A padded play mat is a living room staple. It offers a soft landing for falls, a clean place for fun, and the perfect spot for tummy time. But do the mats have to look like a kid designed them? Nope! These stylish foam play mats will add to your room’s charm and provide a pretty backdrop for your Instagram photos.
wander & roam
This reversible play mat designed in collaboration with Erin Gates Design features a chic antelope print on one side and a neutral striped print on the other. It's made from eco-friendly, biodegradable foam and thick enough, at one-half inch, to soften kids' falls and make it comfortable for grown-ups to sit. In addition to the tasteful prints, you'll love that these are non-toxic and free of latex, BPA, formamide and PVC, while being hypoallergenic, waterproof and nonflammable. Roll it up when not in use.
Available at wander-and-roam.com in blue and greige; $179.
Cushmat
Double-sided with two tasteful prints, these generously sized mats (78x55 inches) are designed for the whole family to enjoy. Babies can use them for tummy time, crawling and rolling, while older kids can practice gymnastics and martial arts. The waterproof surface also makes it a great spot to get messy. Adults, and all ages, can use the mat for yoga, meditation and other workouts, so this is a room addition you'll treasure for years to come.
Available at cushmat.com, from $169.
Famokids
These hand-illustrated and painted foam floor mats come in a soothing pattern and five stylish colors: tan, pale grey, blue, soft pink and light green. Made of non-toxic EVA foam and just under a half-inch thick, Famokids play mats provide a soft place for babies to lay and toddlers to play. They wipe clean with a dry cloth and come in a 4 ft x 6 ft set consisting of 6 tiles and 12 edges, so you can customize the right size for your space.
Available at famokids.com, from $89.
Hugomat
This handcrafted cushioned mat looks great in your home and folds in half with handles for easy transporting to different rooms, the park or grandpa's house. It's made from natural latex foam, which is breathable and resists mold, mildew and dust, and is covered in a removable, machine-washable cotton fabric. There's also an outdoor pocket for baby essentials.
The mat measures 33 inches across and one inch thick and comes in three soft neutral colors (cream, white and slate gray) to complement any decor.
Available at hugomat.com, from $180.
Comfort Design Mats
With ultra soft padding (no bruised knees here!), Comfort Design Mats are a must buy. Each modern mat is ½ inch thick and made up of waterproof foam that’s hypoallergenic, BPA-free and non-toxic. Each mat is easy to wipe down and measures about 78” x 55”, so think of it more like a rug than the typical petite play mat you may be used to. It’s so comfortable and versatile you can even use it for yoga or exercise.
Good to know: Because of the mat’s size, they do not fold up easily, so you won’t be putting this away once playtime is over. But, with the collection’s sweet designs (check them all out here), we guess this is a play mat you’ll actually want to show off.
Available at comfortdesignmats.com from $159.
Nook LilyPad Playmat
For a portable play mat that doesn’t compromise style or function, turn to Nook’s LilyPad Playmat. The 1-inch mat comes with a convenient carrying case, and the mat itself folds up easily and snaps shut so you can take it to the park, on vacation or your next playdate. Available in a variety of colors all with a fun pebble design, the mat is non-toxic, stain-resistant, water-resistant, machine-washable and antimicrobial.
Available at nooksleep.com for $149.
Gathre Playmat
Made of bonded leather material, Gathre play mats are winning over design-savvy parents everywhere. Both beautiful and functional, the mats can be used at home, outside (think of the mat like a beach towel or picnic blanket) or even hung up on the wall as a piece of art. Gathre mats are all waterproof, compact and free of toxins, PVC and phthalates.
Pro tip: If you love the look of a Gathre Playmat but want something a bit thicker to soften falls, place the Gathre Playmat over a rug.
Available at gathre.com, from $52.
Little Nomad
These play mats are so gorgeous you could use them in both baby's nursery and your kitchen. They're available in three sizes: 4x6, 6x8 or 8x12. Choose from designs like Moroccan Sunset, Skipping Stone and Tide Pool (check them all out here). The mats were illustrated and designed by professional artist Sophia Vincent-Guy and are premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam that's just under a half-inch thick.
Available at little-nomad.com, from $99.
Toki Mats
With play mat covers that are interchangeable and machine-washable, you’ll never grow tired of looking at your Toki Mat. Made of foam from the sap tree, each Toki Mat is soft enough to serve as your family’s meet-up spot for tummy time, cuddles, first steps and first falls. Toki Mats are foldable so when not in use, simply fold them up and stash away.
Available at tokimats.com, from $165.
Ruggish Playmat
Ruggish Playmats feature the look of a rug with the feel and functionality of a play mat. On one side you’ll find a cool geometric design; turn it over and you’re greeted with an interactive play mat that encourages imaginary play. Ruggish mats are ½-inch thick and are waterproof, non-toxic, easy to wipe down and provide more cushion than your typical foam tiles. With a one-year manufacturer's warranty and free shipping, you’ll be a Ruggish convert in no time.
Available at ruggishco.com, $199.
Creamhaus Folding Playmat
For a play mat that’s akin to what you might find at an indoor playspace or gym class, turn to Creamhaus. These folding mats come in at 1.6 inches thick, which is enough padding to cushion even the wildest tumbles. All mats are hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and free of formamide, PVC, EVA, fire retardants, and other VOCs. While the heavy-duty mat weighs 12 pounds, you can still easily fold it and store in a closet or under the couch.
Available at creamhaus.us, from $179.
—Rachel Sokol and Erin Lem
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