23 Bathroom Rug Ideas to Make You Rethink Your Space

Switching out your bathroom rugs is an easy and affordable way to infuse the space with personality. From flat-weave rugs to water-resistant rugs made from recycled synthetic fibers to padded memory foam bath mats, and colorful, patterned runners, there is a bathroom rug to suit any interior.

Below are some of our favorite styles of bathroom rugs, bath mats, and runners for primary bathrooms, guest baths, and powder rooms. These bathroom rug ideas for spaces both big and small will make a stylish statement whether you're a minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between.

Try a Vintage-Style Runner

If you can't find a vintage bathroom rug that you love, don't fret. True vintage rugs can often cost a pretty penny. However, note that there are many vintage-inspired pieces on the market that will do the trick just fine. Antique looking bathroom rugs are a big trend right now.

Contrast With Floor Tiles

If your bathroom features a bold floor tile pattern, you may wish to opt for a simpler rug to prevent things from appearing too busy. You can never go wrong with a classic white bath mat, particularly if your bathroom features a dominant white tile, like this space does.

Choose a Plush Mat

A plush Moroccan-inspired bath mat like this one will feel ultra soft under foot while adding major sophistication to your loo. We love how the piece here looks in this boho-style bathroom.

Brighten With Florals

Brighten up your mornings with a vibrant bath mat like this one. Florals will never cease to bring a smile to your face, no matter the season.

Choose the Right Size

If your bathroom features a large single or double vanity, make sure that you either purchase two smaller bath mats or go for a longer runner so that both people using your bathroom have somewhere soft to stand while brushing their teeth.

Pair White and Blue

This light blue bathroom is sweet and spa-like. Blue and white is a popular color combination in the bathroom; it's soothing and timeless.

Use Multiple Rugs

The more rugs, the merrier. If your bathroom has ample square footage, purchase a set of matching rugs and place one by the vanity and another by the shower. Little details like this will make all the difference in your space.

Go Natural With a Jute Rug

Jute rugs look excellent in so many rooms throughout the home. While we frequently see them in coastal-style spaces, they truly will shine no matter your aesthetic. Here, a round jute rug adds visual interest and texture to this bathroom. As a bonus, jute rugs are known for the durability; a piece like this one is ready to withstand plenty of wear and tear.

Try a Whimsical Motif

Who says the bathroom can't be cheery? This heart-themed bath mat adds a pleasant, romantic touch to this otherwise neutral space. It's a great way to add a bit of style and color to rental bathrooms as well.

Go for a Tonal Look

Bonus points if you perfectly coordinate your bath mat color to your vanity. This gray-blue hue is equal parts stylish and calming. Coordinating accessories like a nearby basket help to further tie this space together.

Go for an Eclectic Mix

If you love an eclectic look, by all means, embrace color and pattern all throughout the bathroom. This tile-effect vinyl rug is immediately eye-catching and adds extra life to this well-decorated space.

Try a Playful Shape

Go get 'em, tiger. This whimsical rug will please kids and adults alike and is certainly full of personality. It's minimal footprint makes it ideal for a small space, too. You definitely don't need much floor space to display a fun rug.

Choose Black and White

You can never go wrong with a black-and-white mat featuring a simple phrase. This one is perfect for a minimalist, contemporary bathroom.

Add a Woven Rug for Texture

A woven gray rug like this one adds instant comfort to any room. Look to your vanity countertops when choosing a hue to ensure that your entire bathroom appears cohesive.

Choose a Multicolored Rug

Why settle on just one bright color if you love them all? This geometric bath mat features various pinks and oranges that are full of energy.

Mix Color and Pattern

Sunshine will always be in the forecast when you opt for a peppy bath mat like this one. If you like a bit of a funky look, don't worry about matching your rug to your floor tile color. Sometimes, a little variety is exactly what your space needs.

Use Muted Hues

A soft Turkish rug adds instant beauty to this bathroom. Muted colors are always serene and elegant; paired with the lavender walls in this space, they look right at home.

Go Big With a Wide Bath Mat

Go big or go home. This oversized bath rug ensures that your feet will stay nice and cozy no matter where you step. It's also a great way to hide floors that you're less than jazzed about but are unable to change.

Go for Some Neutrals

If you're drawn to a black-and-white color scheme, there's no need to add vibrant hues into your space. Neutral lovers will appreciate this sleek bathroom, which boasts a long white runner.

Hide Stains With a Dark Rug

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a deep red color like this one is a smart choice if you're prone to spills, as it will easily camouflage stains on the daily. This also works well if you choose something with a busy pattern.

Try an Arched Shape

Choose a bathmat with an arched shape to break up the linear lines of a shower-tub combo. This bathmat combines bright color with a motivational message while mimicking the curves of the glass splash guard.

Use a Long Runner

Structure a galley-style bathroom with a large runner that will create a runway and bring the two sides together. Using a single rug rather than smaller rugs in a large space will keep the space from feeling cluttered.

Opt for Faux Fur

Throw practicality to the wind and choose a plush rug that will feel good underfoot. This New York City apartment bathroom includes a faux dyed sheepskin rug that adds warmth and flair to the black-and-white space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rugs do you put in a bathroom?

Choose a bathroom rug that is machine-washable to make it easier to clean and maintain. Low-pile or flat-weave rugs trap less dirt. Water-resistant synthetic rugs (look for those made from recycled materials) are a good choice for wet rooms or smaller bathrooms where splashed water is more of an issue. In a guest bathroom that won’t be exposed to as much water or wear and tear, feel free to choose any type of rug that you like.

Should you put a rug in front of the bathroom vanity?

Whether or not to put a rug or a runner in front of your bathroom vanity or sink is a matter of personal preference. Adding a rug in this high-traffic area can help protect hardwood bathroom flooring. It can warm up a cold tile floor while you brush your teeth barefoot. And it can give your bathroom a finished look while adding color or pattern.

Where should rugs be placed in a small bathroom?

In a small bathroom, consider choosing a rug that doubles as a bath or shower mat by choosing a larger rug that will straddle the shower and sink area. Alternatively, you can place a small rug in front of the sink and a bath mat by the shower or shower-tub combo. Avoid placing rugs too close to the toilet for sanitary reasons.

Read the original article on The Spruce.