As a rule, the floor in the bathroom is covered with ceramic tiles. Therefore, it is not entirely comfortable to touch it with bare feet. To make it more pleasant when walking, it is worth considering the presence of not only a beautiful, but also a practical rug.
In fact, rugs perform several functions simultaneously:
- aesthetics, create a cozy and attractive appearance,
- safety, as they are used in a damp room and the tiles become slippery,
- savings in terms of cleaning, no wet footprints left on the floor,
- comfort, because standing on a tiled floor is unpleasant, even if it is heated,
- stylishness, thanks to the wide selection you can choose a model that suits your interior.
A variety of options for bath mats are presented in the photo.
Differences between the top and bottom of the rugs
When choosing rugs for the bathroom and toilet, you should pay attention not only to the upper part, but also to the lower part. If the bottom is covered with a silicone or rubber layer, the product will be non-slip on the floor. However, moisture may collect under it, which means it is necessary to saturate the bottom with an antibacterial agent.
If there are suction cups on the bottom, you should choose fairly high-quality anti-slip mats, which means they are more expensive in price.
The upper part can be made of natural materials or synthetics. Here everyone is free to choose what they like. But given that all materials have both strengths and weaknesses.
Variety of shapes and colors
This small but very important accessory can radically change the entire bathroom interior. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, look through photos of bathroom rugs in catalogs and design magazines - this will help you not to get lost in the variety of colors and shapes of the products.
For example, a rectangular rug with high pile is more suitable for a spacious room, while a round or oval rug will fit well into the interior of a standard small bathroom.
As for colors, the modern market offers a great variety of options: from simple, simple colors to chic designer patterns.
PVC and rubber mats
The most affordable option is a rubber mat. But today it has long lost its popularity, giving way to more modern models. However, they are more reliable, anti-slip and easy to clean.
Various fragrances used in production eliminate odor, and antimicrobial agents prevent fungus from multiplying. In addition, the mats can withstand high temperatures. The choice of colors is quite wide.
Models made of PVC material are not used for so long, as they consist of slats. In addition, PVC does not have the ability to absorb moisture, which can result in the formation of fungus. After use, it should be dried. It does not slip and adheres tightly to the floor surface. Pleasant to the touch.
Mat material
One of the most important criteria for choosing a bathroom rug is the material from which it is made. On the one hand, it should be soft and pleasant to the touch to provide comfort to your legs. On the other hand, it dries quickly and is easy to use. In order to choose the most suitable option, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of all possible options.
Acrylic mats
This material is actively used in the manufacture of floor coverings for shower rooms. This is a synthetic fiber that has moisture-repellent characteristics. Acrylic is a soft and pleasant to the touch material, which ensures comfortable use. In addition, acrylic rugs have the following features:
- Water repellent properties . The material does not absorb excess moisture, due to which the mat dries quickly.
- Resistance to low and high temperatures. The material does not deform during temperature changes and does not lose color during washing.
- Wide variety of colors. Acrylic rugs can be of bright colors, which allows you to diversify the interior of the bathroom.
It would seem that this is an ideal option for arranging a bathroom, but there are a number of important recommendations for choosing and using acrylic rugs:
- The composition must contain at least 85% acrylic .
- Acrylic rugs should be washed at a temperature no higher than 30°, without spinning. Otherwise, it may lose its properties and become deformed.
- The floor covering should have a rubberized or silicone base to prevent slipping.
- High-quality models of acrylic rugs must be treated with an antifungal solution , which is very important in conditions of high humidity.
Cotton rugs
Cotton flooring can be long or short pile. This is a pleasant-to-touch material that has the following properties :
- Excellent moisture absorption. This is a “breathable” material, due to which the mat does not collect unpleasant odors.
- Does not cause an allergic reaction. This is a natural material, making it absolutely safe for allergy sufferers.
- Takes a long time to dry. A cotton rug does not remove household stains well, and it also takes a long time to dry, which can lead to the spread of fungus.
If you have chosen a cotton bath mat, then it is better to purchase two sets for your bathroom. This will allow you to maintain coziness and comfort in the bathroom while one of the sets dries.
Microfiber mats
The soft floor covering with long pile is very popular with both demanding consumers and children. The reverse side of these mats is made of silicone. This option has the following characteristics:
- Absorbs moisture . The coating perfectly absorbs moisture and allows air to pass through.
- The material is not resistant to high temperatures . Under the influence of vapors, microfiber loses its softness, color, and also becomes electrified.
- Short service life. Over time, microfiber loses its properties, and therefore the mat should be replaced.
A microfiber mat does not tolerate high temperatures , it cannot be washed frequently , and it cannot be placed on a heated floor. Cleaning of the coating can only be done in cold water with the addition of a soap solution.
Rubber anti-slip
This is one of the most popular and affordable options. They can come in a variety of colors and shapes. There is an option for laying on the floor, as well as for placement at the bottom of a bathtub or shower. Their purpose is to ensure safety, which is why they are purchased for children. Features of rubber mats include:
- Absolute resistance to moisture . The coating does not deform under the influence of water or vapor. It can be installed on the bottom of the bathroom as an anti-slip element (if there are special suction cups), without worrying about it losing color or shape under the influence of water.
- Multifunctionality. This cover can also be used as a foot massager.
- The need to dry after each use of the bathroom. To avoid the appearance of fungus, the coating should be dried frequently.
- Does not require special cleaning conditions . If the rubber coating becomes dirty, it can be easily cleaned quickly without much effort.
Rubber mats are hard, which is why they are not suitable for those who prefer soft, more comfortable options.
PVC mats
This is an affordable and fairly simple flooring option for showers. Such rugs fit perfectly onto the tiles, do not slip and are pleasant on the feet. The characteristics of PVC products for the bathroom include the following properties:
- Does not absorb moisture. This can cause fungus to appear, and also causes a lot of inconvenience during operation, due to the need for drying after each use of the bathroom.
- Short-lived . The coating quickly becomes unusable, which makes it necessary to select a new option.
- Unresistant to high temperatures. They should not be placed on heated floors or dried on radiators, as they may become deformed.
- Easily cleaned from household dirt . If stains appear on the coating, it can be easily cleaned in the shower.
- They are light in weight. The PVC mat is very lightweight and does not require much effort to place or clean.
When purchasing a PVC mat, it is important to remember that it takes a long time to dry, therefore, it is better to purchase two options at once for replacement during the washing or drying process.
Heated
A separate category of innovative mats is made of heat-resistant rubber, infrared film and heat-reflecting screen. These rugs are durable, strong and resistant to moisture.
The covering is plugged into a power outlet, heats up to a comfortable temperature and retains heat for some time. Such a coating can be made of various heat-resistant materials, such as acrylic, cotton. The heated mat has the following properties:
- Reduces indoor humidity levels . This prevents the possibility of mold or mildew forming.
- Low energy consumption . Due to the fact that film heating is involved in the manufacture of the coating, it is not the air that is heated, but the body and objects located on it.
- Fast heating . In just 15 minutes the coating warms up to the desired temperature.
- Long service life. The warranty period for warm paths is 15 years.
When choosing a heated mat for the bathroom, pay attention to beige, blue and red options; these colors will be more practical than white and blue. During the drying process, stains remain on the white or blue base.
When deciding to purchase this type of coating, you should pay attention to the fact that it is designed specifically for bathrooms. A heated mat for ordinary rooms is not suitable for rooms with high levels of humidity.
Wooden
Products made from ECO materials are very popular; they fit perfectly into any interior, as well as being practical and durable.
Wooden rugs are often found in bathhouses, less often in bathrooms of houses and apartments. The material perfectly absorbs moisture, dries quickly, is easy to clean and fits perfectly into the interior of the bathroom. When choosing such a rug, you should pay attention to:
- Availability of special impregnation. The coating must be treated with a special solution that will protect the material from rotting.
- No chips . Lovers of natural materials mistakenly believe that the ideal product option is the absence of a protective coating. In fact, such coatings can become dangerous due to the likelihood of chips and cracks.
- The need to wipe the floor. After each use of the bathroom, the floor must be wiped under the mat.
When choosing a rug made of wood, it is worth remembering that it is heavy, which may cause inconvenience in cleaning it.
Pebble rug
This coating will appeal to all connoisseurs of natural details in the interior. These mats do not slip because small pebbles are attached to a rubber or silicone base. It is very hard, which not everyone will like. When deciding to purchase such coverage, it is important to remember that:
- The pebbles are cold to the touch. After taking a hot bath, stepping on a cold and hard rug is not entirely pleasant.
- Functions as a foot massager. Eco-material has a beneficial effect on human health.
You can make your own pebble covering. To do this you will need a rubber mat, water-repellent glue and pebbles.
Bamboo mats
Paths made from environmentally friendly materials are always in trend. They fit perfectly into the interior, are durable and easy to use. When characterizing bamboo mats, it is worth considering their properties in more detail:
- Moisture absorption . The material perfectly absorbs excess moisture without changing its qualities.
- Antimicrobial impregnation. To avoid the appearance of fungus and mold, the paths are impregnated with special compounds.
- Durability . The bamboo coating is wear-resistant, which will allow it to be used for many years.
- Variety of colors. Bamboo is painted with a variety of water-repellent paints, which allows you to choose the most unique option for arranging your bathroom.
Moss rugs
Perhaps this is the most unusual, but original coating for the bathroom. Moss tolerates high moisture and temperature changes well, which is why the vegetation fits perfectly into the shower room. Plastasol is used as the basis for this coating. This is a material that does not contain harmful substances, which is why it is an ideal option for making “living” rugs. This unique bathroom accessory has the following properties :
- Excellent absorbency . Moss perfectly absorbs excess moisture, which helps prevent the appearance of mold and mildew in the bathroom.
- No additional care. This type of coating does not require any maintenance; all it needs is moisture.
- Pleasant to the touch. The soft moss is pleasant to step on, especially after taking a hot bath.
- Oxygen saturation. This coating has excellent bactericidal properties and also fills the air with oxygen.
When purchasing a moss rug, it is important to remember that it is not intended for intensive use. This coating is more suitable for interior decoration.
Acrylic rugs from IKEA
Acrylic rug models are the most popular, in demand and affordable. They are pleasant to the touch, dry quickly, easy to clean, antibacterial, anti-slip, resistant to temperature changes, durable, long-lasting, antistatic. The top of the rugs can be with short or long pile of various colors.
Which rug to choose for the toilet?
One of the most common, anti-slip, moisture-resistant mats is a rubber toilet mat. They are available in two versions: with lint and without lint. The first option is more aesthetically pleasing, pleasant to the touch, and dries easily when wet. The second, lint-free version, is less convenient, but very practical, the corrugated surface does not slip, it is easy to wash and dry. A rug is especially practical in a family where there are elderly people and small children.
Popular toilet mats are made of microfiber - they are soft, warm, durable and quite durable. Made from synthetic, antibacterial fiber, it quickly absorbs water and dries quickly, and due to its low price, such a mat is in demand among consumers. Such products are produced in the form of rolls, so the size can be easily selected according to the size of the room.
When choosing a toilet mat, you should also pay attention to its shape - a product with a cutout for a toilet or other sanitary unit, for example, a “tulip”, which will optimally fit into the space of the room, looks organic and beautiful.
Microfiber mats
This material has long been known to everyone and is used in the production of rags and sponges. It has a wide range of advantages similar to acrylic, except for resistance to temperature influences.
Such products cannot be dried in the sun or radiator, used on a heated floor, crumpled or bent. Mat sets will reduce cleaning time.
Photos of bathroom rugs
In the gallery below you can see images of products of various types, shapes, sizes and colors in rooms with different interiors. This will allow you to clearly see that ordinary rugs can become a bright and practical decor.
Heated mats
This model of bath mat appeared recently, but is already loved by many. For its production, infrared film is used, since it heats up well in a short period of time, is moisture-resistant, durable and has a long service life.
The bottom of the mat is equipped with a heat-resistant rubber layer and contains a heat-reflecting screen inside. The mat plugs into a standard outlet. For the bathroom you should use only high-quality products designed for wet areas.
All materials are good in their own way, but which one you like best is a matter of taste and personal preference.
How to choose?
How to choose the right bath mats? There are a number of criteria that will help you choose the best option. These include:
- density. A quality product must be dense. It will be soft to the touch;
- non-slip base. This requirement acts as a defense. When in contact with the tiled surface, the sliding force is reduced;
- moisture-resistant and quick-drying materials. Prolonged humidity provokes the growth of pathogenic mold and harmful fungi. Contact with the skin of the feet increases the risk of contracting a fungal infection.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages and disadvantages of a particular bath mat depend on the composition of the material and the technology used in its manufacture. In the most general form, the main advantages of different types of products include:
- the presence of anti-slip elements;
- a large assortment;
- durability;
- breathability;
- moisture resistance.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the increased requirements for care.
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
From old things
When tidying up your closet, don’t throw away clothes that have served their purpose – jeans and T-shirts. They are useful for creating a rug that can be placed in the bathroom or shower.
The photo shows an elegant oval-shaped rug made from old clothes.
Materials and tools
To work you will need:
- Cotton T-shirts.
- Scissors.
- Sewing machine.
- Needle for knitwear.
How to do it yourself?
Let's start creating a practical decoration for the bathroom:
- Making yarn from a T-shirt. To do this, cut it as shown in the photo. First we remove the top and bottom parts, then we make cuts without reaching the edge of the canvas. Cut the remaining part diagonally and get a continuous thread:
- We make a long braid of three threads, sewing it on both edges.
- We measure the length of the product and wrap the braid clockwise.
- We sew the braids with a zigzag. At the beginning of the braid, make a fold under the next layer and turn it again. Sew it together.
- In this way we increase the rug to the required diameter.
