Whether you’ve recently remodeled your bathroom or just want to make your existing one look less, well, sad, the best bath mats can do a lot to inject personality in the dampest, most poorly lit room of the home. The lowly bath mat often gets overlooked among the other finer details, like the shower curtain, or the plush bath towels, but trust us that the right underfoot accessory will do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to how your bathroom makes you feel. Damp and waterlogged fabrics are an immediate mood-killer after a hot shower, but a plush, absorbent one or a solid stone or wood surface can do wonders for soaking in moisture and keeping you dry and one degree of separation away from a cold tile floor.
To narrow down the finest ones for a range of abodes, our staffers put several of them to the test within our very own city apartments (that are notorious for being poorly aerated). Below, our definitive and growing list of bath mats that we feel are super absorbent and beautifully designed, along with a few additional picks that we haven’t had the chance to try but think you might like a whole lot.
Our Top Picks for the Best Bath Mats
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Super Absorbent
Specs
- Dimensions: 21" x 34"
- Materials: 100% premium, long staple Turkish cotton
- Colors: White, gray, silver, mineral
- Care: Machine wash cool with like colors using mild laundry detergent
Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
"I’ve used Quince’s bath mat bundle for months now and I can confidently say that the Turkish cotton material quickly absorbs water—even with back-to-back guests stepping on them after using the shower. These are simple design-wise and soft underfoot. My new place has a larger bathroom, and it’s nice having this set to line both my bathtub and sink. But even if you have a smaller bathroom, it’s worth it. I liked having one clean mat on deck to instantly swap whenever the other needed a wash in my old apartment. These don’t have the typical rubber backing you’ll find in a standard bath mat, so just keep in mind that they might shift a bit when walking on them."
Best Budget Bath Mat
Specs
- Dimensions: 20" x 31" (standard size), 24" x 40" (oversized)
- Materials: 100% Turkish cotton
- Colors: Eight colors available
- Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low (do not bleach)
Tester: Audrey Lee, commerce editor
“Brooklinen’s bath mat is reliable, well-made, and will easily blend in with your existing bathroom decor. What this mat may lack in bells and whistles, it certainly makes up for in practicality. The terry cloth material isn’t overly plush but feels nice underfoot—similar to a more densely woven towel. It typically takes around an hour for the mat to dry after I’ve used it. The best part about this mat is how easy it is to wash—you can toss it in with your other towels and not have to worry about any shedding or non-slip coating coming off in the washer or dryer.”
Best Shag Bath Mat
Specs
- Dimensions: 2' x 3'
- Materials: Organic Turkish cotton
- Colors: Slate, alpine white, undyed, fossil
- Care Instructions: Machine washable in cold water and suitable for low-heat drying
Tester: Nashia Baker, senior commerce editor
“Stepping on this Turkish cotton bath mat feels like slipping into my favorite pair of sheep fur-lined slippers (even though it’s made entirely of organic cotton). It’s the perfect plush landing spot after a shower, and my feet feel dry pretty instantly after stepping off the mat. I hardly ever feel the need to sop up any excess water with a towel. I also like that it’s available in a range of muted colors to choose from to match a bathroom’s aesthetic. I opted for the slate gray to go along with my shower curtain that’s designed with a few darker hues.”
Best Basic Bath Mat
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Specs
- Dimensions: 20" x 31"
- Materials: 100% Turkish cotton
- Colors: Four colors available
- Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
Tester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce director
“This 100% Turkish cotton bath mat feels much more expensive than its $59 price tag thanks to the thick plushness underfoot. I was a little concerned that something so dense might be constantly damp or take forever to dry but I’ve found it to be quite the opposite after using it for more than a year. I absolutely love Parachute’s waffle towels (they’re the only ones I’ll use!), so I was pleased that their bath mat was a high quality option too.”
Best Stone Bath Mat
Specs
- Dimensions: 26.5" x 1.6"
- Materials: Compressed diatomaceous earth and recycled paper
- Colors: Slate, sandstone
- Care Instructions: For mild stains or scuffs, get your product damp and use the included sanding paper (150 grit or similar) to gently ‘wet sand’ off any marks
Tester: Julia Harrison, commerce writer
“I try not to be too hyperbolic in my product reviews, but I will literally never use another bath mat after meeting the Dorai. Its unassuming yet elevated design blends into your bathroom tile situation, and at just under two feet, it suits a small bathroom as well as a large one. The accompanying rug pad guarantees an anti-slip surface—not that it’s so much of a concern when your bath mat is made from stone. It’s one of few products I’ve come across in my life that works exactly as advertised, absorbing water in less than two minutes. And I mean: a lot of water. It’s completely impervious to mold or yuckiness, which I can’t say of any other bath mat. Plus its simple design blends easily with any style.”
Best Floral Bath Mat
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Specs
- Dimensions: 21" x 34"
- Materials: 100% cotton
- Colors: Six colors available
- Care Instructions: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low (do not bleach)
Tester: Yelena Moroz Alpert, contributor
“Bath mats are rarely exciting, but when I saw GreenRow’s floral cotton bath mat in pearl blue, I knew that it would stand out against the original tile of my vintage bathroom. Since the cotton weave is compact, this bath mat never gets matted, retains its shape over multiple uses, and dries relatively quickly. The tufted design looks like cross stitching and not only is it beautiful, but every time I step out of the shower my feet get a mini massage. It’s like a woven version of reflexology.”
More Bath Mats to Check Out
Though we haven’t had a moment to test all the bath mats in the world, we do have our eyes on a few more from our favorite retailers. Here, a couple more options to bookmark if you’re in the market for a handsome bath mat that will keep you dry and might even put a smile on your face as you groggily get ready for the day.
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The Company Store is another tried-and-true retailer for high-quality bedding and bath gear. Take the Regal Bath Rug from their Legends Hotel collection, a combed cotton bestseller that’s available in five sizes, 17(!) different colors, and has over 900 five-star reviews to its credit (many from shoppers who attest that they’ll be repurchasing).
Here's a tip: Wayfair brands like AllModern also have a wide bath mat selection that includes brands you might not have known are available from the retailer. We’re talking labels like Hawkins New York, who designed this fashionable striped mat that comes in a spectrum of colorful stripes. Understated washrooms can look to options like dual-tone grey or monochrome blue for a pop of color, while maximalists can flock to more experimental combos like mustard yellow and bronze to really peacock.
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Unsurprisingly, you can rely on Ikea to stock a variety of well-priced bath mats. Many of the designs—like this polyester TOFTBO mat with no-slip backing—err on the side of practicality, though they do come in bright options (like a bubble gum pink or grassy green). And though you’ll miss out on some of the premium materials and intricate design featured on other mats on this list, unfussy home dwellers will appreciate that this under-$10 find does its job and does it well.
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In terms of options that are durable, affordable, quick drying, and easy to care for, we recommend this tactile cotton Kate Spade mat we found hidden in Wayfair’s inventory. Coming in four fun colors like neutral navy or a lime green, the hand-loomed texture reminds us of bubble wrap (in the best way), and the plush underfoot feeling is the perfect way to start or end your day on a luxuriously soft note.
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Celebs like Paloma Elsesser know that a little zebra print never hurts your interiors. Applying the pattern to an unexpected area like the washroom? Even better. House of Noa’s memory foam and terry cloth mat provides extra padding so you’re never uncomfortable stepping out of the shower or performing your skincare rituals. We like that it also comes in three distinct sizes, the smallest which feels akin to the standard-sized mats on this list and the largest which can accommodate vast en suites as a bath rug.
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Die-hard fish decor aficionados will meet their match with Loretta Caponi's mat that pays homage to sea life. And if you think this bit of bathroom decor is a real catch, just know that matching washcloths, hand towels, and bath sheets are available from the brand. The priciest pick on our list, this satin trim bath accessory comes in at over $300, so it’s understandable if your wallet urges you to just keep swimming.
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Stepping onto a memory foam bath mat after your shower routine feels incredibly luxurious. This one from Pottery Barn was tested for over 10 washes to ensure it retained heat resistance, color vibrancy, and minimal shrinkage, so you can feel good about throwing it into the wash with your best towels. The minimally contrasting color design easily fits a variety of aesthetics if your vibe is elegant and understated.
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Quiet Town makes some of our favorite bath essentials (we’ve waxed poetic about their shower curtains) for being high-quality and featuring unexpected statement designs in spaces that can otherwise lean a little neutral (see: white, beige). This bath mat references a kilim-style rug while still delivering plush comfort and high-absorbency. It’s 100% cotton, meaning it’s machine washable in the event it picks up a little dirt from your feet or bathroom floor.
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Maybe it’s far from gorgeous, but it makes for a safe landing beneath the other gorgeous bath mats you’ll surely put on top of it. This bath mat has racked up over 90,000 positive reviews for being completely immovable, with a rubber backing suction grip that you can use inside or outside the shower.
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You can rely on Tekla for three things: quality, stripes, and terry cloth. This neutral striped choice could suit nearly any bathroom landscape. Its natural habitat might be a clean, streamlined Scandinavian look, but it could just as easily mediate a big-personality bathroom or be the clincher piece on a drab rental bathroom.
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Over 200 customers gave this bohemian bathroom rug five stars for its style and durability. It’s washing machine friendly, with a non-slip latex backing for stability, and has a chic design that gives your bathroom a necessary dose of personality.
FAQs
What Is the Purpose of a Bath Mat?
Besides the practical uses of bath mats and rugs, it’s a bathroom accessory that can make an often forgotten area of your home feel more put together. Looking to bring an artistic feel to the space? Look to Cold Picnic. In the market for something practical and no-fuss for a guest bathroom? Brooklinen and The Company Store are go-tos for sensible, handsome options. In the middle ground you can find everything from grandiose to modest at retailers like Amazon and Nordstrom, or West Elm and Anthropologie.
How Often Should I Replace My Bath Mat?
According to our friends at Parachute: “If you use it daily, you should replace your bath mat once a year or so.” That said, if you’re consistently washing and caring for your mat, you may be able to keep it even longer (especially if it’s a mat in a guest room or room that’s used less).
How Do I Care for My Bath Mat?
Think of these like clothing—different styles require specific care instructions. While some bathroom mats, like Brooklinen’s, can easily be thrown into the wash with your other towels, others should be washed in their own cycle (usually styles which feature non-slip backing). More dust-prone fabrics like high-pile options may require low maintenance upkeep like a brush or a quick vacuum between washes. We recommend referencing the care instructions that can typically be found on the packaging or the website product page.
What Are the Best Quality Bath Rugs?
The best bath mat and bath rugs will depend on your space and personal preferences. If you ask commerce writer Julia, nothing beats diatomaceous earth, a stone-like material that absorbs water in less than a minute. Commerce editor Audrey will tell you her Cold Picnic bath mat doubles as functional art, making it a clear winner. Senior commerce editor Nashia might tell you her super-absorbent Quince bath mat reigns supreme. No matter what you’re looking for, our list has options to satisfy all tastes, from modern stone designs to 100% wool or cotton bath rugs options that are likely to deliver on absorbency and durability.
What Are the Top-Rated Bath Mats for Preventing Slips in the Bathroom?
If you’re in the market for the grippiest bath mat possible—a valid concern especially for more senior shoppers—Amazon’s gorilla grip bath mats have received stellar reviews for their ability to stay solidly in place. Plus, you can lay a more appealing bath mat over top to maintain both style and grip at once. Beware, however, of possible mildew growth underneath gorilla grip mats, as the plastic can harbor heat and humidity—best to rinse these off every once in a while!
