Preparation
Let’s face it: It’s hard to justify splurging on a nice rug for the kitchen when you know it will get spilled on, walked over, and worn out in just a matter of time. But there are many kitchen mats and carpets that provide the best of both worlds, striking the ideal balance between style and function. “Take the time to think through the functions and aesthetics specifically associated with your kitchen and your level of participation in its stewardship,” says Keith Miller of Miller Interior Design. He notes that whether you’re someone who spends hours in the kitchen or barely makes use of the space, the “benefit of a softer cushion underfoot and a rug’s added beauty has its advantages.”
Kitchen rugs provide comfort during long hours spent cooking or baking, and they’ll keep you cozy while you’re washing dishes after dinner. Even on nights when takeout is on the menu, the furnishing will add a little something extra to your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. If you’re someone who spills often, consider something with an abstract pattern that will easily hide hard-to-remove messes, like this Ruggable Alessia Dark Wood Rug ($119, ruggable.com). Not only does its deep color palette and complex design conceal spills, but it’s also washable, so you can easily pop it into your machine for a quick spin on the delicate cycle and it’ll be good as new.
If you choose the right design, kitchen rugs not only help tie the room to the rest of your home, but they can also provide more support in a space where you do a lot of standing. Ahead, we’re sharing some of the best kitchen rugs available right now.
Before purchasing a rug for your kitchen, it’s important to consider what materials and colors can stand up to such a highly trafficked, spill-prone area of the home. Since there are so many options to choose from, we’ve outlined a few things experts say to keep top of mind when shopping.
If you’re adding a kitchen rug to your home, one of the biggest reasons is likely comfort. After all, standing on a hard, flat floor can get uncomfortable after a period of time. Although cotton isn’t stain resistant, it will feel great under your feet and is typically machine washable. If you want something extra durable, Miller says to look for a tightly woven, low pile material (about a quarter-inch thick). “Woven sisal can weather the wear if you’re fastidious and don’t mind its rough texture or the way it shapes over time,” he notes. Additionally, manufactured synthetic materials, like nylon, polyester, and olefin, are great for kitchen rugs, since they repel oil and dirt.
You can find kitchen rugs in a variety of colors and patterns, and while you can certainly opt for something neutral that goes with the aesthetic of your kitchen, Miller recommends colorful or patterned options that effectively hide messes. “If you’re starting from scratch with a color palette, aim for warmer hues in reds, oranges, and golds. The busier the pattern, the easier to conceal inevitable spills, so long as you schedule routine cleaning,” he says. If you want a rug with a pattern, Miller suggests searching for something with an antique or worn look that can stand up to regular washing.
Best Runner: Unique Loom Sofia Collection Traditional Vintage Runner RugBest Anti-Fatigue: Sky Solutions Oasis Anti-Fatigue MatBest Set: K-Mat Kitchen Rug and Mat SetBest Stain-Resistant: Ruggable Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Lapis Blue RugBest Polyester: Ruggable Kamran Royal Blue RugBest Area Rug: Maples Rugs Georgina Traditional Area CarpetBest Water-Resistant: iDesign Bamboo Floor MatBest Vintage: Ruggable Alessia Dark Wood RugBest Kitchen Sink Rug: Cosy Homeer Half Round RugBest Washable: ReaLife Rugs Machine Washable RugBest Accent Rug: NuLoom Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug
To help you find the best kitchen carpets, mats, and rugs, we sorted through thousands of customer reviews from popular online shops to identify nine superior options. Shop these top-rated kitchen rugs below.
