As a parent, I’ve spent countless hours scouring the internet for the perfect play mat. My kids deserve a safe, comfy spot to roll, tumble, and build their block towers, but I also want something that doesn’t clash with my living room’s vibe.
House of Noa caught my eye with its sleek, minimalist designs and washable mats that promise easy cleanup. I ordered one for our playroom, and it’s been a game-changer—soft, stylish, and a breeze to clean.
But at a premium price, I wondered: are there other options out there that deliver the same magic for less? Or maybe even offer something unique?
So, I rolled up my sleeves and explored some alternatives that could rival House of Noa. Here’s what I found, with a first-hand take on each.
Why House of Noa Stands Out?
Before we explore the alternatives, let’s talk about why House of Noa is such a big deal.
Their mats are cushioned for comfort, non-toxic, and designed with neutral, modern patterns that don’t scream “baby gear.”
They’re machine-washable, which is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with spilled juice or mystery stains.
I love how their mats double as standing desk mats for my home office, too. But at $100-$300 depending on size, they’re not exactly budget-friendly.
I wanted to see if I could find something just as functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing without breaking the bank.
Alternatives To House of Noa
Here’s a rundown of eight fantastic alternatives to House of Noa, each with its own strengths and quirks. I’ve tested them all, and they’re worth considering based on your family’s needs.
- Toki Mats: These versatile mats are made from non-toxic, eco-friendly polyurethane foam and feature a foldable design with handles for easy storage. Priced at $80-$150, they’re reversible with chic, earthy tones. They’re slightly thinner than House of Noa but perfect for portability and eco-conscious parents.
- Ruggable Mats: Known for washable rugs, Ruggable offers play mats with a cushioned pad and machine-washable cover. With hundreds of patterns and prices from $100-$250, they’re ideal for style versatility. The padding isn’t as thick, but frequent sales make them budget-friendly.
- Gathre Mats: Made from wipeable, water-resistant vegan leather, Gathre mats are lightweight and foldable, great for travel or outdoor use. Priced at $50-$150, their bold, artsy prints stand out, though they’re less cushioned for long play sessions.
- Lalo (Formerly Little Nomad): These artistic mats use non-toxic EVA foam in interlocking puzzle tiles, allowing custom sizes and shapes. Starting at $120, they’re wipe-clean and creative, but not machine-washable, which can be a drawback for big messes.
- Cream Haus: Crafted from organic cotton and natural rubber, these plush, machine-washable mats are eco-friendly and super comfy. At $150-$350, they’re pricier but ideal for sustainability and long play sessions, though less portable.
- Skip Hop Playmats: With playful, kid-centric designs on non-toxic EVA foam, Skip Hop mats ($60-$120) are great for developmental play, featuring textures or activity panels. They’re wipe-clean and budget-friendly but less cushioned and not as neutral as House of Noa.
- Wander & Roam Mats: These mats combine high-density foam with a washable, woven fabric cover in nature-inspired patterns. Priced at $100-$200, they’re plush and sustainable but bulkier, making them less portable than some alternatives.
- Mushie Play Mats: Made from lightweight, non-toxic EVA foam, Mushie mats ($70-$130) are foldable and water-resistant with pastel, minimalist designs. They’re wipe-clean and affordable but offer less padding than House of Noa.
Let’s elaborate these alternatives in detail:
Toki Mats
First up, Toki Mats. I stumbled across these while browsing parent forums, and they’ve got a cult following for good reason. Toki Mats are all about versatility. They’re made from non-toxic, eco-friendly polyurethane foam, certified free of harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
What I love most is their foldable design with handles—perfect for families who need to stash the mat away when it’s not in use. I tested one in our living room, and it was a hit with my toddler, who used it for everything from tummy time to somersaults.
The designs are simple but chic, with earthy tones that blend into adult spaces. Unlike House of Noa’s single-layer mats, Toki Mats come in reversible styles, giving you two patterns for the price of one. They’re not machine-washable, but a damp cloth and mild soap do the trick for spot cleaning.
Priced between $80-$150, they’re slightly cheaper than House of Noa for similar quality. My only gripe?
They’re a bit thinner, so if your kid is a rough-and-tumble type, you might want something with more padding. Still, for portability and eco-conscious materials, Toki Mats are a solid contender.
Cream Haus
I discovered Cream Haus, a lesser-known brand making waves in the eco-friendly space. Their mats are crafted from organic cotton and natural rubber, offering a plush, non-toxic surface that’s gentle on little knees.
I tested one in our playroom, and it felt like walking on a cloud. The designs are soft and neutral, perfect for a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired home.
Cream Haus mats are machine-washable, like House of Noa, but they’re pricier, ranging from $150-$350. What you’re paying for is sustainability—the materials are ethically sourced, and the brand plants a tree for every purchase.
They’re not as portable as Gathre or Toki Mats, but they’re thicker and more cushioned, ideal for long play sessions. If eco-credentials and premium comfort are your priorities, Cream Haus is worth the splurge.
Ruggable Mats
Next, I checked out Ruggable, a brand I’d already heard about for their washable area rugs. Turns out, they make fantastic play mats too. Ruggable’s mats are built with a two-part system: a cushioned pad and a removable, machine-washable cover.
I ordered one for our kitchen play area, and it’s been a lifesaver for messy art projects. The covers are made from durable, stain-resistant polyester, and they come in hundreds of patterns—from boho to geometric—so you can match any room’s decor.
What sets Ruggable apart from House of Noa is the sheer variety. House of Noa sticks to minimalist vibes, but Ruggable lets you go bold or subtle. They’re also pet- and kid-friendly, withstanding spills and heavy foot traffic.
Prices range from $100-$250, right in House of Noa’s ballpark, but frequent sales can knock off a chunk of the cost. The downside? The cushioned pad isn’t as thick as House of Noa’s, so it’s less comfy for long play sessions. But for style versatility and easy maintenance, Ruggable’s a strong pick.
Little Nomad (Now Lalo)
Little Nomad, recently rebranded as Lalo, was my next stop. These mats are designed by artists, and you can tell. The patterns are whimsical yet sophisticated, turning your floor into a piece of art. I tried one in our nursery, and it instantly elevated the space.
Made from non-toxic EVA foam, they’re soft, durable, and free of harmful chemicals. Like House of Noa, they’re easy to clean—just wipe down with a damp cloth.
What makes Lalo stand out is the puzzle-piece design. The mats come in interlocking tiles, so you can customize the size and shape to fit your space. Prices start at $120 for a small set, but larger setups can creep up to $300.
They’re not washable like House of Noa, which is a bummer for big messes. Still, the ability to mix and match tiles and create a bespoke look gives Lalo an edge for creative parents. My kids loved rearranging the pieces, which doubled as a fun activity.
Gathre Mats
Then there’s Gathre, a brand that’s all about multi-use magic.
Their mats are made from bonded leather (vegan, don’t worry), which is water-resistant, non-toxic, and wipeable.
I got one for outdoor playdates, and it’s been a total MVP.
Gathre mats are thinner than House of Noa’s, but they’re incredibly lightweight and fold up small enough to fit in a diaper bag.
I’ve used mine as a picnic blanket, a craft surface, and even a splash mat under the high chair.
Gathre’s aesthetic is artsy and bold, with hand-painted-inspired prints that feel more like decor than baby gear. They range from $50-$150, making them a budget-friendly alternative. The catch?
They’re not as cushioned, so they’re better for short play sessions or older kids who don’t need as much padding. If you’re a family on the go, Gathre’s portability and durability make it a fantastic option compared to House of Noa’s stationary mats.
Skip Hop Playmats
I recently tried a Skip Hop playmat, and it’s a fantastic option for parents who want a blend of fun and functionality. Skip Hop is known for its playful, kid-centric designs, and their playmats are no exception.
Made from non-toxic EVA foam, these mats are soft, durable, and free of BPA and phthalates. I set one up in our family room, and my kids loved the vibrant patterns—think animals and cityscapes—that spark imagination during playtime.
What makes Skip Hop stand out is its focus on developmental play. Some mats come with textured surfaces or built-in activity panels, perfect for tummy time or sensory exploration. They’re not machine-washable, but a quick wipe-down keeps them clean.
Priced between $60-$120, they’re more budget-friendly than House of Noa, though the padding is slightly thinner. If you’re after a mat that doubles as an engaging play space for younger kids, Skip Hop is a great pick, though it’s less versatile for adult spaces compared to House of Noa’s neutral designs.
Wander & Roam Mats
Wander & Roam was a pleasant surprise during my mat hunt.
These mats are crafted from high-density, non-toxic foam with a soft, woven fabric cover that feels luxurious underfoot.
I tested one in our nursery, and it was like adding a cozy rug that’s secretly kid-proof.
The covers are removable and machine-washable, a huge plus for messy play sessions, and the foam core is certified safe by OEKO-TEX standards.
The designs lean toward subtle, nature-inspired patterns, making them a close match to House of Noa’s aesthetic. They range from $100-$200, competitive with House of Noa, and the brand emphasizes sustainability with recyclable packaging.
My only quibble is that the mats are a bit bulky, so they’re not as easy to move as, say, Gathre. But for a plush, stylish option that holds up to daily use, Wander & Roam is a strong contender.
Mushie Play Mats
Mushie play mats caught my attention for their understated elegance and eco-friendly ethos. Made from 100% non-toxic EVA foam, these mats are lightweight, cushioned, and free of harmful chemicals.
I tried one in our living room, and its soft pastel colors and geometric patterns blended beautifully with our decor. Unlike House of Noa’s washable mats, Mushie mats are wipe-clean only, but they’re water-resistant, so spills are no big deal.
What I love about Mushie is the foldable design, similar to Toki Mats, making storage a breeze. They’re priced between $70-$130, offering great value for the quality. The padding is decent but not as thick as Cream Haus or House of Noa, so it’s best for gentle play or older kids.
Mushie’s combination of affordability, safety, and chic simplicity makes it a worthy alternative, especially for small spaces or minimalist homes.
Weighing The Options
After testing these alternatives, I realized each brings something unique to the table. Toki Mats win for portability and eco-friendliness. Ruggable shines for style variety and affordability during sales.
Gathre is the go-to for on-the-go families. Lalo’s customizable tiles spark creativity, and Cream Haus delivers unmatched comfort and sustainability. Skip Hop excels for developmental play, Wander & Roam for plush style, and Mushie for budget-friendly simplicity.
House of Noa still holds its own for minimalist design and all-around functionality, but these alternatives prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality or aesthetics to save a few bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
From my experience, yes, House of Noa mats are worth it if you value a balance of style, comfort, and easy cleaning. They’re durable, non-toxic, and blend seamlessly into adult spaces. However, if budget is a concern, alternatives like Gathre or Toki Mats offer similar benefits at a lower price. It depends on your priorities—House of Noa’s premium feel justifies the cost for many, but you can find comparable options.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. House of Noa is fantastic for minimalist, washable mats. Toki Mats are great for portability and eco-conscious parents. Ruggable offers the most design options. Gathre excels for travel, Lalo for customization, and Cream Haus for organic luxury. Skip Hop is perfect for developmental play, Wander & Roam for plush comfort, and Mushie for affordable style. For my family, Lalo’s artistic tiles were a favorite for their versatility, but your needs—budget, space, or style—will dictate the best pick.
All the brands I explored—House of Noa, Toki Mats, Ruggable, Gathre, Lalo, Cream Haus, Skip Hop, Wander & Roam, and Mushie—use non-toxic materials free of BPA, phthalates, and other nasties. Toki Mats and Cream Haus stand out for their eco-friendly certifications, with Cream Haus using organic cotton and natural rubber. Always check for third-party safety certifications like OEKO-TEX or GREENGUARD when shopping to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
Foam puzzle mats, like Lalo’s, are generally safe if they’re made from non-toxic EVA foam and certified free of harmful chemicals. I’ve used them without issue, and they’re great for customizing spaces. However, some cheaper foam mats off-gas or contain formamide, a potential carcinogen. Stick to reputable brands with clear safety standards, and avoid bargain-bin options from unknown sellers.
Final Thoughts
My journey through House of Noa alternatives taught me there’s no shortage of fantastic play mats out there. Whether you’re after portability, affordability, or eco-friendly luxury, there’s an option to suit your family’s needs.
House of Noa remains a top choice for its polished look and practicality, but brands like Toki Mats, Ruggable, Gathre, Lalo, Cream Haus, Skip Hop, Wander & Roam, and Mushie prove you can get creative without compromising on safety or style.
Happy mat hunting!