The Complete Guide to Choosing a Bath Mat
A bath mat is one of the most used items in any bathroom, yet it’s often chosen in a hurry and replaced only when it falls apart. Getting it right — the right material, the right size, the right backing — makes a genuine difference to both safety and comfort. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a bath mat, from materials and pile types to pedestal sets, sizing, and care.
Why Non-Slip Backing Matters
The primary function of a bath mat is safety. Wet bathroom floors are one of the most common causes of household slips and falls, and a mat without adequate non-slip backing can be as hazardous as no mat at all. Every bath mat in this collection features a non-slip backing — whether latex, PVC, or TPR — designed to grip the floor and stay in place even on wet tiles. For families with young children or elderly relatives, this is non-negotiable.
Cotton Bath Mats: Soft, Absorbent, and Washable
Cotton remains the most popular material for bath mats, and for good reason. It’s naturally absorbent, soft underfoot, and improves with washing. The Olivia Rocco Como 2 Piece Bath Mat & Pedestal Sets are made from 100% cotton and are available in a range of colours, including black, grey, teal, sage green, and natural — each with a non-slip backing and machine washable construction. The Olivia Rocco Bali Bath Mat & Pedestal Set is another 100% cotton option, featuring quick-absorbing technology and available in eight colourways from charcoal to emerald green.
For something with more texture, the Olivia Rocco Amalfi 2 Piece Bath Mat & Pedestal Set uses a textured box design in 100% natural cotton, available in black/grey, natural, and multicoloured. The Olivia Rocco Round Tasselled Bath Mat offers a more distinctive shape — a 70 cm diameter circle with tassel edges in duck egg, natural, grey, or white — for bathrooms where a standard rectangular mat would feel too expected.
Polypropylene Bath Mats: Colour-Rich and Hardwearing
For those who want bold colour without compromise, polypropylene bath mats offer exceptional durability and a wide range of colours. The Olivia Rocco Miami Bath Mat & Pedestal Set and Olivia Rocco Cali Bath Mat & Pedestal Set are both available in 18 colourways — from classic white and cream to terracotta, ochre, teal, aqua, hot pink, and navy — making it easy to match or contrast with your existing bathroom scheme. Both feature a 100% polypropylene pile with a PVC anti-slip latex backing and are machine washable.
For a larger footprint, the Olivia Rocco Jumbo Bath Mat & Pedestal Set measures 60 cm × 100 cm — significantly larger than the standard 50 cm × 80 cm — and is also available in 18 colourways. This is the right choice for larger bathrooms or anyone who prefers more coverage underfoot. The Olivia Rocco Cali Bubbles range adds a tactile bubble pile texture to the polypropylene construction, available in emerald green, royal blue, and duck egg — each paired with a matching pedestal mat.
Polyester Bath Mats: Ultra-Soft and Quick-Drying
High-density polyester bath mats offer a particularly plush feel underfoot and tend to dry quickly between uses. The Olivia Rocco 2 Piece Extra-Soft Non-Slip Bath Mat & Pedestal Set features 100% high-quality polyester with a TPR non-slip backing, available in charcoal, sage green, cream, and natural. The Olivia Rocco Ribbed Bath Mat Sets — available in cream, pink, charcoal, and natural — use a ribbed polyester pile with an anti-slip TPR backing, offering a more structured, contemporary texture.
Bamboo Bath Mats: Sustainable and Waterproof
For a completely different approach, the Eco Bath London Bamboo Bath Mat offers a roll-up design made from sustainably sourced bamboo. Unlike fabric mats, bamboo is naturally waterproof and resistant to mould and mildew, making it particularly well-suited to wet rooms and shower enclosures. It features an anti-slip backing, wipes clean with a damp cloth, and rolls up neatly for storage. Available in 40 × 60 cm and 50 × 70 cm.
Understanding Bath Mat Sizes
Most standard bath mats in this collection measure 50 cm × 80 cm, which suits most bathrooms and fits comfortably in front of a standard bath or shower tray. Pedestal mats — the smaller mat designed to sit around the base of the toilet — typically measure 50 cm × 38 cm or 50 cm × 50 cm, depending on the set. The Olivia Rocco Jumbo range steps up to 60 cm × 100 cm for larger bathrooms, while the Round Tasselled Bath Mat offers a 70 cm diameter circular option for a more distinctive look.
How to Care for Your Bath Mat
Most fabric bath mats in this collection are machine washable, though the recommended temperature and cycle vary by material. Cotton mats can generally be washed at 40°C, while polyester and polypropylene mats are better suited to a cold, gentle cycle to preserve the pile and backing. Bamboo mats should not be machine-washed — simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth. Always check the care label before washing, and avoid tumble drying mats with latex or PVC backing, as heat can degrade the non-slip coating over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bath mat material for absorbency?
Cotton is the most absorbent natural material for bath mats and is the best choice if absorbency is your primary concern. The Olivia Rocco Bali and Como ranges are both 100% cotton and quick-absorbing. Polyester mats also absorb moisture well and tend to dry faster than cotton mats.
What size bath mat do I need?
Most bathrooms suit a standard 50 cm × 80 cm bath mat. If you have a larger bathroom or prefer more coverage, the Olivia Rocco Jumbo range at 60 cm × 100 cm is a better fit. For a shower enclosure or wet room, a smaller mat or the bamboo roll-up option may be more practical.
Do all the bath mats in this collection have non-slip backing?
Yes. Every bath mat in this collection features a non-slip backing — latex, PVC, or TPR, depending on the product — designed to grip the floor and prevent movement on wet tiles.
Can I buy a bath mat and a pedestal mat separately?
Most products in this collection are sold as 2-piece sets, including both a bath mat and a pedestal mat. The Olivia Rocco Pebbles Micro Bobble Bath Mat and the Eco Bath London Bamboo Bath Mat are sold individually, without a pedestal.
Are the bath mats machine washable?
The majority of fabric bath mats in this collection are machine washable. Cotton mats can typically be washed at 40°C; polyester and polypropylene mats are best washed on a cold, gentle cycle. The bamboo mat is not machine washable and should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
What is a pedestal mat?
A pedestal mat is a smaller mat designed to sit around the base of the toilet, shaped to fit around the pedestal. Most 2-piece sets in this collection include a standard bath mat and a matching pedestal mat, allowing you to coordinate them for a cohesive bathroom look.
