How to Pick a Bathroom Throw Rug

A simple absorbent rug is a good choice for outside the bath and shower.

In typically small spaces like bathrooms, every item of decor is important. Since fixtures, fabrics and flooring are all so close together, choosing the right items to complement each other is essential. Throw rugs offer comfort and warmth in a small space and can also unify the decor. Choose throw rugs that pull the bathroom together, offer safety and comfort.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Samples of your bathroom colors and décor

Instructions

1. Decide if you want one or more throw rugs for your bathroom. Consider a rug for in front of the sink and another for stepping out of the shower.

2. Measure the space where you'll be putting a rug. Rugs look smaller when you're in a large store, and it's easy to buy something too big for your space. Working with a precise measurement makes shopping much easier and is especially important when ordering online.

3. Find the proper scale. A large throw rug may fit in your bathroom, but if it covers 75 percent of the floor space, it's too big. Three small throw rugs can look silly in a large bathroom, so consider two larger ones instead.

4. Settle on a color scheme for your rug. A simple throw rug can unify the bathroom space and tie all of the other elements together. A multi-hued rug can draw in the colors of the wood, flooring and shower curtain. Bring samples of your existing items when possible to match colors best.

5. Choose a pattern. If you have a lot of patterns in your bathroom, choose a muted or plain design to help balance the design. If you have an upscale bathroom with expensive finishes, choose more ornate styles to complement the space. For more casual spaces, select easily washed cotton or woven throw rugs.

6. Decide on a shape. If your bathroom has a lot of clean lines and simple furnishings, you'll probably want a perfectly square or rectangular throw rug. Smaller boutique style bathrooms can benefit from rounder shapes or rugs with fringe trim.

7. Consider comfort. You probably spend a lot of time in front of the sink in the mornings as you get ready for work. Choose a rug that's soft enough and large enough to stand on comfortably.

8. Pay attention to the care instructions. Many rugs now are surprisingly "Dry Clean Only" and warn against getting the throw rug wet. Steer away from these for a bathroom, particularly a family bathroom that gets a lot of use.

9. Pay attention to the backing. Some throw rugs are fabric only and may be slippery on a tile surface. Look for rugs with no-slip backing.

Tips & Warnings

• Many stores now sell matching bathroom sets, with shower curtains, rings, towels, rugs and other bathroom accessories. This makes the decorating process very simple, but don't be afraid to mix sets and come up with your own matching styles.

• You may want a simple cotton throw in front of the shower to absorb dampness without leaving any residue that a rubber backing might. If you choose a non-slip rug for outside the bathtub or shower, hang it up after it gets wet on the tub edge or shower door so it can dry without damaging the flooring.

• Keep in mind that product pictures online might not accurately reflect the color of the actual piece.

References

• HGTV; Beyond the Boring Bathroom Rugs; Rose Kennedy