When choosing bathroom linens, don’t forget the bath mat or rug. Prevent splashes and drips on the bathroom floor and create a put-together look with the perfect bath mat. Explore these bathroom rug tips for choosing the right material, bath mat size, color, and features.
Difference Between a Bath Mat and Bath Rug
At the most basic, a bath rug is more decorative, while a bath mat is more functional. Both options bring color and texture to the bathroom while helping to keep your floors dry. While there are differences between bath mats and bath rugs, for the most part, the terms can be used interchangeably—any advice provided here can apply to both bath mats and rugs.
Bath Rug Versus Mat: Which Is Better?
If you’re looking for the most absorbent option, a bath mat will likely fit the bill because they’re designed to soak up spills. A bath rug is a decorative option that’s also cushioned and absorbent, though often less absorbent than a bath mat. Both options are designed with quick-drying materials to prevent mildewing between uses.
Best Bath Mat Materials
The most absorbent bath mats are crafted of pure cotton, preferred because it’s a natural, quick-drying material that easily soaks up excess moisture. Some types of cotton, such as Micro Cotton®, are designed to be even more absorbent, with a softer feel.
While some cotton bath mats and rugs include skid-resistant or non-slip backing, many do not. Using a rug pad beneath your bath rug, especially in slippery or wet locations, can provide extra grip and help prevent sliding.
What Size Bath Rug Do I Need?
A 20- by 30-inch bath mat is considered the standard size and is designed to fit in front of a bathtub or shower. We carry a variety of bath rug sizes, most between 17 to 24 inches wide and 24 to 40 inches long, in rectangular, square, and oblong shape options.
Choose a rug to suit your space: Opt for a smaller rug for a bathroom with a smaller footprint, or select multiple mats or one larger rug for a bigger area. Generally, a standard-size bath rug or mat is designed to fit alongside a standard bathtub, a bath mat smaller than 20 inches long may be a good fit for a shower stall or in front of the sink, and an extra-long runner-style bath rug is long enough to span a double sink vanity.
How Many Bath Mats Should I Have?
Many people use one floor mat outside the shower or bathtub and another optional rug in front of the sink. You can add more if you wish and if space allows, such as a contour rug beside the toilet. We recommend keeping two of each style you use on hand per bathroom: One in the linen closet and one on the floor.
Should My Bath Mat and Towels Match?
As with the rest of your bathroom linens, your bath mat doesn’t need to be a perfect match. Instead, consider the shades and patterns found in your towels, shower curtain, wall color, and other bathroom accents, and choose a hue that coordinates. For a unified look, you may wish to match your bath mat to your solid color towels or select a bathroom rug in the most prominent color found in your patterned towels or printed shower curtain.
Choose hues to set the mood: Teals and greens bring a sense of tranquility; oranges and yellows are energizing; purples and blues offer up a regal feel. To mimic the elegance of a relaxing spa, consider all-white bathroom linens. Tonal bath mats with dobby striping, textured weaves, and sculpted borders add a bit of flair to your space, as well.
Bath rugs and mats add color and texture and soak up excess water to keep your floors dry and prevent slips. To find the best one for your space, opt for natural, absorbent, quick-drying materials, choose colors and patterns that coordinate with your bathroom decor, and select a size that suits the area. Explore our Inspiration Guide for more tips and decorating ideas.