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The Quest for the
Perfect Bath Mat
When it comes to bathroom design, function and comfort are just
as important as how good it looks. This is especially true for
the bath mat. This important accessory needs to be properly
coordinated to the rest of your bathroom décor, but it should
also be soft for bare feet and absorbent enough to do the job
that it is created for. The mat can be created from a number of
different materials, and it comes in an almost infinite array
of styles. So how do you choose the right one? Read on for tips
of finding the perfect bath mat for your home.
Absorbency Counts
The bath mat that you choose will have an important job in
keeping your bathroom dry and safe. When you step out of the
tub or shower, you want to step onto a mat that will be soft
against your bare feet while working overtime to absorb the
extra water to keep it off of your bathroom floor. There are
many materials that are considered absorbent enough to be used
in bath mats, including terrycloth, cotton and organic
substances. For example, you there is bamboo, hemp or organic
cotton that will wear well and absorb water effectively.
Some people even choose to use a wood bath mat, such as one
made out of teak or cedar that will allow the water to drip
through the slats and evaporate. This style of mat is
particularly popular for an Asian style or a contemporary bath
that is using natural products to accessorize. You can find
wood bath mats in a variety of finishes, patterns and sizes
that will nicely complement just about any type of
bathroom.
Patterns Matter
Beyond the material that you select for your new bath mat,
color and pattern will be an important choice as well. The
current trend has moved away from busy patterns and pastels to
bright colors, stripes and bold geometric designs. For the spa
style, you can go with neutral colors in thick, absorbent
cotton that is soft to the touch. For children's baths, there
are bath mats in a plethora of styles to go with any décor, and
some have done away with boring rectangular mats in favor of
cut-outs of cars, animals and cartoon characters.
Safety First
While function and style are generally the main factors people
use in selecting a bath mat, safety should not be overlooked. A
skid-proof bottom is a very important feature to look for on a
bath mat, whether it is a rubber bottom that is a part of the
mat, or strips that you can attach to the bottom. It is also
important to wash your mat frequently, since bacteria and dirt
can easily collect here. When you purchase your bath mat, make
sure that the material is machine washable for ease in
maintenance.
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