keep the floor dry. It’s also machine-washable and dries quickly, so it stays fresh and clean for longer than many other models.

While it didn’t rank as high in our testing, this nonslip bath mat from Epica is a good choice for those with mobility issues. The grippy back and suction cups help prevent slips in the tub or shower, which can be especially dangerous for seniors and those at a higher risk of falls. bathmat The textured rubber is also soft on bare feet and is BPA- and latex-free.

In addition to the material, how your bathmat is constructed and how it’s sized will influence its durability and longevity. You’ll want to consider whether it can withstand the weight of your bathtub and/or shower, as well as how it will look in your space. Also be sure to take measurements of your tub or shower to ensure the bath mat you choose will fit correctly. Some models, such as this tufted bamboo bath mat by Frontgate, are designed to cover the entire floor of the tub and include a shower curtain for complete coverage.

Yimobra Original Luxury Bath Mat

This chenille bath mat is an example of the luxurious textures that many consumers appreciate in a premium-priced option. It’s made of super-soft long-staple cotton yarns with a high-pile surface that feels ultra-soft and luxurious between the toes, and it has superior absorbency to help prevent slips on wet bathroom floors. It’s also a quick-drying bath mat, although it does retain some lint after multiple machine washings.

Another example of a dual-textured bath mat is this one from West Elm, which features a layer of microfiber with an antibacterial treatment that helps keep it smelling fresh. The top layer is woven with soft, textured loops to keep the mat feeling extra plush and warm underfoot, while the bottom layer is a thicker shag to stay in place. The result is a durable, versatile bath mat that works well tub-side, in front of the sink, and in other areas where you want to support your feet.

As a bonus, this West Elm mat is machine washable, so you can easily clean it as needed. It’s available in several different color options to suit your space and decor.

The LuxUrux bath mat is an excellent example of the kind of luxury-priced product that can offer a good value. It retails for about the same price as a basic cotton terry mat but it’s crafted from exceptionally-soft, extremely high-pile chenille yarns and feels more like an expensive rug than a bath mat. The oversized dimensions and round shape are perfect for covering most shower surfaces, while the crochet trim adds to its charm and complements eclectic, farmhouse, or other types of bathroom decor.

Microfiber is a common material for bath mats, but its quality can vary dramatically from brand to brand and model to model. In general, low-quality microfiber fades and breaks down quickly, while higher-quality versions withstand heavy use for longer than standard cotton bath mats. In addition, the density of the microfiber can also influence its performance. A lower-density fiber will have a more open weave, making it less absorbent than a denser version.

L.L.Bean Classic Cotton Bath Mat

The best bath mats are soft, absorbent, quick-drying, and low-maintenance. The top picks on our list are crafted from either cotton (extra points for long-staple variety) or a highly absorbent synthetic material like microfiber or chenille. They’re also made to be anti-microbial and have non-slip backings to prevent them from slipping around the bathroom floor.

If you want a plush, textured option that will feel like walking on a cloud as you step out of the tub, consider this woven cotton pick from L.L. Bean. It’s woven with 1-inch loops that create a plush feel underfoot and easily soak up water from your feet. It’s available in small and large sizes as well as a 24-inch-wide runner for spaces that need a little extra coverage.

During our tests, this cotton mat shed a lot of lint, but the company’s wash and dry cycles should help reduce that issue over time. It’s also treated to be fade- and stain-resistant, which can make it a bit bathmat easier to keep clean than other cotton options that need regular vacuuming.

Another top-rated cotton mat, this one from Parachute is crafted from soft Turkish cotton that’s extra plush and absorbent as you step out of the shower or tub. It’s OEKO-TEX certified for ethical and sustainable production practices, and it comes in multiple neutral shades that blend well with most bathroom designs. It’s also machine-washable and can be tumbled dry on low to keep it looking and feeling fresh.

Bamboo isn’t known for its absorbency, but this woven mat from ZPirates uses a special construction that lets it retain water without pooling on the floor. The bamboo stalks are glued together with adhesive rather than nails or screws to ensure there are no splinters and it’s naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and other moisture damage. The result is a lightweight bath mat with a modern design that’s easy to maintain in high-traffic areas.

Another plus for this bamboo mat is that it’s woven with recycled polyester, which means you’re supporting an environmentally conscious brand with every purchase. It’s available in 21 colors, including a handful of punchy hues as well as versatile neutrals. This mat is a little more expensive than some of the other bamboo options on our list, but it’s still an affordable option for a high-quality mat that won’t be an eyesore in your bathroom.

West Elm Colorblock Bath Mat

If you’re in the market for a new bath mat, you’ll want to pay special attention to its material and weave. These are key factors that determine how soft, plush, and absorbent the rug is. You’ll also want to make sure that the mat is machine-washable and can be dried on a low setting, which makes cleaning a snap. The best bath rugs are made of cotton, chenille, microfiber, or synthetic blends that dry quickly and resist shrinking.

To find the perfect bath mat, consider your color scheme and other bathroom decor elements. You can opt for a solid-colored style that’s easy to coordinate, or try one with a textured design that adds intrigue to the floor. You can even find a variety of handwoven bath mats to get a more organic look.

Most textile bath mats are machine-washable, but you’ll need to be careful that the rug doesn’t get soaked and shrinks in the dryer. To prevent this, you can put it on a spin cycle before drying or tumble-dry it on a lower heat setting. It’s also a good idea to wash your mat every two years, since fabrics lose their absorbency over time.

Some of the best bath rugs are woven with 100 percent natural cotton, which feels incredibly soft underfoot and dries quickly after each use. You can find these in both natural and white hues to suit your bathroom’s existing decor. Another option is a 100 percent cotton bath rug with a high-pile, looped weave. This type of rug is durable and dries quickly, but it can shed a bit after several washes.

If you’re looking for a fun, modern twist on the bath mat, check out options like the West Elm Colorblock Bath Mat. It’s designed with a geometric colorblock pattern that entertains the eye and complements most bathroom decor schemes. You can also opt for a more traditional style with a classic color palette or a shag bath rug for a luxe, spa-like feel.