All About Bathroom Rugs: A Guide to Choosing the Best Rug for Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the high-traffic spaces in the home. Most of us leave the bathroom bare with just the mirror and the vanity space, thinking that is enough. However, nobody likes to use a bathroom with splashes and wet puddles on the floor. This is where the bathroom rugs come into the picture. Rugs significantly protect the floors, reduce slips and falls, and offer an aesthetic appeal to the space. They help transform your bath area into an inviting and comfortable space. Choosing the best bathroom rugs is a complex process, considering the many options available.

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This guide will help you choose the best rugs for your bathroom by listing the factors to consider, the role of bathroom rugs, common types of rugs, and more.  

Table of content

• What is the Role of Bathroom Rugs?
• Questions to Ask Before Buying a Bathroom Rug
• Best Rug Types for Your Bathroom Space
• How Many Bath Rugs are Ideal?
• How to Care for Your Bathroom Rugs?

What is the Role of Bathroom Rugs?

• Safety

Slippery floors are a common issue in the bathrooms, no matter how well you wipe the floor after taking a bath. Considering bathrooms are high-moisture areas, it is common to face unexpected slip incidents, too. Non-slippery bathroom rugs reduce the risk of such falls and slips by offering you the needed grip. This is especially required in the household with older people or kids. It's a nice remedy for a chilly, hard laminate or tile floor, even when you're not showering. They act as a shield between the floor and wet feet, making you feel comfortable. 

• Decor element

Rather than a safety element, bath rugs also make for an excellent decor element. A well-maintained rug not only enhances the mood of the space but also adds personality to the bathroom. Such rugs can connect the decor elements and the theme of the entire space together, whether you're going for a vibrant, playful vibe or a serene mood. Besides, with endless patterns and style options available, bath rugs also let you show off your personality.

• Durability of the floors

You might've often noticed water being pooled around the tub in the bathroom and wondered how to prevent it from damaging the floor. Wiping the water frequently with a towel may not always be feasible as the water can further seep into the floor, especially if the floor is made of wood. A bathroom rug set could be the best way to reduce such incidents. A bath rug can prevent water accumulation to a certain extent by absorbing water that drips off your body, down the curtain, and out of the shower.

• Reducing the cleaning efforts

Other than safety and aesthetics, the right bathroom rug set can also reduce the need for constant upkeep and cleaning in the bathroom. As you already know, the rugs located by the shower area or sink serve as barriers between the floors and feet, absorbing water droplets and dirt before they reach the floor. Thus, the cleaning needed to maintain a clean bathroom is reduced.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Bathroom Rug

When shopping for bathroom rugs, it is important to ask yourself some questions to make no mistakes and choose the best stylish ones. Here are some of questions you can choose asking yourself:

1 - What rug material is the best?  

So, you're in search of the best bathroom rug. The first and foremost step is selecting the right material. Bath rugs are available in various materials, and there are a few things to consider when choosing one with the ideal material. For example, if you value comfort over fashion, a warm microfiber rug might be the best choice. Below is a brief comparison between the common rug materials for the bathroom. Additionally, washable rugs are an excellent choice for bathrooms, as they’re easy to clean and maintain. Washable area rugs combine practicality with style, making them ideal for high-moisture environments like bathrooms.

• Cotton v/s microfiber rugs

Cotton rugs are among the most popular bathroom rug types thanks to their softness, ease of cleaning, and color varieties. Most cotton rugs are durable, machine washable, and comfortable. They are budget-friendly and are the perfect option for hypoallergenic people. However, these rugs may not be as durable as synthetic or wool ones and wear off more quickly.

On the other hand, microfiber rugs are highly stain-resistant, making them perfect for families with kids or dogs. These bathroom rug sets can withstand heavy foot traffic and don't fade quickly, either. Microfiber rugs are also moisture-resistant and, hence, perfect for bathrooms. Having said that, they won't look as luxurious as their wool and cotton counterparts. 

• Wool v/s jute rugs

Because of their great durability, wool rugs are considered perfect for locations with heavy traffic. Not only are they naturally resistant to dirt and stains, but they also act as excellent insulators during the winter. They have a natural crimp, which helps them retain their shape. A major drawback would be the price. 

Jute rugs are another eco-friendly option for your bathroom. They have an earthy, organic texture that offers a rustic vibe. They are extremely durable and comfortable to walk on. However, jute carpets can attract mold and mildew, and they may not withstand as well and stay stain-resistant as wool or synthetic rugs when placed in high-traffic areas.

• Bamboo v/s memory foam rugs

Bamboo bathroom rug sets may not be as soft or comfortable as a rug made of other natural fibers, but they are aesthetically pleasing and require low maintenance. Furthermore, the majority of these rugs are coated with anti-mold coating, so you don't have to be concerned about the mold. However, bamboo is more likely to slip and slide on moist surfaces, which is a drawback.

Memory foam rugs, on the other hand, are one of the coziest bathroom rug set options. In addition to the comfort and look they offer, these rugs also avoid the need to purchase an extra grip mat because most of them come with an anti-slip underlay. The only drawback is the maintenance part as most of these mats are not machine washable. 

2 - What is the ideal size for a bath rug?

Rug sizes are often the last thing we consider when buying the best bathroom rug for our home. If we miss the size part, we might end up with a mat that either requires folding on the edges or doesn't offer sufficient covering for the bath space. Hence, it is important to choose the correct-sized product, whether you're planning to go with a bathroom runner rug or a luxury bathroom rug. For larger, spa-like bathrooms with ample floor space, 9x12 area rugs can create a luxurious and cohesive look, offering warmth and a sophisticated touch to the overall design.

Generally, the standard dimensions of the bath rugs are 20 and 21 inches in width and 30 to 34 inches in length. Any size in this range offers the required coverage in front of shower doors, medium-sized vanities, and regular tubs. Another general rule is to opt for a mat that is two-thirds the size of the tub. For instance, a regular 60-inch tub would look good with a 40-inch mat, while a 33-inch vanity would look good with a 22-inch mat. 

For a larger bath space, the measurement can extend up to 70 inches as it's always ideal to choose a mat that extends the length of the shower.

Do you have a narrow bathroom? Then, go with a bath runner that covers the toilet, sink, and tub/shower simultaneously. For smaller floor areas, 20" x 50" to 24" x 60" are popular options.Alternatively, a round rug can be a stylish addition to create a focal point in your bathroom. Round area rugs work especially well in open spaces or under freestanding tubs, adding a touch of softness and elegance to the room 

3 - How aesthetically appealing are the mats?

The right rug is not always about good functionality. The style and color of the bath mats or bathroom rug sets significantly impact the appearance of the space. The perfect choice of rug can create a classy and inviting interior by blending the design with the rest of your bathroom's decor. 

When choosing a rug, ensure you consider the colors, decor elements, and the furniture in your bathroom. Always try to select designs and colors that complement these elements. Choosing rug colors like oranges and reds can create that pop to the space and make a bold statement. In contrast, monochromatic colors offer that soothing charm. Here are some more design suggestions:

• If you wish to give your bath space a modern look, opt for geometric-patterned bath rugs.

• For a homey vibe, stylish bathroom rugs with floral or abstract patterns would be ideal.

• Textured patterns like chevrons and stripes can offer your bathroom space depth and interest. 

• It's preferable to choose a rug color that quietly complements the color scheme of the space unless you want to purposefully make the rug the main attraction.

• If you’re aiming for a cozy and eclectic feel, consider adding a boho rug, as boho rugs often feature earthy tones and intricate patterns that can transform your bathroom into a serene retreat.

• If you’re designing a bathroom for a child, a nursery rug with fun and colorful patterns can also add a playful touch while maintaining a cozy atmosphere.Choose a washable nursery rug to keep it fresh and maintain hygiene in high-traffic areas like the bathroom

4  - How functional is the rug and where should you place it? 

Functionality and location matter when buying the best bathroom rugs for your home. The bathroom corners, the center of the room, and the space near your bathroom cabinet, bathtub, or toilet spaces are often considered the best places to place the rugs. The overall size and shape of your bathroom, however, is an important factor to consider while planning the location for the rug. It will help you finalize what kind of rug to purchase, too. For example, you can opt for a round, oval, or rectangular rug if your bathroom is small. Likewise, non-slip round rugs are the best option if the bath area is spacious. 

Because bathrooms are prone to becoming untidy, always try to buy easy-to-clean rugs. The most sensible option is a machine washable area rugs. Similarly, to ensure safety, look for mats with non-slip backing, particularly if your flooring is hardwood or tile.

Best Rug Types for Your Bathroom Space

Several varieties of bath rugs are available to cater to the changing needs. Some of the most common types of bath rugs are given below:

• Bath mats: Bath mats are nothing but the fluffy or coarse-textured mats placed usually outside your tub or shower. These mats absorb the water droplets after you shower and step out of a bath.
 
• Towelling mats: Lightweight and highly absorbent, these mats are also often seen outside the shower or bathtub. They resemble a towel and absorb water that spills on the floor during a bath. In addition to being portable to any area of the bathroom, they also keep both your feet and the floor dry.
 
• Bath rugs: They are available in different varieties ranging from simple wool rugs to advanced absorbent bathroom rug options.
 
• Contour toilet mats: Contour mats are plush bathroom mats designed in a U shape to fit around the toilet. This mat variety helps to keep the floor warm and keeps the area surrounding the commode from splattering or splashing.   

How Many Bath Rugs are Ideal?

The answer to this question highly depends upon the layout and how spacious your bathroom is. Generally, it’s advised to consider adding more than one rug as the bathrooms are a high traffic, moisture-prone area. You can always add one rug in front of your vanity and a circular rug that serves as the focal point if you own a larger bathroom. If you are still okay with adding more rugs, think of placing a runner rug in the hallway leading to the bathroom.

How to Care for Your Bathroom Rugs? 

Bathroom rugs often require proper maintenance to improve their durability and ensure cleanliness. Here are some common maintenance tips. 

• Make it a habit to wash the rug once every two weeks, depending on its usage.

Because the bathroom often sees water usage, mold and mildew could be a common sight, and these problems are avoided with regular washing. 

• Take a look at the cleaning manual before washing the bathroom mats. 

• Once you wash the rugs, hang them in a well-ventilated area to dry to stop bacteria from growing.

• Ensure that you rotate the rug or flip it periodically to guarantee even wear and thus, improve its life. 

• Only use mild detergents to clean the rug, as strong chemicals can damage the rug fibers.

• To avoid wrinkles, store unused rugs in a dry place, ideally rolled rather than folded.

From the materials used in construction to the colors and patterns, there are several things to consider when choosing the best bathroom rugs. That perfect choice of bath rug can reflect your personality and makes the bathroom a comfortable space. No matter if you prioritize functionality, safety, or even design or luxury, there’s a perfect bath rug that suit all your needs. So, research through the options, consider the tips and suggestions above and make the right decision. 

Find your perfect bathroom rug today with Garvee.com.