Jae Hyung Lee, Seong Hun Kim, Kwang Ju Lee, Dae Young Lim, Han Yong Jeon. Determining the absorption properties of split-type microfiber fabrics by measuring the change in color depth. Textile Research Journal. 2004;74(3):271-278. doi:10.1177/0040517504074003 Frontgate's Bath Rug is our favorite bath mat design we've tested. It offered the best of both worlds with a visually pleasing design and high-end construction. Earning perfect scores in all of our testing categories, it stands out because of its appearance, absorbency, feel, and care requirements. We spent 20 hours researching the most highly rated bath mats available in various styles and interviewed experts in home and bathroom design to gather a great understanding of standout bath mat designs. Based on this research, we selected 13 options to try firsthand in The Lab. Each mat was evaluated for how it looked, felt, and held up after multiple showers and laundry cycles. We then rated each bath mat based on design, comfort, ease of washing, and overall value. Those with the highest scores were selected for this roundup. Zhao H, et al. Bamboo and rattan: Nature-based solutions for sustainable development. Innovation (Camb). 2022 Oct 14;3(6):100337. doi:10.1016/j.xinn.2022.100337 When shopping for a bath mat, one of the most important things to consider is size. Make sure you get a design small enough to fit comfortably in your bathroom but also large enough to be functional and not just decorative. "Think about your space and how you'll use it," says Baker. "Would a long runner be nice in the space, or perhaps two smaller mats?"

A reliable bath mat is more than just a cozy underfoot accessory for your bathroom floor. These mats absorb excess water and prevent slipping when climbing out of your tub or shower. Plus, they add style to your bathroom if you're in a pinch with a smaller hall bath. Of course, finding the right bath mat for your space and style requires more consideration than simply selecting the softest option at your local home store. "Make sure your selections are washable, and always buy the best quality your budget will allow," says textile expert Saana Baker of The Textile Eye. "After that comes the fun part: aesthetics!"