Fast drying diatomaceous earth mat
This innovative stone mat rapidly absorbs water and evaporates it, offering a unique, minimalist bathroom solution.
Home & Comfort
Bath mats & rugs
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A bath mat is a practical gift that gets used every day, so it suits a new homeowner setting up a first bathroom, a parent refreshing a tired one, or anyone who's mentioned a soggy, flattened rug. Most people are happiest with bath mats that feel good underfoot, dry quickly and go through the washer without trouble. Bath rugs with a gripping backing also tend to stay in regular use. Think of it the way you'd think of good towels: pick a colour that fits their bathroom, a size that fits the floor, and a material they won't have to baby. A soft, well-made mat that looks tidy will earn its spot.
Kind 1 of 8
Everyday bath mats that dry fast
A bath mat covers anything from a thin cotton or microfibre mat to a rigid bamboo or diatomaceous earth board that sits outside the tub. Fabric mats are soft and machine washable. Bamboo and stone-style mats feel firmer and dry very quickly, which suits a small bathroom with little airflow. Before buying, measure the space in front of the tub or shower and check how the mat gets cleaned. If you can, find out whether the person likes a soft or firm feel underfoot, since that's usually what decides whether they'll love it.
Natural bamboo slatted bath mat
A stylish and quick-drying option, this mat brings a spa-like tranquility to any bathroom decor.
Ultra soft microfiber bath mat
Designed for rapid moisture evaporation, this mat keeps the bathroom floor dry and feels gentle underfoot.
Kind 2 of 8
Soft bath rugs with a bit of style
Bath rugs are usually thicker and plusher than basic mats, with a cotton loop, chenille or shag pile that adds colour and texture to the room. They suit someone who cares how the bathroom looks and likes something cozy on a cold tile floor in winter. Check whether the rug can go in the washer and dryer, because thick pile can take a long time to dry. Look at the backing too, and pick a neutral or muted shade unless you know their colour scheme well.
Cotton bath rugs
Ideal for everyday use, this traditional rug provides excellent water absorption and a soft landing spot.
Luxurious chenille shag bath rug
Indulge in ultimate softness with this deep-pile rug, perfect for adding a touch of luxury and warmth to the bathroom.
Kind 3 of 8
Matching toilet rug sets
A toilet rug set usually pairs a main bath rug with a U-shaped contour rug for the base of the toilet, and sometimes a lid cover. Sets suit someone who likes a coordinated bathroom or is furnishing a new place from scratch. Before buying, check that the contour piece will fit around their toilet base and that every piece can be washed together. Matching sets make a strong style statement, so they work best when you know the person's taste and bathroom colours.
Kind 4 of 8
Bath mats that stay put
A non-slip bath mat has a rubber, latex or silicone-style backing that grips the floor so it doesn't bunch up or slide when someone steps out of the shower. It's a sensible choice for busy family bathrooms and for anyone tired of straightening their mat every morning. Check that the backing is right for their floor, since some backings can mark certain finishes. Also make sure it can be machine washed without the grip peeling or cracking over time.
Non slip bath mat
This mat provides essential safety and stability, minimizing slips and falls on wet bathroom floors.
Kind 5 of 8
Plush rugs with a gripping backing
A non-slip bath rug gives you the thick, soft pile of a bath rug with a grippy backing that keeps it in place. It's a good fit for someone who wants comfort underfoot but finds that plain rugs creep across the tile. Before choosing, look at how the backing handles repeated washing and whether the rug should be air dried. A lower pile is easier to keep flat and clean if they have a busy household.
Kind 6 of 8
Cushioned memory foam bath mats
Memory foam bath mats have a foam core under a soft fabric cover, so they feel springy and cushioned when you stand on them. They suit someone who spends time at the sink getting ready or just likes a noticeably plush feel. Foam holds water longer than thin fabric, so check whether the mat can go in the washer and how long it takes to dry. A cover that's easy to wash and a backing that grips help it stay fresh and flat.
Plush memory foam bath mat
This mat offers exceptional comfort and pressure relief for tired feet after a warm bath or shower.
Kind 7 of 8
Memory foam rugs beyond the tub
Memory foam rugs use the same cushioned core in longer or larger shapes, such as runners for a double vanity or a spot in front of the laundry sink. They suit someone with a larger bathroom or anyone who stands in one spot for a while each day. Measure the space first, since oversized foam rugs can be awkward to wash at home. Check the care label and pick a darker or patterned cover if the area gets heavy traffic.
Kind 8 of 8
Contour mats for the toilet base
A toilet mat is a U-shaped or contour rug that wraps around the base of the toilet, covering cold tile and catching drips. It's a small, practical add-on that works well alongside a bath mat they already own. Toilet bases vary, so check the size of the cutout before buying. It should also be easy to wash often. A thin, quick-drying mat in a colour that matches their existing bath mat usually looks tidiest.
Fitted contour toilet mat
Designed to fit snugly around the base of a toilet, this mat adds warmth and a finished look to the bathroom floor.
How to choose bath mats & rugs as a gift
- Measure the floor in front of the tub, shower or vanity before choosing a size, so the mat doesn't curl against a wall or cabinet.
- Look for mats that are machine washable and dry reasonably quickly, since bathroom textiles need washing more often than most.
- Stick to neutral colours like grey, white, sand or navy unless you know the bathroom's colour scheme well.
- Think about the person's routine: a busy family bathroom calls for durable, grippy mats, while a guest bath can be more decorative.
- Consider giving two matching mats so there's always a clean one ready while the other is in the wash.
Usually safe to skip
- Bold novelty prints and jokey slogans often clash with an existing bathroom and end up tucked away in a closet.
- Very thick shag or oversized foam rugs that won't fit in a home washer tend to get grubby and replaced quickly.
- Full matching sets for someone whose colours you don't know usually miss, because every piece has to suit the room.
Questions people ask about bath mats & rugs
- What is the difference between a bath mat and a bath rug?
- People often use the words interchangeably. In general, a bath mat is thinner and more functional, made to soak up water outside the tub, while a bath rug is plusher and more decorative. Either makes a good gift if it fits the space and washes easily.
- Is a bath mat a good Christmas gift for a new homeowner?
- Yes, especially paired with towels or other bathroom basics. New homeowners often move in with worn or mismatched textiles, so a soft, washable mat in a neutral colour is useful right away and easy to fit into whatever style they choose.
- How do I choose the right size bath mat?
- Measure the open floor in front of the tub or shower and at the sink. The mat should cover where feet land without running under the vanity or bunching against the wall. If you can't measure, a standard medium size usually fits most bathrooms.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All bath mats & rugs picks
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