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10 Beautiful Playmats That Get Our Design Stamp of Approval
Baby's nursery just got a major style upgrade.
I like to think we are in the Golden Age of children's furniture and decor, and I'm just #blessed to be here for it. Between Crate & Barrel's and West Elm's gorgeous offerings (that I want for my own bedroom, TBH), the options are endless for parents like myself who want to create beautiful, functional kids' spaces.
Of course, playmats also got an upgrade in our aesthetic-obsessed world. The soft landing pads of today look worlds better than the saturated primary-colored floor tiles you remember from '90s preschools. Playmats nowadays are so pretty that I'm actually considering buying one to use as a rug in my kitchen.
Below, I share 10 of the most stylish (and practical!) mats I've seen that would blend right in with your living room decor ... should one get left out accidentally.
A Few Tips Before Purchasing
Measure, measure, measure. It's hard to imagine how big these mats will be in your space without seeing them firsthand. Therefore, a measuring tape is your best friend.
Quality matters. These mats will be put through the wringer. Between spit-ups, sippy cup spills, blowouts, drool and every other kind of mess your little one can make, the mat must be wipeable and water-resistant. Just be sure to carefully follow the care instructions before cleaning. Also, make sure the mat is non-toxic (which all of our picks are.)
Cushioned for comfort. You can use a playmat with babies from the time they are a few weeks old to the time they are toddlers. Even preschoolers will enjoy lounging, building, and, let's be honest, tumbling on these soft, cushy surfaces. A nice, padded landing spot provides a safe place for baby to practice balancing without risk of serious injury.
Portability and storage. Depending on your lifestyle, a travel-friendly mat may be top priority. Other families may want a mat that easily rolls out for tummy time and then gets tucked back in the closet at the end of the day. There are two styles of playmats: some come in pieces, like a puzzle, that nestle together for a bit more customization; other mats come in one piece and can be folded or rolled up for storage. Tile-style mats will be easier to transport, but a one-piece mat travels well, too, as long as the overall dimensions are smaller.
Available in a variety of muted tones and two different prints, Toddlekind's non-toxic EVA foam playmats lend a fresh, modern look to playspaces and nurseries. Their thoughtfully designed Prettier Playmats can be expanded and arranged in any layout that works with your space thanks to interlocking tiles.
Made from biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic foam, not only are Wander & Roam's mats safe for baby and the environment, but the reversible-style mat makes it easy for design lovers like me to switch up the print when I want a change.
You know I'm here for a budget-friendly find. I cannot get over how cute this citrus print is! It's so cheery and bright, which is perfect for a playroom. The puzzle piece style mat comes together for a total footprint of 6'x4'.
Leave it to one of my go-to retailers for stylish home furnishings to create this minimalist Scandi-style mat. Designed to mimic a popular rug pattern, the 72-square-inch tile mat features nonslip backing for extra security.
The quarter-fold design, organic cotton washable cover and adorable prints make Toki Mats a unique pick. Choose from two sizes and more than 10 modern parent-approved neutral designs. You can even pick an organic or classic foam insert.
Dare I say this is the mat that started it all? Before Little Nomad mats, I had no idea that baby accessories could look so good. The tile-style playmats come in seven sizes and 11 different shades of the most gorgeous prints reminiscent of heirloom rugs.
If you're looking for something to grow with your child, I love this dual-sided foam mat. As a boy mom, I struggle to find toys that aren't obnoxiously loud or colorful. The flip side of this mat is adorable for floor play with cars and trucks, while the neutral gray geometric pattern serves as a soft-on-the-eyes-and-knees play area for those early baby days.
Maybe I'm boring, but I love a good black-and-white moment in a kid's room. The minimalist triangle design (and gray geometric pattern on the back) gives this mat versatility to work in a modern or boho space. Simply roll it up to put it away and wipe clean with a damp cloth when spills happen. I kind of want this mat for myself to use as an anti-fatigue mat at my standing desk.
With the most color and print options of any mat on this list, Gathre's offerings should satisfy any parent with a particular aesthetic in mind. A 1.5-inch-tall memory foam insert provides enough cushion for high-energy toddlers to jump and play while also offering enough support for unsteady babies. The faux leather cover is wipeable, water-resistant and free of toxins.
At 4.5-by-6-feet, this ample-sized playmat from Totter and Tumble comes in the most stylish, subtle patterns. I actually want to use one of these as a rug in my kids' room! The low profile makes it trip-proof and the gorgeous designs mean adults will love the mat as much as their child loves rolling on it.
