Best 17X24 Bath Mats: Top Picks Compared

A 17 by 24 inch bath mat is the standard size for a single sink, a shower exit or beside a tub, and the best fit for most buyers is a microfiber or cotton mat with a non-slip backing; memory foam suits comfort seekers, and a quick-drying stone or bamboo mat suits people who dislike damp fabric. This size is the common default, so the important differences are the backing, the absorbency and how fast it dries.

Our top picks

Top pickBcoimo Small Bath Rug Mat

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Also greatBcoimo Small Bath Rug Mat

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At a Glance: 17×24 Bath Mat Types

Why 17×24 Is So Common

This size fits in front of a standard vanity and beside a tub or shower without blocking a door. Many makers sell it as part of a set with a longer runner. Brands selling 17 by 24 mats include Mohawk Home, Gorilla Grip, mDesign, InterDesign, Kassatex, Pottery Barn and many store brands. Dimensions are listed by the maker and can vary by an inch or so.

Features to Compare

Backing

Rubber, latex and TPR backings are common. They keep the mat from sliding but can stick to or discolor some floor finishes. If your floor is vinyl, finished wood or heated, read the maker’s guidance. A backing that is flexible rather than stiff tends to lie flatter.

Absorbency

Cotton and microfiber absorb the most. Memory foam absorbs less but feels soft. Stone mats absorb water into the surface and release it quickly, according to makers. For a spot that gets lots of drips, such as beside a freestanding tub, absorbency matters more than cushioning.

Thickness

Thicker mats feel plush but may catch under a door. Measure door clearance before buying a deep-pile mat. Thin cotton mats are easy to wash but can feel less cushy.

Machine Washability

At this size, most mats can go in a home washer on a gentle cycle. Follow the label, avoid hot dryer settings for rubber and foam backing and do not use bleach unless permitted.

Slip Safety

A grippy backing helps, but wet floors are slippery regardless. Keep the floor under the mat dry, and replace a mat if the backing cracks or curls. For people with balance concerns, consider a grab bar installed by a qualified installer, and use a dedicated non-slip mat inside the tub.

Decision Table: Pick X If

Budget Tiers

Budget: Basic polyester or microfiber mats. They are fine for guest bathrooms but may lose pile or backing sooner.

Mid-range: Thicker microfiber or foam mats and heavier cotton with better stitching and backing. This tier suits everyday family bathrooms.

Premium: Dense cotton from textile brands, solid teak or bamboo and well-made stone mats.

Fit and Compatibility Notes

• Vanity space: 17 by 24 inches typically fits in front of a 24 to 36 inch vanity. For wider vanities, use two mats or step up to a runner.
• Door clearance: Make sure the mat does not catch under the bathroom door. A thinner mat may be better near the door.
• Floor heating: Check manufacturer guidance for both the mat and the heating system.
• Pairing with towels: Match undertone and color with your towels so the mat looks intentional.

Care and Hygiene

Hang the mat to dry after use, and wash it every week or two. Shake out debris and avoid leaving it wet on the floor. If mildew smell remains after washing, replace the mat. Dry the floor beneath it periodically to avoid trapped moisture. Do not use damaged mats in wet areas.

Alternatives to Consider

• Larger runners: If you have extra floor space, a 20 by 32 or 24 by 40 mat covers more area.
• Bath towels on the floor: A folded towel works in a pinch but has no grip and is not a safe long-term mat.
• Shower mats: For traction inside the tub, use a mat designed for that purpose.

Reading Product Pages Before You Buy

Because 17 by 24 inches is so common, product pages tend to look alike. Compare the stated dimensions, since some mats are slightly smaller, and read the backing description. Look for a stated care method, whether the mat can go in a washer and dryer, and whether the maker mentions floor safety. Independent reviewers often comment on how quickly a mat dries, whether it stays flat and whether the backing stays grippy after repeated washing.

It is also useful to think about the number you need. A set of two or three mats in different sizes can cover a sink, a toilet and a tub at a lower cost per mat than buying them separately, but only if the sizes match your layout. If you prefer one mat, choose a material that dries well so the single mat can recover between showers. Finally, plan to replace mats regularly, because worn backing and flattened pile reduce comfort and traction.

Choosing Colors and Styles

Mats are one of the easiest bathroom items to change, so color and texture are a low-risk way to update the room. Neutral grays, whites and beiges hide water spots and match most towels. Darker colors hide stains but show lint. Patterns such as waffle, ribbed or striped textures tend to hide wear better than flat solid colors. If your bathroom has bold tile, a simple solid mat balances the look, while a plain bathroom can take a more textured mat.

Think about cleaning too. Light mats show soap scum and hair, and dark mats show lint and pet hair. Whichever you pick, a mat that is easy to wash weekly will stay presentable longer than a more delicate piece that you hesitate to launder.

Placement Ideas

At a single vanity, center the mat in front of the sink so you stand on it while brushing teeth or washing your face. Beside a tub, place it where you step out, with the long edge parallel to the tub. At a shower door, keep the mat just outside the threshold, so water drips on it rather than the floor. In a small bathroom, a single 17 by 24 mat that is moved to the tub side after washing hands can do double duty, though two mats are more convenient.

Keep the mat clear of the door swing and away from the toilet base, where it can trap moisture. If the bathroom floor is cold, a thicker foam or cotton mat is more comfortable, while a thin, quick-drying mat suits a warm, humid room.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving the mat wet and flat on the floor after every shower.
• Using a mat that is too thick for the door clearance.
• Washing foam-backed mats on high heat.
• Ignoring worn backing, which reduces traction.
• Using only one mat for years without rotating or replacing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 17×24 big enough for a bath mat?

It is the standard size and suits a single sink or the spot where you step out of the shower. For double vanities or long tubs you may want a larger mat or two of them. Measure the area you want to cover.

What material dries fastest?

Stone and bamboo mats dry fastest according to makers, followed by thin microfiber. Cotton and memory foam are slower and need to be hung up to dry between uses.

Can a 17×24 bath mat go in the washing machine?

Most fabric mats can, usually on a gentle cycle. Foam and rubber backings often require low heat or air drying. Read the care label before washing.

Why does my bath mat slide?

Worn or low-quality backing, a damp floor or a very smooth tile surface can cause sliding. Clean and dry the floor, check for backing wear, and consider replacing the mat.

Will the backing stain my floor?

Some rubber or latex backings can discolor vinyl or finished surfaces. Choose a mat whose maker states its backing is floor-safe, and lift the mat now and then to let the floor dry.

How many bath mats do I need?

Many households keep one in use and one spare to rotate during washing. A second mat is also helpful in a shared or busy bathroom.