The 7 Best Bathroom Rugs and Bath Mats of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Oct 16, 2024

By Dorie Chevlen

Dorie Chevlen is a writer covering home design. Her subjects have included scented candles, makeup mirrors, and—her favorite—popcorn makers.

After new testing, we’ve added five new picks: the IKEA Toftbo, the Sasawashi Bath Mat, Cold Picnic’s Poolside Bathmat, Pottery Barn’s Loop Bath Mat, and Anthropologie’s Misona Bath Mat.

For something that’s small enough to fit in your hamper, a bath mat is a powerhouse decor item: It prevents you from slipping in the bathroom, dries your feet, and, ideally, ties your whole bathroom aesthetic together.

To help you find just the right mat to accomplish all that, I looked at dozens of retailers, read hundreds of reviews, and tested 20 mats in my bathroom. Here are the seven bath mats that stood out from the rest.

Advertisement

As a staff writer on Wirecutter’s home decor team, I spend most of my working hours trying to help you make your home a more comfortable, cozy, and functional space. I’ve previously written about how to organize a small bathroom and how often you should wash bath mats.

For this guide:

For this guide, I prioritized both function and form: A bath mat is a design item, after all, but it also needs to dry your feet, clean easily, and be somewhat durable. After scouring major and minor retailers for their bath mat offerings, as well as reading through hundreds of buyer reviews and media coverage, I found 47 bath mats that seemed promising. From those, I narrowed the list down to 21 by singling out the mats that I thought would look best in different styles of bathrooms—a mix of understated neutrals, pretty patterns, and unique designs.

I then tested those 21 mats over the course of about 50 showers, each time considering how absorbent the bath mats felt, how quickly they dried, whether they got dirty easily, and whether they shifted too readily as I entered and exited the tub. I also stood on each mat while brushing my teeth, taking note of how they felt under my feet, how much they shifted while I moved, and their overall aesthetic. And of course, I washed and dried all the mats according to their care instructions, taking close-up photos before and after washing to assess wear.

Advertisement

This is the most affordable of all the mats we tested, yet it’s also impressively durable—even after three years of daily use, it looks brand-new. But it slips around easily.

How it feels: It’s decently plump and cushioned, but it can take a bit longer to dry in humid climates.

The IKEA Toftbo Bath Mat looks the same today as it did when I bought my first one in 2019, and there’s not much I’d change about it—several Wirecutter staffers have been using theirs for years too, and they report that it still holds up great.

The price simply can’t be beat. The Toftbo is the least expensive bath mat among all of our picks, as well as among all those we tested. It’s also one of the most affordable—yet still good-looking—mats we’ve seen anywhere online or in stores.

It’s super durable. I’ve been using the Toftbo mat for three years, and my old gray mat looks just as vibrant and thick as the new pink one I ordered to test for this guide. Somehow, even after getting stepped on daily and washed weekly, this thing won’t break down.

Color options: five (beige, gray, pink, white, teal-and-white stripes; can vary seasonally)Sizes: 20 inches by 31 inches; in some colors, 24 inches by 47 inchesMaterial: 100% polyesterCare: machine-wash warm, normal cycle; tumble-dry

Unlike most mats that claim to be nonskid, this mat actually stays put, and it looks cute doing so. But it collects a lot of dust.

price may vary by color or style

How it feels: It’s soft and thick, and it is very absorbent. But it can take longer to dry.

Wirecutter has been recommending the Lands’ End Cotton Non-skid Bath Rug since as far back as 2018, and after retesting it in 2024, I can confidently back up that recommendation.

It really isn’t going anywhere. I tested three other nonslip mats, but this is the only one that truly stood its ground. It didn’t budge when I stepped out of the tub wet, nor when I did my typical toothbrush dance routine (I always get the zoomies around midnight). And even after this mat was washed, its latex backing showed no signs of disintegration.

It comes in many shapes and sizes. This is true of a lot of our mat picks. Yet this one is among very few mats we found that also come in a contour shape, to perfectly hug your toilet (if you so desire).

Color options: seven (blue, teal, beige, cream, white, navy, gray)Sizes: 16 by 23 inches, 20 by 33 inches, 23 by 39 inches; white and ivory: 23 by 59 inches, and toilet-contour shapeMaterial: 100% cotton, latex backingCare: machine-wash, tumble-dry low

Advertisement

Plush on both sides, this classic mat can go twice as long without a wash. But it is prone to attracting dust.

How it feels: This mat is plush and thick, so it’s comfortable to stand on, and it dries in good time.

Unlike most mats, the Pottery Barn Classic Organic Loop Bath Mat is functional and nice-looking on both sides. One is sheared, the other is looped. So before washing it, you can flip it to the fresh side if the used one starts looking a little dingy. The sheared side has a traditional soft and fluffy feel, whereas the looped side is more subtly pebbled.

It offers some nice style options. Available in five sizes (including round) and about a dozen colors, this mat is one of the most versatile of our picks, so you have the best chance of finding something that perfectly suits your bathroom. Pottery Barn also sells matching towels.

It’s awfully cozy. Made from 100% organic cotton, this mat isn’t just soft on both sides, it’s also thick. Your feet sink into it a little, which feels divine.

Color options: 13 (including white, pink, navy, gray, and beige)Sizes: 17 by 24 inches, 21 by 34 inches, 27 by 45 inches, 24 by 64 inches, 34 inches roundMaterial: 100% cottonCare: machine-wash cold gentle, non-chlorine bleach only when needed; tumble-dry low, remove promptly

Abrasive in a good way, this washi-paper and bamboo-fiber mat evokes nature. But some people may not like its texture.

May be out of stock

How it feels: Scratchy in a satisfying way, this thin mat is one of the quickest-drying ones we found.

Before writing this guide, I had never even heard of Sasawashi—the Sasawashi Bath Mat came recommended by a colleague. But its unique look and great drying powers made me a total convert.

It’s scratchy and absorbent. Unlike traditional cotton bath mats, this one is made from Sasawashi (a blend of washi paper and bamboo fiber), which gives it a dry, gritty texture that is delightful to stand on and effective at absorbing water. In my experience, the Sasawashi mat stayed securely anchored, even as I scraped my feet back and forth on it for exfoliation. I do not believe in the theory of earthing, but my boyfriend says that this mat also helped him reconnect with nature. Take that for what you will.

It doesn’t budge easily. The nonslip polyester backing has enough grip that even when I shuffled my feet side to side on the mat, it stayed put. In fact, it was the most securely nonskid mat among our picks, after the Land’s End mat.

It stands the test of time. Like our picks from IKEA, Lands’ End, and Frontgate, this mat is another for which we have staff experience to vouch for its longevity. Katie Okamoto, Wirecutter’s editor of sustainability coverage, reports that she has been using and washing her Sasawashi Bath Mat for over five years, and it remains in great shape. At worst, she says, some of the polyester backing may have thinned out, but otherwise it looks like new and works just as well.

Color options: three (beige, brown, and gray)Sizes: 18 inches by 14 inches, 25.5 inches by 18 inches, 30 by 22 inchesMaterial: Sasawashi fabric (paper and bamboo fibers); polyester and polypropylene backing fabric (with nonslip finish); 100% acrylic pipingCare: machine-wash in a mesh bag (not included) with similar colors; do not bleach or tumble-dry

Advertisement

This longtime favorite is deliciously soft and spongy, like a plush terry towel. But it’s prone to slipping.

How it feels: Your feet sink deliciously into this supersoft, dense luxe towel. But if you move around a lot, it can shift with you.

The Frontgate Resort Bath Mat has remained a Wirecutter favorite for years because our staff testers love its soft feel and easy care. And after testing it myself, I love it too.

It’s soft and pliant. This 100% cotton mat is ridiculously cozy, yet it still lies flat to the ground, low enough for even the smallest under-door spaces. It’s flexible enough that you can hang it over a bathtub to dry, and after washing, it feels just as plush to the touch.

It remains durable over years of use. Since Wirecutter first recommended this mat in 2019, several staffers have used it, and all report that it holds up great, even after years of use.

You can match it to nearly any bathroom. Because this mat comes in 13 colors, we can’t imagine a color scheme it wouldn’t work with. And if you have our recommended towels from Frontgate, you can coordinate your mat to match them.

Color options: 13 (including terra cotta, navy, gray, beige, and olive green)Sizes: 21 by 34 inches; 17 by 24 inches in select colorsMaterial: 100% cottonCare: machine-wash cold on gentle cycle; tumble-dry low

With an artistic design and raised graphic elements, this mat is a statement piece that’s a pleasure to stand on. But some people may find it pricey.

How it feels: With raised elements and super-soft, thick cotton, this mat feels like a playground for your feet. It dries on the slower side, though.

The stylish Cold Picnic Bathmat is pretty enough to hang on the wall, but we love standing on it in the bathroom instead.

It’s a real statement piece. The abstract design of this mat, with its bold colors and raised elements, makes it feel extra special. We tested the Poolside design, but Cold Picnic has several-dozen mat designs that are just as beautiful and eye-catching, including even a few cute butt and feet mats.

It’s a delight to stand on. The different-colored patches on this mat are looped at a different height than the rest of the mat, giving them slight elevation. That not only lends the mat its unique look but also creates a sumptuous feeling underfoot. I liked to rock my feet between the two heights for a gentle post-shower massage. Though this mat is not as grippy on the bottom as the Lands’ End Cotton Non-skid Bath Rug or the Sasawashi Bath Mat, it still shifts less than our other picks—it didn’t budge while I rubbed my feet around on it, but I could push it with minor effort.

Color choices: 26 (including abstract patterns, feet, and butts)Size: 20" x 30"Material: 100% cotton; subtle grippy nonslip coating on the backCare: machine-wash individually on cold/delicate cycle with a gentle detergent; machine-dry

Advertisement

With its subtle weave variation and elegant diamond pattern, this mat looks more like a flatwoven rug. However, it isn’t especially cushioned.

The variegated texture of the Anthropologie Misona Bath Mat creates a subtle diamond pattern that commands attention but avoids distraction.

It offers a subtle, romantic look. This flatwoven mat looks impressive, thanks to beautiful dye work and a subtle textured weave that forms a diamond pattern. It feels like the bathroom equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

It has a low profile. Along with the Sasawashi Bath Mat, this is one of the flattest mats we tested. It should pass under all but the narrowest doorways, and it rolls up tightly like a placemat for storage, thanks to its pliable, thin construction.

Colors: seven (including pink, white, navy, and sage)Size: 34 by 21 inches, 58 by 23 inchesMaterial: 100% cottonCare: machine-wash; tumble-dry low

If you want a uniquely patterned mat and aren’t too concerned about absorbency: The multicolored, abstract Quiet Town Tam Bath Rug was one of the prettiest we tested. Handwoven in India, it has chubby, high-pile loops that feel great to stand on, and it’s available in several designs and color combos. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, and though we love the sustainability angle, that may be why it isn’t especially absorbent. (I had to pad around a bit before my feet dried.) For that reason, the Tam Bath Rug is best suited for a half-bath, where it doesn’t get too much water exposure. Quiet Town has other bath rugs in different materials, such as cotton, but we haven’t tested them yet.

If you want a plush and pliable mat with a low profile: The Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Tub Mat is similar to our pick from Frontgate; both mats are soft, highly absorbent, and a little prone to slipping. However, the Parachute mat typically costs about 10 dollars more.

If you want a spa vibe: The natural-wood construction of the Tosaryu Hinoki Bath Mat looked serene, and its grooved, matte top was not at all slippery (unlike the Toilettree wooden bath mat, which felt like inviting death). However, it can move around on some tile floors, so keep that in mind, depending on what kind of floor you have.

If absorbency is your number-one priority: The Wall Qmer Diatomaceous Earth Bath Stone Mat might be a good bet. Readers have been asking Wirecutter to test an option made with diatomaceous earth (a sand-like material made from the fossilized shell of an ancient form of algae and used in supplements and home products). In a home with lots of shower traffic, a diatomaceous-earth mat does absorb water quite efficiently. Although the two we tested performed nearly identically, this model from Wall Qmer is way cheaper than the Dorai Bath Stone Mat. If you choose either of them, place a nonslip mat under the stone; if your flooring is anything less than 100% flat, the mat will rattle underfoot.

If you want a low-pile towel-like option: The Brooklinen Bath Mat was pretty and absorbent, held up well in the wash, and felt nice to stand on, but it tended to shift around on my tile easily. It isn’t a bad option, but the Frontgate Resort Bath Mat performed a little better.

Advertisement

Anthropologie’s Tufted Octavia Bath Mat looks beautiful but failed to hold up in the wash as well as I expected. For a mat at this price, even with a novelty leopard print, I wanted more. If you’re particularly fond of this look, I advise going to Urban Outfitters, which offers mats of similar quality and vibes but at a lower price.

Brooklinen’s Tufted Bath Rug felt soft to stand on, and it was a good water absorber, but keeping it looking nice was difficult. It started balding after a spin in the washer and dryer, and its fluffy, long-tufted pile got matted down easily. If you have your heart set on a high-pile option, a better choice is the Lands’ End mat, which also has a high pile but is cheaper, more durable, and better at staying put.

The Dorai Bath Stone Mat was one of two diatomaceous-stone mats we tested, and it was indeed a good water absorber. But it was three times more expensive than the Wall Qmer mat and didn’t perform any better. It also has a cheesy-looking logo on top that diminishes the aesthetic.

The Parachute Soft Rib Tub Mat felt lovely and plush to stand on, but it was prone to shifting on tile, and many threads came apart when we machine-washed it according to instructions. Quality that low is not worth the higher price tag.

I thought that the Piglet in Bed Cotton Bath Mat was absolutely adorable, like most of its products. However, unless you want to buy one specifically to match the company’s towel set, it isn’t a standout choice, since it didn’t perform any better than an old towel but costs more.

Target’s Casaluna Textured Bath Mat felt and looked fine but got torn apart in the wash. If you’re seeking a budget mat, the IKEA Toftbo is cheaper and offers far better quality.

Home Depot’s wooden Toilettree Bamboo Bath Mat, a pick in an early version of this guide, proved quite hazardous for me, as the slick wood became an accident trap when paired with wet feet. Although not everyone experienced this issue, including this guide’s previous author, we don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Urban Outfitters’s Sardine Bath Mat is very cute—I mean, very cute. But after we washed and dried it, one of the sardines’ eyes lost some threads, which doesn’t give me much confidence in its long-term performance. Still, if you want a fun mat at a moderate price and aren’t expecting it to last for years and years, this is a good option.

Like the sardine mat, the Urban Outfitters Tiger Bath Mat fell apart too easily in the wash, with many fibers disconnecting and threads loosening. A lot of online reviewers complain about this fact and still report loving their mat, though, so it may be a good option if you don’t plan to wash it often or don’t mind its relatively early demise.

This article was edited by Daniela Gorny and Joanne Chen.

Though your bath mat seems innocuous, it’s actually quietly collecting plenty of dirt, debris, and microscopic squatters. You should be cleaning it weekly, minimum.

Dorie Chevlen

I cover home decor, but I'm rarely stuck inside. I also write frequently about outdoor gear, personal technology, and health products for Wirecutter.

Advertisement