Bathroom rugs can match the cleaner, uncluttered look of modern baths

Updating a bathroom should include taking out the fussy accessories, such as fuzzy bathroom mats, that don't go with a a cleaner, uncluttered bath space.

Instead of a traditional shaggy throw rug, today's bathroom floor coverings have more in common with carpeting found in other parts of the house. Function is still important because of the humidity and water spills that occur in a bathroom, but not at the expense of good style.

"Any number of retailers are selling bath rugs bursting with personality, ready to stand alone in an ordinary bathroom or, in most cases, available as part of an accessory ensemble," states HGTV.com. "Keep in mind, too, that a washable bathroom rug is a great way to disguise less-than-desirable linoleum or tile without ripping up floors."

Handmade rugs don't usually do well in a bathroom because the moisture can cause rotting in the construction or cause the yarns to become brittle. Manufactured rugs designed specifically for wet environments stand up much better in bathrooms.

Rugs can be matched in color or pattern to window coverings, from decorative fabric roller shades to cellular blinds, which provide good insulation from window drafts.