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Traditionally, bath mats are plush and soft underfoot, but more often than not, that's all they are and nothing more. They're neither absorbent nor fast-drying as advertised, which usually means they'll get soggy and smelly mere minutes after they get wet. That's why we prefer stone bath mats over traditional ones. No, stone bath mats aren't soft and warm, but they are sleek and highly functional, courtesy of their very simple composition: Stone bath mats are made entirely of diatomaceous earth (otherwise known as diatomite clay), which is naturally very absorbent and dries within seconds—and it's an eco-conscious material.
So, we made it our mission to find out if this completely natural material actually does what it says it does, and tested out six stone bath mats ourselves. Ahead, we report all of the details, including what we like, what we don't, and everything in between. We'll give you a little spoiler, though: Stone bath mats are ideal for people who don't like to drip across their floors post-shower (or bath, if that's your thing). Keep reading to learn about all of our favorite options on the market.
For Associate Shopping Editor Janae McKenzie, purchasing a stone bath mat was about form and function: "When I moved, I immediately wanted anything that would make my bathroom feel more welcoming and spa-like," she says. "For me, that meant adding Sutera’s stone bath mat. Also, I'm terrified of mold, and this is a porous, naturally absorbent material that captures water in just seconds, so my feet begin to dry the minute I step out of the shower. Despite it being stone, it's incredibly smooth underfoot."
McKenzie knows she likes a good stone bath mat, so she will not limit herself to only one. Enter, her second option, this one, under $30 from Amazon. "I snagged this affordable option from Amazon, and have been very happy with the results. I’m dry within seconds of stepping out of the shower. And, the cream color adds brightness to my gray bathroom, and the smooth grooves keep water contained."
If you enter "stone bath mat" into your search engine, chances are, you'll see something like this. Unlike some other stone bath mats, this one is slatted, so the fear of it cracking is pretty nonexistent. Digital Editor Meghan Shouse put it to the test, using it for two weeks in her New York City apartment.
"I wasn't too sure about a stone bath mat, but I surprisingly like this one because it feels more sanitary compared to a shag bathmat, and it dries off much faster too." If you're worried the excess water will just drip between the slats and pool under the mat, fear not! Shouse assures that there's a durable material that connects all the slats, so there's no path to the floor.
"The water doesn't leak through because of the material they've used to keep the whole thing held together, and I like that I don't have to hang it on my shower to dry off in my bathroom," she adds. The only problem she has with this stone bath mat, she admits, is the lack of color variety.
If you've heard of only one stone bath mat on this list, it's probably this one, which is arguably the most famous. Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao, who happily uses this option, says. "I have had my Dorai bath stone for over two years, and it's held up wonderfully! When I first got it, the mat felt a bit tacky when you stepped on it, but over time, this feeling has faded, while the water absorption remains the same. It dries within minutes, so whoever is showering right after isn't stuck with a soaking mat. I have recommended this bath stone to everyone, including my mother-in-law, who loved it and bought a few more."
While the Dorai is one of the most popular ones, there are some cons to note. "I find washing it to be difficult because you need to sand it down at some point (in a well-ventilated area), and oftentimes I am too lazy to do this," Liao says. "With my previous bath mat, I just tossed it into the washing machine. Also, the bath stone keeps sliding off the grippy back pad that came with it, so I wonder if I need a new backing now. Still, I will never go back to plush pads again—I am a bath stone lover for life!"
This Hokku Designs stone bath mat promises to dry in as little as 30 seconds, and tester Benjamin Cherner can confirm the claim is accurate. "I used this as a bath mat for my shower for about a week, but realized it looks a little too small for the area, so I moved it to my entryway, where I keep my dog's water bowl, and it's perfect there," he explains. "My dog is very furry, so water always gets everywhere when he drinks, and this keeps the area clean and dry."
If you're looking at this stone bath mat and thinking that the water will just find its way to the slats and pool underneath, fear not! These slats are all connected with a transparent material, so no water will get through. That said, it's large (34 by 21 inches), so if your bathroom is on the smaller side, buyer beware. "I wasn't expecting this mat to be so big, so I had to place it vertically while testing this," Liao says. "As far as function goes, this mat dried just as quickly as my Dorai one! It felt really comfortable, and I like that the dark charcoal color won't stain and show dirt as easily as my white bath stone. Overall, for the price and size, this one is a great option!"
As New Yorkers, the House Beautiful editors have mastered making life work in a relatively small space. Since we have to shower, get ready, and wind down in smaller bathrooms—some of which don't come with exhaust fans—we've found the best stone bath mats that get the job done. I asked all the editors who have (and love) theirs to share their honest thoughts on them, so readers can make the most informed purchase.
All of the editors who offered their top picks for this story have been using them for at least two weeks. Now, how did we actually test them? Luckily, the process was easy: I asked our editors to shower normally, exit, and stand on their bath mats for at least 45 seconds before continuing with their routine. I also posed these questions to them: How absorbent was the stone bath mat compared to the fabric one? How long did it take to dry? Did you actually like your bath stone? We have listed all the pros and cons for every option, so you can select the ones that best suit your needs.
Unlike shopping for a sofa, there's not a ton of variety when it comes to buying a stone bath mat. The main thing is the design: solid or slatted, as all of the stone bath mats on this list are made of diatomaceous earth (diatomite). Neither one is better than the other, but depending on your preferences, you may prefer how one looks over the other. For instance, a slatted one is a little bit more flexible, but a solid one is a little simpler (aesthetically).
Since stone bath mats are known for their quick-drying property, the best way for us to recommend options to you is to test them ourselves. I definitely did my research when asking my colleagues and family about their stone bath mats. I ensured that all of them had used theirs for long enough to determine whether it was functional, durable, and approved by all the people who had purchased it for their homes. Not to mention, as someone who loves primping in the morning and conducting my extremely elaborate skincare routine at night, I spend a lot of time in my bathroom, and know what makes one spa-like and warm. I've covered everything from bathroom storage to waffle towels, so I'm always on a never-ending quest to help you find the best items for this space.
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