How to
Choose the Right Rug for Your Kitchen

Rugs in the kitchen? Yes, rugs in the kitchen. Adding a rug to any kitchen is a great way to add warmth and character to the hearth of your home. Many people avoid using rugs in the kitchen for fear of spills and messes, but with our guide below, you can find the right rug to compliment yoru kitchen décor without sacrificing substance for style.

So why rugs in the kitchen? In addition to minimizing slippery floors, kitchen rugs do everything from reducing fatigue caused by standing for long periods to providing an extra pop of color to an otherwise muted kitchen floor. While you shop for kitchen rugs, consider four major criteria: Size, shape, color and materials.

Eyes on the Size

First things first: take a good look at your kitchen floor and consider how much of that space you want to cover. If you love your floor and just need a little extra cushioning by the sink or prep area, consider a small rug with ample cushioning or an anti-fatigue design similar to the mats used in professional kitchens. If you have a narrow kitchen or you’re adding a rug between your island and sink, consider using a runner or a narrow rectangular rug to fill the space without overlapping your cabinets. As a bonus, using a long, narrow rug in a small kitchen can make the room look bigger.

To add maximum warmth to a large kitchen, choose a larger kitchen rug in a solid color or a fun pattern to complement the rest of the room. Pro tip: When shopping for larger rugs, make sure to leave between 6 and 24 inches from the edge of the rug to the wall and cabinets.

Just the Right Shape

Round, square, half-moon or rectangular – the options are nearly endless. The shape of the area rug you choose for the kitchen affects the ultimate look you’ll create. Square and rectangular rugs are popular options for good reason: these versatile shapes typically fit neatly in nearly any space.  Half-moon or cresent-shaped rugs are often used in front of a kitchen sink for added cushioning and comfort. Round rugs tend to soften sharp lines and work well in the center of the room. You can also use them under the table to better define the space of an eat-in kitchen or breakfast nook.

More Color For Maximum Impact

Whether you want to add a playful touch, bold color or timeless elegance, the color and pattern of the kitchen rug that you choose set the tone for your final look. Stick with neutral tones for a cohesive, traditional aesthetic that adds comfort without overpowering the room. Complement the existing color scheme by picking up a color used in other decorative accessories. 

When mixing colors, just remember the 60-30-10 rule: keep 60 percent of your décor in the dominant color f the room (this is usually the color of your walls or cabinets). The next 30 percent is the primary accent color and the remaining 10 percent is an extra accent color, which you can easily incorporate into the room with decorative accessories. Following this rule, choose a rug that picks up your secondary color to coordinate nicely with the kitchen’s existing color palette.

Fabric Care

If you’re worried about keeping your new rug in mint condition, stick to rugs – especially outdoor rugs – in a flat-weave style that can hold up to the foot traffic in the kitchen. Whether you opt for natural fibers or synthetic blends, low-pile rugs offer excellent durability and the benefit of easy spot cleaning. All you need is a little soap and water and a stiff brush to remove any spills and stains. Add a non-skid rug pad underneath your new kitchen rug to prevent slippage and add extra padding so you’ll love sinking your toes into it year after year.