Buying guide for best bathroom rugs
Let’s face it: a cold bathroom floor is no place for your feet. When you head to the bathroom for a midnight toilet break or step out of a warm shower, the last thing you want are chilly toes. Pick up a bathroom rug to keep yourself cozy, warm, and comfy in the bathroom.
The market offers an impressive range of bathroom rugs. You could keep things simple with a basic terry cloth style, or you could treat yourself with a spa-quality plush rug. When safety is a concern — as it should be on slick or wet tile — there are bathroom rugs with grippy bottoms to keep them in place.
No matter which bathroom rug tickles your fancy, make sure it’s one that cushions and comforts you with every step. Here’s our buying guide with a rundown of popular styles as well as some tips to help narrow your selection.
Key considerations
Matching other décor
You’ll likely want to make sure your new bathroom rug matches the rest of your décor. Bathroom rugs are usually available in myriad colors, so it’s easy to find one that complements your space. Consider coordinating your rug with a shower curtain, window treatment, or piece of artwork. (Of course, another option is to introduce a brand new bold color or design to liven up your bathroom. If that’s more your style, we say go for it.)
Piling height
Piling height refers to how long the fibers stand from the base of the bathroom rug. Dense, low-pile rugs have shorter fibers, whereas high-pile rugs have longer fibers that may be fluffy or thick.
Some consumers find high-piling bathroom rugs a challenge to keep clean; they also take longer to dry. A low- or mid-pile bathroom rug dries faster, which in turn helps keep moisture-loving allergens at bay.
Size and shape
Bathroom rugs can be as small as 17 x 24 inches or as large as 30 x 60 inches. Regardless of size, most bathroom rugs are rectangular. This is for a practical reason: a rectangular rug is more likely to fit amidst your bathtub, toilet, and sink.
That said, there are round and oval bathroom rugs that stretch anywhere from 34 to 60 inches in diameter. Oval rugs tend to be a bit easier to fit in most bathrooms, but a round rug is a solid choice if you have the space for it.
Materials
Cotton and microfiber are the most common bathroom rug materials. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each.
Cotton
Pros: Cotton bathroom rugs are available in every price range and are well-liked for their absorbency. They’re typically lightweight and machine washable.
Cons: Cotton holds on to moisture, making it a hotbed for mold, mildew, and bacteria. It can also hold on to odors; if you don’t let a cotton bathroom rug air out, it could end up with a sour smell.
Microfiber
Pros: Microfiber bathroom rugs are warm and cozy; people love the way they cushion and massage their toes. You can get a microfiber bathroom rug that is shaggy, fluffy, or ultra-soft.
Cons: Microfiber bathroom rugs can be challenging to clean, and some have been known to fall apart in the washing machine. The material is super-absorbent like a sponge, so there’s a chance that mold and mildew could grow within the fibers.
Did you know?
Some bathroom rugs are sold in value packs. These can include rugs of multiple sizes. Sometimes, a toilet rug is included.
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Features
Comfort features
Beyond texture, some bathroom rugs employ additional comfort features, including gel, memory foam, or polyfill cushioning. While incredibly comfortable, the cushioning also aids in shock absorption when your feet contact the floor. Since tile can be pretty hard on bare feet, consider the type of cushioning a rug has before investing.
Nonslip features
Some bathroom rugs have a nonslip backing for safety. The backing may be made of silicone or rubber, both of which prevent the rug from sliding around.
The only downside to a rug with a nonslip backing is that it’s harder to keep clean. If your rug is machine washable and needs a deep cleaning, you could put it through a wash cycle. In turn, however, the tumble of the machine could cause the nonslip detail to warp or break off. What’s more, many bathroom rugs can’t be placed in the dryer. Therefore, you’d need to thoroughly air dry the rug before using it again. Given the high degree of absorbancy these rugs have, that could take up to 48 hours for some rugs.
Bathroom rug prices
Bathroom rugs range in price from $5 to $100. Cost depends, in large part, on the quality of the material and the reputation of the manufacturer.
Inexpensive: For $20 or less, you’ll find a decent assortment of cotton and microfiber bathroom rugs. Some include cushioning, though it tends to be on the thinner side.
Mid-range: For $20 to $50, you can find many better-quality rugs in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some designer rugs lie in this range, but they tend to be on the simple side.
Expensive: At the top of the bracket, bathroom rugs between $50 and $100 boast high-quality materials, cozy cushioning, and stellar design. These rugs often feature a durable non-slip detail that holds up well in the washing machine.
Tips
Buy more than one bathroom rug. To make sure you always have a clean rug for your floor, invest in two or more bathroom rugs. When one is in the wash, you’ll have a fresh one ready to keep your feet warm and dry.
Spot clean between washes. If you get gunk like toothpaste, beauty products, or cosmetics on your bathroom rug, spot clean it right away. This may help prevent stains from becoming permanent.
Keep pets out of the bathroom. While some four-legged friends like to keep us company in the bathroom, it’s best to keep them away from the rug. Their paws can easily transfer dirt to the rug, and their hair can accumulate between fibers.
FAQ
Q. How often should I wash my bathroom rug?
A. Ideally, you should put it through the wash once a week. Bathroom rugs can retain moisture, odors, and sometimes dirt, so it’s best to make sure these particles get washed away before they become harmful.
Q. The nonslip backing has begun to come off my bathroom rug. What can I do to fix it?
A. Unfortunately, you really can’t do much in the way of DIY repair. At this point, it’s time to consider replacing it. With your new rug, to keep breakage or peeling of the nonstick detail to a minimum, stick with a gentle laundry detergent. Allow the rug to air dry instead of placing it in the dryer, as the heat can dry out and crack the backing.
Q. How do I get a perfect match between my bathroom rug and other room accents?
A. Any interior designer will tell you that there are countless shades of blue. So, if you’re looking for a perfect match for any color, stick with the same brand. In fact, you should probably stay within the same line or collection of the brand. Get ready to start comparing tags and packaging: conveniently, some accents and accessories have color names to make matching items easier.
