The 10 Best Bath Rugs
Special Honors
Green Earth by The Company Store Available in an array of elegant colors, the Green Earth by The Company Store is very richly textured, thanks to ribs that are both looped and tufted. It was designed to absorb well, but without a lot of bulk, and it features a high-quality, 100 percent cotton construction. thecompanystore.com
Lands' End Supima Non-skid There is nothing fancy about the Lands' End Supima Non-skid, but that's okay: it's a top-notch, simple choice that is strong and easy to color-coordinate with your towels and other accessories. You'll find several sizes to select from, including a large 23 by 59 inch option. landsend.com
Coyuchi Mosaic Canyon Fans of geometric prints and textures will like the Coyuchi Mosaic Canyon. Featuring a pebbled look and colors inspired by natural palettes, it is completely machine washable and dries well, since it is made entirely from organic cotton. coyuchi.com
Editor's Notes
April 16, 2020:
A cute bath rug can liven up your restroom and keep water off your floor, but these can be a trip hazard for the elderly and those who are unstable on their feet — something you'll want to consider as you make your choice. You might also consider adding a non-slip rubber mat underneath for stability. This is doubly true of options that have no backing, including the French Connection Stonewash Beaded and the Cotton Craft Chindi. The Pacific Linens Ringspun, too, was not made with any non-slip properties, and it's quite thin — but it's one of the more budget-friendly options. We opted to remove the Grund Puro over concerns about its overall durability, though.
As for those that do have a backing, we have selected the popular Gorilla Grip Original as the choice to beat. This model is available in colors both subdued and bright, as well as in striped versions, so there is one for just about any taste or style. And with its thick pile, it feels good under your feet. The same can be said of the Lifewit Shaggy, but not the DII Ultra. This DII model is quite thin, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; it works as an area rug just about anywhere in the house, especially since it isn't as likely to bunch up under a door as some. For those who prefer the feeling of memory foam, we've kept the Clara Clark Memory Foam. It feels plush and squishy, and comes in a variety of sizes and sets, but it doesn't dry all that fast, unfortunately.
A Brief History Of Bathing
The practice of bathing originates thousands of years ago, and remains a staple of daily hygiene in all cultures to this day.
Bathing is any process used to keep the body clean. There are as many ways to accomplish the task as there are bathers themselves, and no one way is best for everyone. The practice of bathing originates thousands of years ago, and remains a staple of daily hygiene in all cultures to this day.
The bathtub as we know it today in Western societies is personal; not meant for more than one or two bathers at a time. While it was not the normal way to bathe in ancient Greece, evidence of personal wash basins and bathtubs have been found dating back to the second millennium BCE. The common way to bathe was in what's referred to as the public bath house. The Greeks established the first public bath houses for both leisurely relaxation and personal hygiene.
Ancient Rome took the bath house a step further. The Roman thermae were bath houses outfitted with water by indoor plumbing, often supplied by local rivers or hot springs. Thermae were cultural hubs where socialization would occur. In addition to heated water baths, Roman bath houses also had libraries, cafeterias, gyms, and poetry reading rooms. Romans held that good health came from bathing, eating, massage, and exercise; so their bath houses were certain to reflect this.
Japan's bathing culture is integrally linked to the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Buddhism was brought from China, and deeply affected all aspects of Japanese culture. Bath houses were provided for all monks to purify their bodies, though these became public bathhouses over time as Buddhism spread, and the idea of purity became a commonality among the people.
Public bath houses carried over into the Middle Ages, but with the rise of prostitution, were heavily opposed. Bathing in the home soon became the norm. Since then, bathing has shifted to a very personal act; done solely to clean the body.
The Importance Of Bathing Daily
As newer research continues to reveal the effects of bathing on the body, more benefits are discovered. Hydrotherapy has been around for thousands of years after all, to treat the sore, the sick, and the stressed out. Most noticeably, bathing reduces muscle tensions and improves blood circulation. A simple warm bath can help loosen the skeletal muscles and soothe overworked or overstretched muscle tissue. Bathing also increases circulation in the body, which is important because circulation is responsible for reducing the blood pressure, improving the function of the heart, and flushing the endocrine system.
As toxins are sweat out of the body, they can accumulate on the skin.
Reduced muscle tension and increased circulation can lead to more oxygen in the bloodstream, as the muscles surrounding the rib cage relax to open up the lungs and increase the uptake of oxygen. This may also be why bathing has been shown to reduce stress. Reduced stress can mean an easier night's sleep, especially if the potency of the bath is increased through aromatherapy techniques like diffusing lavender essential oil.
Warm water baths also boost the function of the immune system. Sweating is one of the most important functions the body uses to remove toxins. As toxins are sweat out of the body, they can accumulate on the skin. Without bathing, bacteria and toxins can be reabsorbed into the body. By simply bathing every day, the toxic load of the body is greatly reduced. A fresh take on bathing indicates that taking a cold shower every day stimulates the lymph and vascular system to produce a greater number of immune cells. While this is not a good idea for people with autoimmune disorders, it can decrease the chances of catching the common cold or flu.
The Bath Rug May Save The Day
The primary function of a bath rug is to lay on the floor and absorb water; and let's face it, to protect our bare feet from the cold floor in the mornings. As such, it is very easy to take for granted. There are many cases in which a bath rug may actually save the day.
Falls are more likely to occur when people are sick, tired, or emotionally drained.
Some design elements of the bathroom simply need to fit. In a new home, or after the bathroom has been remodeled, there is often the desire to compete with the pictures one can find in interior design magazines. If both the walls and floors are very basic colors, adding a splash of brightness or new design element can draw the eye and add a touch of vibrancy to an otherwise plain room.
In addition to tying a room together, bath rugs can actually save lives. Accidental falls account for half of all accidental deaths in the home. These falls can be caused by everything from loose floorboards, wobbling handrails on staircases, or water on the bathroom floor.
While it may seem unnecessary to protect yourself from falls in your normal state of mind; studies show this is not when falls happen. Falls are more likely to occur when people are sick, tired, or emotionally drained. Many falls also occur when someone is intoxicated or simply being careless or absent minded. Reducing the risk of falls in the bathroom is as simple as taking necessary precautions. Bath rugs should be placed in a way that they will absorb all the water shed from a shower or bath, and any standing puddles should be wiped up immediately.