What type of bath mat are best？

The Best Bath Mats for Comfort and Functionality bath mats are pretty important.

They keep your floors dry and grime-free, reduce your risk of slipping out of the tub and give your feet a warm place to rest on the cold tile.

So the consensus is clear: You need a bath mat. Now the question is what kind?

To help you figure it out, we've rounded up the best bath mats for every budget, style and situation. Scroll on to see those and get our tips for buying one.

What to Consider When Buying a Bath Mat

SIZE: A standard bath mat is 20x30 inches, but that might not actually be the best fit for your space.

We suggest deciding where the bath mat will go — in front of your shower, tub, vanity, etc. — and measuring that area.

In a smaller bathroom, a standard bath mat will usually nestle right under the shower door. But in a larger ensuite, you'll probably need to size up to a runner to span the entire length of the tub or vanity.

MATERIAL: Bath mats come in a variety of materials, from plush cotton and absorbent microfiber to natural wood.

To determine which option is right for you, consider your surface preferences and your typical laundry routine. Cotton bath mats are popular because they're absorbent, have a soft finish and they can be thrown in the washer. But they're also pretty thick, so they can take a while to dry out.

Microfiber bath mats can hold even more water than cotton and they dry out faster, which makes them ideal for people (or kids) who leave the floors sopping wet. Chenille is on par with microfiber, but a little plusher. Meanwhile, memory foam and wooden bath mats are great for people who need more foot support.

CARE & MAINTENANCE: Unfortunately, not every bath mat is suitable for the washing machine.

Some absorb too much water and take ages to dry, while others shed and deteriorate after one rinse cycle.

Our advice? Read the care instructions before committing to one. Consider whether you'd be willing to sit through multiple spin cycles or if you'd be okay with line-drying. If none of the above work, you might be better off with a wooden bath mat. Since they're crafted from a natural material, you can wipe them down and go about your day.