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Caitlin Uses Foam Mats as a Cozy Rug Alternative in Apartment

By Paige Cerulli

Created: Jun, 2025

When Caitlin was seeking area rug alternatives for her Baltimore, Maryland, apartment, she needed a flooring solution that was not only comfortable but also allergy-friendly. She ultimately found the perfect product in Greatmats' Foam Tiles Wood Grain.

''My apartment allows these floor mats as an alternative to rugs,'' says Caitlin. ''I have airborne allergies, and rugs are a nightmare for them since they hold onto [allergens] like sponges.'' She needed to add cushion to her living room, and while she’d previously tried different mats, she ultimately didn’t like the look of the product.

area rug alternative

While looking for ideas for a floor covering alternative to an area rug, Caitlin discovered the Greatmats foam tiles on Amazon. After purchasing the tiles, Caitlin discovered that they’re easy to install and solved the challenges she was facing.

''What I love the most about these tiles is that they are super easy to clean as opposed to having a rug,'' says Caitlin. ''They are also very easy to assemble and put together, and very easy to plan around your room.'' The tiles' DIY installation meant Caitlin could easily lay the tiles on top of her living room hardwood floor herself.

The tiles are also a practical alternative to a rug because of their eye-catching look. ''They are absolutely beautiful, and they are great for reducing impact on your joints,'' says Caitlin. ''They are easier to walk on than hardwood.'' Additionally, the tiles don’t shed or trap allergens like carpet does, which is important for Caitlin’s allergies.

These foam tiles are an affordable alternative to a rug, and they made Caitlin’s living room more cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. ''I would definitely recommend this brand for anybody that is interested in getting floor tiles like these,'' says Caitlin.

Why the Greatmats Foam Tiles Wood Grain are Great Area Rug Alternatives

foam tiles for apartments
While there are many things to love about a quality area rug, rugs aren’t always an ideal solution for your living space. Rugs can trap allergens and aggravate allergies, such as in Caitlin’s case. Rugs can be easily stained, and they’re difficult to thoroughly clean, so if you have pets or kids, they aren’t always a great choice. And while rugs may be practical in certain spaces like living rooms, if you’re creating a living space in a moisture-prone basement, leaks or floods can destroy area rugs.

Greatmats Foam Tiles Wood Grain are excellent alternatives for several reasons:

No Shedding


Since the tiles are made of foam, they feature a solid surface. They don’t shed or trap allergens, and they’re a more hygienic solution than carpet is. Plus, if you have pets, you can easily brush the pet hair off the mats rather than having to pull it out of a carpeted surface.

Insulation Features


Just as an area rug helps to make a warmer, more welcoming surface, these foam mats help buffer against a cold subfloor. They’re particularly great for use in basements and garages for that reason, since they can make a space more welcoming and enjoyable.

Cushion and Comfort


The foam tiles are highly comfortable underfoot, so they can enhance a space and make it more livable. In Caitlin’s case, the tiles created a more comfortable surface on top of her hardwood floor, cushioning joints. The foam surface is soft enough for kids to crawl and sit on, but it’s also stable enough to support walking.

Safety


Since the foam helps absorb shock and creates a softer alternative to hardwood, it can add safety to a space. If kids fall, the foam floor tiles help absorb some of that impact, providing a softer landing to help avoid injuries and bruises.

Waterproof Design


These tiles are waterproof, so they won’t absorb moisture. That waterproof design makes them highly versatile, and you can install them in basements and other moisture-prone spaces where carpet isn’t an option. Since the tiles are modular, you can easily uninstall and dry them out if your basement floods. And if a child spills a drink on the tiles, you can simply wipe it up without worrying about damaging the flooring.

Easy to Clean


The tiles feature a solid surface that’s easy to clean, as Caitlin noted. They can be damp-mopped for quick cleanups.

DIY-Friendly Installation


These tiles are lightweight, so they’re easy to carry, and their puzzle edges make for a DIY-friendly installation. Installing the tiles is as simple as connecting the edges and pressing them together. Plus, the tiles include border strips for a clean, finished edge.

Aesthetically Pleasing


Available in four beautiful finishes, these tiles feature the look of a wood grain without the drawbacks of real wood flooring. They can enhance a space, like your living room, and are a fantastic choice for many uses.

Order Foam Mats from Greatmats Today

At Greatmats, we have many area rug alternatives, including the foam mats that Caitlin chose. Contact our customer service team today with any questions. We’re happy to help you determine whether these mats or another product would be best for your project.
Caitlin J.
Baltimore MD