Usually they try to lay the floors in the bathroom with tiles - it’s both beautiful and functional, and it doesn’t care about any dirt. The only “but”: it’s easy to slip on bare tiles and, even after performing all the miracles of balancing act, fall onto the same hard surface. Therefore, for the sake of your own safety, it won’t hurt to “dilute” all this laconic beauty with something soft and non-slip. It is best to use a small rug placed at the foot of the bathtub or shower stall. Moreover, there will be no problems with choosing this accessory - the modern range of rugs is huge.
Basic functions and requirements
The bathroom is a room with high humidity, so the main requirement for items used in it is moisture resistance. Rugs are no exception to the rule.
Some housewives use door mats for these purposes, believing that if they can withstand moisture from shoes, then they will withstand moisture in the bathroom. This, of course, is a completely wrong approach, since it does not take into account the temperature difference and the time of wet exposure.
The second requirement for bathroom rugs is that they should not slip. This is especially true for children who often play in inappropriate places and can easily get injured.
Simple care also plays an important role. It is very good if the accessory you choose can be easily washed in a washing machine.
The bath mat should quickly absorb moisture. Who likes to stand on a wet surface when taking a bath or shower? In addition, it should be soft and give your feet a pleasant feeling, retain its original shape well, not be afraid of stains from household chemicals, and maintain the overall style of the room.
It would seem that what a small accessory, but how many requirements it must meet. But that's not all! There are a number of additional functions that rugs can perform. For example, foot massage, which is so beneficial for the body. If you purchase a silicone mat with an uneven surface in the form of villi, bumps or suction cups, you will receive a therapeutic effect from its use every day completely free of charge.
There are also special children's bath mats, which additionally play an educational role in the development of the child. They can be printed with letters, numbers, animals, objects - it all depends on the age category.
Classification by purpose
So, according to their purpose, there are two groups of rugs:
- For laying on the floor. They are necessary to prevent walking barefoot on a cold tiled floor. In addition, they protect against the risk of slipping, since ceramic floor tiles become very slippery when exposed to water. Another function that rugs placed on the floor perform is to decorate the interior. To see how he can transform a bathroom, it’s worth looking at photos of finished bathroom interiors.
- For laying on the bottom of a shower tray or bathtub. Used to reduce the risk of injury when taking water procedures. The bottom of the bathtub and tray is very smooth, making it easy to slip on.
Advice! It is especially important to purchase anti-slip mats when bathing children and the elderly. But even if there are no elderly people or children in the family, the use of such accessories will increase the safety of using the bathroom.
Materials
The choice of material from which rugs are made is extensive.
Acrylic
Acrylic mats with a rubberized or silicone base meet all the necessary requirements. But when purchasing them, you should carefully consider the composition. The best accessories are those that contain polyester. Its presence in the composition is considered optimal in the amount of 15%. It is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of a special coating that prevents the development of fungi. Rugs made from this material are inexpensive and their range is very large.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene mats are less popular due to the small number of color options. This does not mean, however, that there are no worthy specimens among them.
Rubber
Rubber is also used in the production of bath mats and not only as a base. All rubber accessories with a rough surface are available. They are durable, easy to care for and safe. You can also take them with you when visiting a swimming pool or public shower.
But most often, rubber is used to produce anti-slip mats placed directly on the bottom of a bathtub or shower stall. For families with children or elderly people, this is a very necessary purchase. Often such mats combine massage functions; there is even a special hydromassage bath mat with a Jacuzzi effect.
PVC
Another modern material that is not afraid of high humidity and temperature changes is PVC . It undergoes a special antibacterial treatment, so it is not afraid of fungus and mold, is easy to use and durable. Bath mats made from this material are also available in roll form, so they can be easily adjusted to fit the size of any bathroom. They are cheap and in great demand.
Cotton
Cotton is a favorite material for connoisseurs of naturalness. It is very pleasant to the touch. And the longer the pile of such rugs, the better operational and tactile properties they have.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another natural material that, moreover, has antibacterial properties and absorbs moisture well. A bamboo rug will fit perfectly into a Japanese-style bathroom.
You can also find fabric rugs, which, by the way, are easy to make with your own hands - remember your grandmother’s knitted rugs.
The most expensive material is polyester (or microfiber), which is cut into small threads. Rugs made from it are beautiful, soft, can withstand washing in the harshest conditions, and are also treated with an antibacterial compound.
There are also more exotic types of materials, such as moss or wood. In the production of bathroom rugs, one type of material is rarely used. More often they are combined with each other to fully meet the needs of the room.
Rugs for different areas
The bathroom can be divided into dry and wet zones.
The area near the washbasin is considered dry, and the area near the bathtub is considered wet. When choosing rugs, you need to take this factor into account.
Rugs for a dry area should, first of all, not ride up or slide; they should be warm, pleasant to the touch, and easy to care for. The best option is cotton. The thick and long pile of a cotton rug will give a pleasant sensation and a light massage effect for the feet and will not lose its original appearance after washing in the machine.
Rattan and bamboo rugs also work well here. Rattan requires special antibacterial and water-repellent treatment, and bamboo itself has the ability to absorb moisture.
The use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mats in dry areas is also justified due to their anti-slip properties and ease of use.
Polyester rugs are similar to cotton products, but they have additional antibacterial properties, so they will also look good near the washbasin.
Rubber, non-slip mats are best for the area near the bathroom. When taking a bath or shower, you can place a small woven mat on top of it, which can then be easily washed in the machine.
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It is not recommended to lay absorbent mats in wet areas. Due to the large amount of moisture that has reached them, they require a long time to dry, which means that high humidity will remain in the room longer. If there is no good ventilation, this can cause mold to appear in the bathroom.
Varieties
All carpets come in 2 types:
- On the floor. The rug is placed on the floor so that it can be stepped on when leaving the bath. It prevents you from slipping, making the bathing process more comfortable.
- To the bath. Placed in the bathroom itself. It makes the bathing process safer.
A carpet for a bathroom should be chosen based on the dimensions of the room, shower or bathtub (taking into account where it will be located).
There are special models for children. The only way they differ from adult products is their appearance. Models can have bright colors and beautiful designs.
Also, all rugs, regardless of location, are cut and rolled. The choice is based on personal preference. Each model requires special care. The mat must be washed and dried every day after bathing.
If the mat is placed in the bathtub, it must be frequently cleaned of any hair that gets into it. Products with suction cups provide maximum reliability and will not slip during bathing.
There are mats with additional functions, such as heating. Orthopedic models have a massage function.
Color selection
The appearance of the bath mat, including its color, is of no small importance. It is the color scheme that creates a person’s emotional mood. Choose accessories of a color that does not tire you, creates a positive mood and is most comfortable to perceive. A sunny yellow rug will make a blue bathroom warmer and more cheerful. Amazing patterns will highlight the taste of the owners of the room. The main thing when choosing a color is to consider its combination with other shades available in the room. Designers do not recommend using more than three colors at the same time - keep this in mind when purchasing.
Color spectrum
Material isn't everything. In order for the product to perform a decorative function, you need to choose a suitable palette. You can go this way:
- Choose a rug to match the tone of the bathroom cladding. The accessory will fit into the overall style and look harmonious.
- Purchase a product that is strikingly different in color from the main interior of the room. In this case, the rug will become a bright accent. Other accessories are selected to match it - soap dishes, toothbrush holders, hooks, shelves.
The color scheme depends on the style of the interior. For example, for a classic bathroom it is better to choose a neutral palette. Plain rugs fit best in minimalist rooms, while accessories with patterns of shells or stones are suitable for a Mediterranean interior.
Important! You should not choose rugs in light colors. The product will quickly get dirty and lose its presentability.
Shape selection
The choice of the shape of a bathroom rug depends on the size of the room and how full it is. In spacious rooms, it is possible to cover the entire floor area with one large carpet, emphasizing the overall style. A set of several floor coverings will look no less harmonious. There will be one for each area of the bathroom. In small rooms, sometimes one small rug is enough.
Selection rules:
- The shape can be any: rectangular, square, round or oval. It should support the general lines of the interior.
- If there is an oval bathtub in the center of the room, it is better to choose the same rug.
- The ceiling has smooth rounded lines - the shape of the carpet will be round. There are many niches and corners in the bathroom - choose rectangular or square.
- An original rug in the shape of paws, flowers, and animal skins will help create a unique color in the interior.
Dimensions
Manufacturers offer products of different lengths and widths, so you can choose a model for a bathroom of any size. Standard sizes are 70x120 and 100x100 cm. Such accessories are considered the most versatile.
Mini bath mats are compact. Their sizes are 50x50 and 50x70 cm. These models are designed for small rooms in which the use of large accessories visually narrows the space. In addition, mini format models are suitable for combined bathrooms. You can choose a rug for each functional area.
Care, washing
Most bathroom accessories are designed taking into account the specifics of the room and do not require maintenance. Depending on the degree of contamination, they need to be cleaned once a month or quarterly. Almost all modern rugs can safely be washed and spun in automatic machines. Rugs with thicker and longer piles sometimes require additional spinning.
Floor coverings with a rubber base are an exception, as a thick base can cause damage to the washing machine drum.
Silicone, rubber and PVC mats are also recommended to be cleaned by hand using a brush and soap.
A high-quality rug, if properly cared for, will delight you with its softness and warmth for years to come. Happy purchasing!
Accessory design options
When choosing a bath mat, the appearance of the product is key. Most often, a rug is chosen in the same color palette as the facing material. Merging with the overall style, such an “island” looks very harmonious.
A winning combination can be obtained by choosing the “reverse” option, using polar colors in the design of the space
As for shape and pattern, simple geometric patterns and natural motifs remain in favor. Marine themes never go out of fashion: algae and shells, starfish and other underwater inhabitants.
In a room dominated by the water element, rugs whose contours resemble fancy fish or sleeping crocodiles fit organically. A logical addition here would be a rug in the shape of a blot, imitating a spilled puddle of water of the appropriate shade.
The decor of products, depending on the high cost of the materials used or the complexity of production, largely determines the cost of finished accessories. They can be decorated with embroidery, applique, and tassels.
When planning to decorate the space in front of a bathtub or shower stall in a room where little fidgets take water treatments every day, you should give preference to products of bright colors and unusual shapes.
Children's bath mats can be equipped with elements separately attached to the base on the front side and anti-slip notches on the back
In addition to their attractive appearance, children's bath mats with removable elements help develop fine motor skills, turning being in the bathroom into an exciting game.
Bathroom rugs, all existing types and selection rules
Which mat to choose, rubber, acrylic, cotton “pasta”, heated or not? Whether to choose a set, buyers in specialized stores often face these questions and others. Not surprising - the choice is really large, and it’s difficult to settle on something. First of all, you want to choose a beautiful rug that will decorate the bathroom, but you should not put this criterion in the first place.
Why is it needed?
In addition to aesthetics, this type of coating performs a number of important functions. Firstly, they make the bathroom safer: humidity makes the room slippery, and after bathing you can slip and fall. There are a lot of hard finishing materials in the bathroom; such a fall can lead to serious consequences.
Secondly, it saves time on cleaning. After bathing, stepping on the floor with wet feet, we leave wet marks on the tiles. When you step on the rug, the moisture goes into it, which means there will be no marks left on the floor.
Not everyone has heated floors in their bathrooms, and standing on cold tiles is not pleasant. A small warm rug near the bathroom and toilet can solve this problem. And what’s also important is creating the style of the bathroom. Rugs perfectly complement the interior and almost always fit into it.
Embossed design
Variety of colors
How to choose the right one
There are criteria by which you need to choose a coating. An incorrectly selected rug can create a lot of trouble for residents and will quickly deteriorate.
The rug should be:
- dense;
- non-slip;
- quick-drying or moisture-resistant;
- withstand high and low temperatures;
- should be easy to wash.
Bathroom rugs that slide on the floor are more dangerous than a floor without rugs. A coating that takes a long time to dry contributes to the appearance of fungus in the bathroom, which will quickly spread throughout the room - including foot fungus. Rugs that are not resistant to temperature changes may tear after the first wash.
From pebbles
Collection
Terry and wooden products
PVC
Long pile
When choosing a set, you need to remember that around the sink and toilet, the rugs usually get dirty faster. Therefore, you should not stop with light-colored options with long pile - they will be difficult to care for. Ideal and most suitable colors: brown, beige, blue, burgundy. A set of rugs is more suitable for large bathrooms.
Two sides of the bathroom rug
It is important to look not only at the soft covering, but also at the bottom. The rubberized or silicone bottom ensures that the mat does not slip and is firmly attached to the floor. But moisture can accumulate under the coating, so the bottom should be impregnated with an antibacterial composition.
Quite often, bath and toilet mats are attached to the floor using special suction cups. If you decide to choose this option, then it is important to check the quality of these same suction cups before purchasing. Cheap ones tend to attach the mat insecurely to the floor and also promote the spread of germs. Also, suction cups are often not resistant to chemicals used to clean bathroom surfaces and will quickly lose their properties.
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An important part of the rug is the top cover. Today there are many options, both natural and synthetic. Everyone chooses a covering suitable for their feet, on which they will stand after bathing. All materials have strengths and weaknesses that you need to pay attention to in order to choose the right rug or set for your home.
Cork
Pebbles
PVC
Rubber
Silicone
Rubber and PVC
Rubber is a fairly common and cheap option for the bathroom. Today, this type of rug is no longer as popular as before, as more beautiful and practical options have appeared. In addition, you rarely see any unusual design, for example, round rubber mats.
They adhere to the floor more reliably than others, and it is almost impossible to slip on them. In addition, they are quite easy to care for and can be washed with a regular cloth.
Today, manufacturers add special fragrances to such products to get rid of the smell. It would be a good idea to add antimicrobial components so that the coating does not cause fungus to appear. Rubber mats can withstand high temperatures and can be used on heated floors.
Bright colors
In the form of an animal
View from both sides
Anti-slip mat
Various colors
The color range of rugs is varied, but more often they are quite bright colors: blue, red, green. Therefore, this option may not fit into a “classic” bathroom.
High quality rubber mats:
- do not have a pungent odor;
- without small cracks;
- without pieces of rubber around the edges;
- do not leave paint marks.
The bottom of such a mat is either completely made of rubber or has rubber suction cups. This bedding does not absorb moisture; it is advisable to dry it after bathing. Also, if several people live in a house or apartment, it is necessary to periodically disinfect it to avoid the spread of foot fungus.
Another disadvantage of the rug is its rather hard surface. Not everyone chooses this type of suction pad as they are looking for more pleasant materials for their feet.
Their PVC version will be the least durable: rugs of this type are made in the likeness of “slats”, which can become detached from each other during use. PVC does not absorb moisture, but can cause fungus to appear in the bathroom. After bathing, the litter must be dried. Despite this, the rug does not slip and adheres firmly to the floor, quite pleasant for the feet.
PVC mats are sold in rolls of different widths. This is quite convenient - you can choose the appropriate option according to the size of the bathroom and create a set yourself from individual pieces. Also today, any design can be applied to PVC, and with sufficient quality so that it does not lose its brightness for many years. Over time, the image fades, so it is advisable to choose neutral colors: brown, beige, light blue or blue.
Acrylic
The most popular and inexpensive option today. They dry quickly, are pleasant to the touch for the feet, and a special antibacterial impregnation prevents the formation of fungus. The bottom of this mat is made of silicone or rubber, which prevents slipping.
Acrylic rugs are very easy to wash, even in a washing machine. And thanks to their special structure, they dry in a few hours. Resistant to temperature changes, strong and durable, do not collect static electricity. Acrylic rugs come with short pile or long pile, “pasta” type, in any color: beige, white, black, red. They are often covered with various designs and geometric motifs.
Before purchasing, check whether the acrylic mat is well-painted. Run your hand over the pile - there should be no trace of paint left on your palm. Otherwise, the rug will stain your feet and fade during washing.
These rugs are practical, soft, and after a bath or shower it’s nice to stand on them with your bare feet. A variety of colors allows you to choose the appropriate option or set for your bathroom.
Microfiber
The material has long been used in the manufacture of household sponges and rags. It dries quickly, prevents bacteria from spreading, and does not absorb odors. A microfiber bath mat is a great option if you don’t have time to wash the rugs. In terms of durability, microfiber is not inferior to other materials; it is quite difficult to tear or stretch. Typically, mats are sold with a special lining that prevents slipping. A set of such coverings will significantly reduce the time spent cleaning the bathroom.
The only negative is that microfiber is not temperature resistant. There are points that need to be taken into account when using a rug:
- microfiber cannot be dried on a radiator or in direct sunlight;
- cannot be used on heated floors;
- It is advisable not to crumple or fold wet microfiber bath mats.
A microfiber bath mat is an option that is not suitable for all rooms.
Natural materials
A wooden mat has the properties necessary for a bathroom: it absorbs moisture, dries quickly, and is easy to clean. They are quite heavy, which is why they do not slide on the floor.
In terms of design, this option is not suitable for all rooms, but for lovers of natural materials it is a wonderful solution. There are different colors - dark, beige, white, even red. However, after use, it is necessary to wipe the floor under such a rug. It is important that the wood is impregnated with a special composition that prevents rotting . Also make sure that the surface is smooth and free of chips, otherwise you may get a splinter after swimming.
An equally interesting option is rugs made of stones. Small polished stones that provide a pleasant foot massage will not leave you indifferent. They do not stain or fade, and it is almost impossible to break such a rug. Pebbles are rarely painted, so an unusual rug is usually white, gray or beige, less often yellow.
The stones are firmly glued to the rubber or silicone surface, so the mat will not slip. You won't fall after swimming either, since the pebbles don't become slippery after getting wet. These rugs are specific. Not everyone likes foot massage, but prefers soft “pasta,” and besides, the stones are quite cold. But lovers of natural details in the interior will like this option. Stone rugs are made rectangular, less often - square and round.
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ECO rugs:
- durable;
- do not cause allergic reactions;
- safe.
Another wonderful option for lovers of natural materials is cotton rugs. They are soft, beautiful, and have antibacterial properties. It is also important that they do not collect static electricity at all.
The bottom of these rugs is made of rubber or silicone; they will not slip. Rugs can be washed in a washing machine, but in special modes.
The design of such coatings is made in neutral colors: beige, white, brown. You won’t find any fancy shapes for such a product—cotton rugs are often rectangular, square, or round. A set of cotton rugs is not the best option, since the floor near the sink or toilet requires stronger materials.
“Pasta” or “noodle” rugs are made from cotton for bathrooms. They are distinguished by their elongated pile, which is pleasant to step on with bare feet. Soft “pasta” contrasts with hard surfaces in the bathroom and creates a cozy atmosphere. When choosing, pay attention to the length of the pile: it is easier to care for a short one.
Which option is best
Each material has pros and cons. You need to choose based on your own preferences and check the quality of execution. To finally decide which rug to choose, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the comparison table.
| Mat material | Antibacterial properties | Price, rubles | Strength | Absorbs moisture | Heat resistance |
| Rubber | Not always | From 200 | Average | No | Average |
| PVC | No | From 70 | Average | No | Average |
| Acrylic | Yes | From 500 | High | Yes | High |
| Microfiber | Yes | From 700 | Average | Yes | Low |
| Cotton | Yes | From 600 | Average | Yes | Average |
| Tree | Not always | From 300 | High | Yes | Average |
| Stone | No | From 600 | High | No | High |
Heated
This type of rugs is worth mentioning separately. The bath mat is made using infrared film, which heats up quickly, is moisture-resistant, strong and durable. The bottom of the heated mat is made of heat-resistant rubber; inside there is a layer with a heat-reflecting screen. They heat up to a comfortable temperature and do not burn your feet.
The heated mats are plugged into a regular outlet. On top - acrylic, cotton or any other heat-resistant material. You can rarely find heated “pasta” carpets - long pile takes a long time to dry. In other cases, moisture evaporates quite quickly due to high temperatures. In terms of color, it is better to choose beige, blue, red, and avoid white and blue: as such a rug dries, stains may appear.
Many people are afraid to put this type of rug in the bathroom because of the high humidity. Heated floor mats are really rarely used in such rooms. It is important to choose a quality mat designed specifically for the bathroom rather than a generic heated mat for living spaces.
Size and shape
There are many types of carpets available in stores. For a bathroom, the carpet should be small and occupy up to 75% of the area. It is better to choose a set with separate rugs near the bath, toilet and washbasin - they are much easier to wash. It is always better to choose rugs for the bathroom and toilet in the same color scheme and from the same material.
In small bathrooms it is better not to use more than two carpets - this can visually reduce the space. Round rugs are not the best option for small spaces. It is advisable that the set be in dark colors, since rugs near the toilet and sink get dirty faster. Also, if people at home do not always take off their shoes when entering, it is better to buy rubber sets, which are easier to clean.
Cotton “pasta” should be small, as their long pile can collect dust and hair. This type of carpet takes longer to dry, so it is more practical to use a small rug in the bathroom. Round rugs of this type look most impressive, especially in large areas.
Which color to choose
The color scheme and design of rugs in the bathroom is a purely individual matter. Much depends on the size of the room and its style. In “classic” bathrooms, neutral colors are often used: beige, brown, gray. Also, a beige rug is well suited for a “marine” style room, as its color resembles sand on the beach.
A bath mat in turquoise, red or other bright colors will perfectly highlight a discreet bathroom. You can add one small detail of this color to the room: towels, soap holder, flower pot. Or choose a set of rugs of the same color and texture. If there are children in the family, then a rug with a bright pattern or an unusual shape would be a good option. But then it is important to make sure that the rug is as safe as possible.
When choosing the right color, it is important:
- do not choose too light shades;
- check whether the carpet is dyed properly;
- When purchasing several floor coverings for a bathroom, choose rugs of the same color and texture.
Mat that changes color when in contact with water
