
The best thing about small rooms? A simple swap is all it takes to create a whole new look. If you're looking to give your bathroom a much-needed refresh, there's no need to break out the paint rollers or start ripping up tiles—just lay down a splashy new bath mat and call it a day. (Adding a few cute new bathroom accessories helps, too.)
Whether you're a bath or shower person, adding a plush, absorbent rug to your decor is a simple upgrade. But shopping for a bath mat is far from easy when there are so many cute options to consider.
Start by measuring your bathroom to get a sense for the size you'll need. “Bath mats are a necessity when coming out of the shower or tub,” explains Vanessa Francis, an interior designer based in Milton, Ont. “I prefer bath mats that are like towels but smaller in size —similar to what you find in a hotel.”
Whether you’re browsing online or shopping in-store, seek out bath mats made with quick-drying materials, like cotton. “100 percent cotton is preferable, and if it’s Egyptian cotton or organic cotton even better," says Francis. "Egyptian cotton is softer whereas organic cotton is manufactured in a more sustainable way using less resources which is healthier for the planet."
Francis often avoids plush bath mats because they come with a non-stick latex backing and can't be placed in the dryer. “It’s much simpler to just toss the cotton towel ones into the washer and dryer,” she says.
Having a washable bath mat ensures ease when ridding your mat of budding mildew or mould. “[It is] very important because you are stepping onto it with clean feet,” says Francis. (A good rule of thumb: Wash your bath mat every two weeks.)
From cheeky slogans to colourful designs, we've rounded up a few of our top picks.
Silk & Snow Bath Mat, $64

Made of 100 percent Egyptian cotton, this classic terry bath mat from Toronto-based Silk & Snow comes in eight colours. It's machine washable and can be tumble dried.
Ruggable Bain Checkered Multicolor Bath Mat, $153

Like all Ruggables, this bath mat features a quick-drying rug cover attached to a non-slip bath mat. To wash, just detach the rug cover from the non-slip mat and toss in the washing machine. (Yes, this is a pricier option, but one of our editors—who has two big and often dirty dogs—swears by Ruggable and has washed hers a zillion times.)
Simons Turkish Cotton Bath Mat, $14

This affordable Turkish cotton bath mat comes in nine rich shades, including sunflower yellow, mossy green and burnt orange.
L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Bath Mat, from $79

This comfy, plush and absorbent cotton bath mat is available in two sizes and four muted colours. Despite its non-slip backing, it can still be machine washed and dried.

Step out of the shower and into a lush garden thanks to this cute monstera leaf bathroom rug. It features a non-slip latex base to keep it from slipping on wet bathroom floors and an absorbent microfibre upper. It's also machine washable.

This whimsical, colourful microfibre mat will instantly perk up your space. It’s machine washable on cold, but needs to be hung to dry.

Though the elaborate design looks delicate, this cotton bath mat is machine-washable on a cold cycle. We love the unusual shape and the soft, comfy high pile. It comes in five pretty hues, including blue, pink and cream.

This coquette bow-shaped cotton mat is the perfect way to add a soft feminine touch to a bathroom.
If pink doesn't work with your decor, opt for the blue or lavender option instead.

This zesty slice brings your favourite morning ritual into the bathroom. It's made from 100 percent recycled cotton, and can be machine washed on cold.

This peach-shaped, non-slip bath mat is a cheeky decor choice. It can be paired with matching peach-theme shower curtains to complete the look.

This stripped down design is ideal to bring a little whimsy to a neutral bathroom. It features a plush microfibre fabric that absorbs water and drips and has a non-slip backing to help it stay in place.

If you're looking for a fresh take on floral bathroom decor, we've found just the thing. This pattern has a graphic, modern quality that works in any space.
It's made from 100 percent recycled cotton and features a non-slip backing.
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Andréanne Dion is the senior editor, style, beauty and travel at Chatelaine. She is also a contributing editor at FASHION and Hello! Canada.