If you’re wondering whether you can do yoga on your carpeted floor, then the answer is YES. The best yoga mat for carpet shouldn’t slide around or bunch up. It should be grippy, durable, and comfortable.
I know how challenging it is to find the best yoga mat to suit your carpeted floor, so I have done all the legwork for your convenience. Here are my recommendations for the best yoga mats to fit your carpets.
Quick Answer:
This Jade Harmony Yoga Mat sits well on carpets with its high level of traction and grip. I like the cushion because it’s comfortable enough to support the joints when sitting or kneeling. The mat is so dense that I can hold my standing poses longer.
The Manduka PRO is a thick and dense yoga mat that’s also carpet-friendly. I think this mat provides a nice balance of cushioning and stability. With its lifetime warranty, you can rest assured of its quality.
3. Gorilla Mats 6’x4′ Premium Large Yoga Mat
True to its name, the Gorilla Mats Premium series is massive. This mat has a total width of 48 inches, which is twice the size of ordinary yoga mats. Besides the carpet, this Gorilla mat works on any flat surface.
Editor's Pick: Best Yoga Mats For Carpet
What To Look For In A Good Yoga Mat For Carpets
Doing yoga on a carpeted floor is a bit challenging because you need the right mat to prevent accidental slips. Before shopping for a new yoga mat, here are some things you need to consider.
Thickness
Looking for the right thickness is tricky when deciding to buy a yoga mat for carpets. The ideal thickness is between 4-6 mm. Anything thinner increases the likelihood of sliding and bunching up, while mats thicker than 6 mm can make maintaining balance hard.
Grippy Underside
The key to looking for a good mat that stays on the carpet is a grippy underside. This is where rubber shines because it’s known for its superior grip qualities.
A non-skid rubber backing may still let the mat move on a thicker carpet, but it’s effective in preventing the mat from slipping on the ground. Some mats have distinct dimples on the underside for a better grip on carpet fibers.
Size And Weight
Look for a mat that fits your workout space and your body size. If you have limited space, it’s better to choose the standard yoga mats measuring 68 x 24 inches. Go large if you’re taller or have a lot of room to spare.
If you’re always on the go, select a lightweight mat. It’s also nice to have a carrying strap or bag for easy transport.
Design
Of course, the design depends on your preference. To have more motivation, choose a mat with your favorite color. Seek designs that motivate you to do yoga religiously. If you’re a beginner, you might want to consider mats with alignment lines to guide you to the proper form.
5 Best Yoga Mats For Carpet
1. Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Jade Harmony is perfect for carpets because it’s made of natural rubber. Natural rubber is grippy and sticks to any floor surface. With its 4.76 mm thickness, there’s enough cushion to protect the joints when kneeling on the floor.
I like that the Harmony yoga mat comes in multiple colors. Besides black, Jade Harmony offers another five vibrant colors, including electric blue, fire engine red, and olive green.
This mat is available in three lengths (68″, 71″, and 74″) for more versatility. Another impressive quality of Jade Harmony is its superior durability. However, this mat has a solid rubbery smell straight out of the package.
PROS:
- It is made of sustainable natural rubber, free of chemicals.
- It offers three different lengths for versatility.
- It has superior traction and grip on carpets.
- Extremely durable for long-term use.
- Available in multiple vibrant color options.
- It has enough cushion for bone and joint support.
CONS:
- It might have a strong smell straight out of the box.
Best For:
The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat is the best choice for durability. The natural rubber material can withstand any beating and extreme temperatures.
2. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
The Manduka PRO is another yoga mat that stays put on carpets. This mat is made of eco-certified PVC, which means it’s non-toxic. It offers two sizes, the standard 71 x 26 inches and the extra-long 85 x 26 inches.
Being a closed-cell structured yoga mat, expect it to clean easily. It’s more hygienic since no bacteria can be absorbed into the mat’s surface. I have high hopes for its durability since Manduka offers a lifetime warranty.
Out of all the yoga mats on this list, the Manduka PRO offers one of the highest number of color options. The thickness is around 6 mm, making it more capable of back support. My only dislike is that the mat gets slippery when you sweat.
PROS:
- It is made of non-toxic PVC.
- It offers two sizes, both bigger than the standard yoga mat.
- Hygienic since it won't absorb bacteria.
- Easy to clean with its closed-cell structure.
- It provides a lifetime warranty and many color options.
- Comfortable to use, especially for back support.
CONS:
- It may get slippery when you start to sweat.
Best For:
The Manduka PRO is ideal for gentle yoga practices that don't involve a lot of sweating.
3. Gorilla Mats 6’ x 4’ Premium Large Yoga Mat
This 6′ x 4′ Premium Large Yoga Mat from Gorilla Mats boasts a great size that can fit two people. The width is twice bigger than standard yoga mats, making it a perfect space for pilates and other barefoot workouts.
Both the top and bottom surfaces of this mat are non-slip, so this mat stays secure on carpets and other flat surfaces. The 8 mm thickness feels good on the joints and the back. My favorite is the extra accessories that come with the mat, such as the carry bag, storage straps, and microfiber towel.
The Gorilla mat is made of foam that feels soft yet tough to withstand any routine. However, this mat is a bit heavy to carry around as it weighs about 9 lbs. It also smells a little after unwrapping.
PROS:
- Large space.
- It is designed with non-slip top and bottom surfaces.
- It offers comfortable support to the bones.
- It comes with essential accessories, like a carry bag.
- Soft yet firm to endure any beating.
CONS:
- A little heavy to carry around.
- It has a slight smell straight out of the package.
Best For:
The Gorilla Mats 6' x 4' Premium Large Yoga Mat is suitable for yogis who want an ample space to work around.
4. Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat is a standard-sized mat with dimensions of 68 x 24 inches. The 6 mm thickness is enough to cushion the joints during practice. The mat is made of PVC, but it’s a non-toxic form that’s free of harmful chemicals, like DBP and DEHP.
What impressed me the most with this Gaiam mat is how it’s designed to keep me motivated in my regular practice. There are 31 designs to choose from, including lily shadows, Alterra, and black chakra. I love all the designs, but my favorite is the Marrakesh with its Morrocan influence and lines that can help me with proper alignment.
Besides the mat, the package also includes a free downloadable yoga class for guidance. The mat is excellent for carpets because it has a non-slip base. However, it gives a strong smell straight out of the package.
PROS:
- It has the right thickness for comfort.
- Free of harmful chemicals.
- Available in many beautiful prints.
- The Marrakesh color has lines to help with proper form.
- Includes a free yoga class.
- It is made with a non-slip base that allows it to stay stable on carpets.
CONS:
- It emits a horrible smell after unwrapping.
Best For:
The Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat is ideal for those who value design for motivation.
5. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
The Liforme Original Yoga Mat has an excellent grip on both sides, so it stays still on my carpet. The mat is made of Liforme’s innovative GripForMe rubber and eco-polyurethane materials, making it ultimately grippy. I like the alignment lines because it helps me find the proper form for every yoga pose.
This Liforme mat is almost 73 inches long and 27 inches wide, making it larger than usual. While the mat is 4.2 mm thin, I’m surprised that it doesn’t bunch up on the carpet. It’s also convenient to bring it on travels because the mat includes a carrying bag.
However, the mat attracts pet hair. Also, I found out that the mat may squeak when you do certain positions, like arching the back.
PROS:
- Both sides have a non-slip design.
- It is marked with alignment lines to help with your form.
- It is made with safe and eco-friendly materials.
- Includes a carrying bag for easy travel.
- Larger than ordinary yoga mats.
CONS:
- May attract pet hair.
- It tends to squeak with certain positions.
Best For:
The Liforme Original Yoga Mat is excellent for beginners because it comes with alignment lines to help your body maintain the correct position.
FAQs:
Q: Is it bad to do yoga with your mat on a carpeted floor?
It’s not bad to perform yoga on a carpeted floor if you use the right yoga mat. The best yoga mat for carpeted floors should have a superior grip. Find one that doesn’t budge up easily, more specifically the thicker types.
In some cases, doing yoga on carpets can give many benefits, like an extra cushion for your joints while performing planks. It also feels softer to lie down on a carpeted floor.
Q: How do I keep my yoga mat from slipping on the carpet?
You can try putting a non-skid underlay under your yoga mat. The underlay’s size should be at least 5 cm shorter than your mat’s overall size to make sure that the mat’s edges stay in place.
Q: Why should we use a carpet or mat while doing meditation or yoga?
Comfort is one of the main reasons why we should use a carpet or mat for meditation or yoga. Your focus is increased when you feel comfortable. Sitting on a mat is also sanitary since you’ll not be in contact with the floor’s dirt.
For asanas, carpets or mats are hard since they can help achieve balance. Doing yoga on a hard floor can be hard for beginners.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you’ll make a choice based on your preferences. If you have any hesitations, you can always refer to the yoga mats above since all of them are built with superior grip and durability.
But if I have only to choose one, my pick as the best yoga mat for carpet is the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat because its natural rubber material features superior traction to carpets. This mat also shows excellent durability. If you want a thicker and longer mat, the Manduka PRO is an outstanding alternative.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
