When you design your kitchen, picking out the best rugs may not be the first thing you think about. But there’s no denying that they can bring a touch of softness and warmth into rooms that use hardwood floors while also injecting your personal style into your kitchen space. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a new kitchen or simply looking for bright kitchen ideas to spruce up your room, here are the best kitchen rugs for your home.
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Why Use Rugs in Your Kitchen?
We all know that kitchens are among the most high-traffic areas in our homes, so an area rug made from durable materials will be able to protect hard floors from damage. Kitchen runner rugs can help to protect your floors from crumbs and spills, while Ruggable rugs are machine washable and use stain-resistant material. Whether you have a small kitchen or a large open space, the right rug will be the perfect addition to your cooking space.
The Best Kitchen Rug Ideas
Because kitchen rugs will come in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, it can be easy to get distracted by pretty designs and fancy materials but it’s important to consider functionality. After all, we all think of the kitchen as the heart of our home, so it’s important to protect the floors that are constantly used. For most people, a low pile rug will do the trick, and will purchase one that can cover the kitchen’s busy areas such as the front of the stove, the front of the sink, and around the fridge.
Runners or rugs made using natural materials such as sisal, jute, and wool are all a good choice for such busy places but it’s best to place a rug pad beneath them to prevent slipping. But for people looking to bring comfort and coziness into their kitchen or dining room, you may opt for a high-pile rug. Below are just a few of the best kitchen rug ideas for you to think about when decorating your own space.
Jute Rugs
Both the kitchen and living room are high-traffic areas around the home, and are often used for long hours; using hard-wearing made out of jute will ensure that your floor is protected. This is specifically useful on stone flooring that leaves kitchens feeling cold — you can add warmth and texture by using a low-pile rug. The best kitchen rug runners can be made from sisal or jute and will add a rustic touch to your kitchen, and are a great addition to country kitchens.
Antique Rug
Using an antique rug, you can introduce a folky feel that will warm up your freestanding kitchen while providing beautiful shapes and patterns. These can be made from synthetic materials or natural materials and will feel right at home inside older houses. If you have a more industrial setup in your kitchen, a beautiful rug like this provides the perfect way to take the focus away from all the stainless steel and can also bring a small kitchen to life.
Wool Rug
A nice wool rug can help to bring texture into a monochrome or white kitchen; while white marble countertops and charcoal cabinets make a sophisticated pairing, it can be harsh to look at. Moreover, this kind of design may appear flat without any other kind of texture — adding a wool rug can be a great way to add style and drama to any space. It can also help to warm up the look and feel of your kitchen when paired with burnished fittings and various artworks.
Traditional Rugs
Using a big rug can be a great option to zone your dining table to separate the eating spaces from the cooking spaces, making them a wonderful addition to open-plan homes. Traditional rugs will look even better when placed under a farmhouse table to give it a personality of its own. Moreover, the rich reds and blues usually found in these kinds of rugs can lend a more rustic look and bring warmth into an otherwise plain dining room.
Cotton Rugs
If you want to roam around your kitchen with your bare feet, then cotton rugs are the way to go; from classic stripes to asymmetric patterns, you’ll find all kinds of cotton rugs. These can come in a variety of sizes and can also serve as kitchen decor thanks to the wide color palette that many of them can offer. This kind of rug will be simpler compared to the other options but they do offer a textured surface and timeless designs that can be used in just about any kitchen.
Flatweave Rug
If you want to add an option that’s not so subtle, look for a flatweave rug that has a bright color and hypnotizing patterns. These come in different sizes and bold patterns that can cover the whole floor of your kitchen for a wonderful display. No matter what color scheme you choose, these will always make your home feel more lively and welcoming, and can also catch dirt and spills to keep your hardwood flooring spotless.
Natural Fiber Rug
Those who love the outdoors and want to bring it into their homes will love rugs made from natural fibers and can even arrange to place outdoor rugs for their patios. Using these for your home decor will surely bring you peace of mind in today’s fast-paced world as well as a touch of nature into your home. To get the most out of these rugs, opt for a mellow color that will blend in with neutral colors and natural materials to create a soothing and grounding space.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
The best thing you can do for your kitchen is to look into the best anti-fatigue kitchen mats and purchase them. These are made to provide extra support for the lower back when working in the kitchen for long periods of time using easy-to-clean materials such as vinyl, polyurethane, non-slip rubber, PVC, or foam mats. They also come with a non-slip backing, so they are the best option when you want to protect your floor and anyone who wishes to work in the kitchen.
Best Kitchen Rugs for Your Home
Here are just some of the best kitchen rugs available in the market that you can have on display in your home.
1. IOHOUZE Boho Kitchen Rug
Highlights
- Beautifully hand-woven using 100% cotton
- With the perfect thickness and highly durable
- Features a timeless design without any tassels
- Easy to clean by hand or washing machine
This Boho Kitchen Rug by Iohouze is everything you could want in a kitchen rug and more! Made from 100% cotton, you’ll be amazed by its softness and skin-friendly texture, while the pattern itself was constructed using colorful threads, which means that it’s more durable than printed rugs. Moreover, its multipurpose design lets you use it around the kitchen, hallway, and porches — finally, it’s easy to clean so you can machine wash it without fuss.
2. SAFAVIEH Vintage Hamadan Collection Accent Rug
Highlights
- Non-shedding and stain-resistant
- Pet and kid-friendly design
- Highly durable and easy to maintain
- One of the most trusted brands on Amazon
This expertly woven vintage accent rug from Safavieh is made from enhanced and durable synthetic fibers that shed little to none at all and are also stain-resistant. It’s safe to use for everyday indoor use and is a great option for unwanted messes and heavy traffic from pets and kids. Using a carpet cleaner along with a carpet cleaner, you can clear out minor stains and regular vacuuming will keep this clean and presentable at all times.
3. Lahome Boho Tribal Wool Area Rug
Highlights
- Delicately designed oriental rug
- Safe to use thanks to non-slip backing
- A low pile throw rug that’s soft to the touch
- Easy to wash and maintain
With the Lahome Boho Tribal Wool Area Rug, you’ll get a chic rug that offers an intricate print on a soft-textured polyester base. Using tribal elements and a combination of traditional colors, this rug can effortlessly fit into all kinds of contemporary spaces and decor. With an absorbent top layer made from soft fabric, it’s safe to use in high-traffic areas and is easy to clean for use around the entryway, kitchen, bathroom, and even the bedroom.
4. Deir Debwan Traditional Persian Rug
Highlights
- Features a traditional Persian design
- Soil-proof and stain-resistant
- Available in a wide range of colors and sizes
- Made in Turkey
The Deir Debwan Traditional Persian Rug is made with an impressive 330,000-point, high-density construction, with a soft Persian design. This runner is highly durable and wears extremely well even after years of heavy use; it’s also easy to clean and is resistant to stains and soil. With a gorgeous pattern and vibrant colors, this is easily one of the most beautiful rugs you can lay in your kitchen to zone your dining space.
5. Cotton Hand-Woven Boho Rug
Highlights
- High-quality, hand-woven cotton rug
- Embellished with a unique tufted design
- With elegant tassels on each side
- Easy to clean using vacuum or machine-washed
With this hand-woven boho rug, you’ll get a high-quality item made of 45% polyester, 45% cotton, and 10% viscose that’s soft, comfortable, and thick to the touch. As a result, it offers high water absorption and stain resistance, making it highly durable in areas with heavy traffic. Thanks to its trendy and chic look, you can use this versatile rug anywhere in your home, while it’s also easy to clean using the washing machine, vacuum, or hand washing.
6. Georgia Collection Flatweave Rug
Highlights
- Designed to withstand everyday wear and tear
- Made to make a statement with bold patterns
- Uses soothing colors and simple designs
- No pile design means they’re easy to clean
Made with 100% recycled cotton, this Georgia Collection Flatweave Rug is soft, eco-friendly, and durable so you can use it anywhere around your home, especially in busy areas like the kitchen. With a combination of simple patterns and pastel colors, these low-maintenance rugs can make any space more lively. Since they have no pile whatsoever, these flatweave rugs are easy to clean and are perfect for spills and high-traffic areas around the home.
7. KOZYFLY Boho Natural Fiber Rug
Highlights
- With a non-slip rubber backing for more traction
- Easy to clean and washable on a delicate cycle
- Durable and fade-resistant even in busy areas
- Uses a low pile thickness for ideal functionality
Unlike reversible rugs, the KOZYFLY Boho Natural Fiber Rug offers unbeatable traction thanks to its non-slip backing which effectively works on tile and wooden floors. It’s made from premium cotton materials; all you need is to wash on a delicate cycle and then air dry to extend the life of your rug. With a low pile thickness of just 0.23 inches, it’s highly functional and is perfect for use around the kitchen and everywhere else around your home.
8. ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat
Highlights
- Made of ¾-inch thick high-density foam
- Improves your comfort while working in the kitchen
- Uses durable and stain-resistant materials
- Professionally engineered and won’t lose support
Using the ComfiLife Anti Fatigue Floor Mat, you can work comfortably around your kitchen or home office, no matter how long you need to stand. With its ¾-inch thick high-density foam, this anti-fatigue floor mat can relieve pressure from your back, knees, legs, and feet while you chop away and cook food. This ergonomic mat is known for its durability, stain resistance, non-slip bottom, and easy-to-clean surface, plus it won’t lose the support it provides over time!
Which Rug Should You Use?
Because there are so many options to choose from, it can get hard to choose the right one for your kitchen. Below we discuss the reasons why you should choose one over the other and which may not be suitable for your particular needs.
Natural Rugs Pros and Cons
You can place this in the front of your sink to protect your hardwood flooring and is the best choice if you want a water resistant option with a non-slip bottom. Because they’re stain resistant, you can simply wipe them with a damp cloth to keep them clean. They are also a great choice if you need to work in the kitchen for a long time — the only downside is that they can be thin so look for thick ones.
Washable Rugs Pros and Cons
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your rugs clean, opt for a washable rug of the right size to ensure it will fit in your washing machine. When you do wash them, be sure to look for the care instructions included with each one to make sure that they’ll stay in top shape as long as possible. However, they can stain, so it’s best to steer clear of white or cream-colored options and instead stick to ones with a lot of patterns.
Anti-Fatigue Mats Pros and Cons
The best anti-fatigue mats will feel really nice under your feet and are the best choice if you’re in the kitchen a lot since the thick cushioning will provide more support. They can also absorb small amounts of water and are also washable, although they will need to be air-dried. Anti-fatigue mats won’t come at an extra cost and will usually last a few years when maintained properly which is pretty impressive for something that will experience daily wear and tear.
Cotton Rugs Pros and Cons
These come in a wide range of colors and sizes and can complement all kinds of kitchen decor. However, they can slip if you don’t use a rug pad with them and while they may be a cheaper option, cotton rugs are among the most inconvenient rugs to use. They can go into the washing machine but they will need regular washing and aren’t stain-resistant, so it’s best if you opt for darker colors instead of white.
Kitchen Rug FAQs
When you’re ready to purchase your rug, here are just a couple of questions that you might want to consider before doing so.
What is the Best Rug to Use in the Kitchen?
Kitchens are high-traffic areas, so be sure to choose a rug that’s made from hardwearing and durable materials. There are plenty of different kinds to choose from.
- 100% wool blends are highly resistant to indenting and crushing making it highly durable. It can also resist stains naturally and is much easier to maintain compared to synthetically made rugs.
- Naturally made rugs from fibers just as sisal and jute are practical options that are stain resistant and hardwearing. They’re also more sustainable compared to synthetic materials making them a good choice for the environment.
Where Should a Rug Be Placed in the Kitchen?
The answer to this will depend on the purpose that your rug will serve; runners and rugs with a short pile will work best in busy areas such as the areas between the stove, sink, and fridge. Putting your rug here provides a layer of protection between your foot and the floor, which provides softness and cushioning from sounds. Rugs can also be used to assign zones in your kitchen or dining room and will work well in open-plan homes.
Choosing the Best Kitchen Rugs
The kitchen island and the area in front of your sink are some of the messiest places in our homes, so looking for the right solution is imperative when you want to keep your home clean. Luckily, there are various solutions in the form of rugs for you to try, and each will come with its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the right option for you will depend on your needs and preferences, so be sure to take your floors into consideration when choosing.
Sources
- Kitchen Accessory Buying Guides
- Kitchen Appliance Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookbook Buying Guides
- Kitchen Cookware Buying Guides
- Kitchen Pantry Food Buying Guides
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