4 Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Rug
Material:
Opt for durable, stain-resistant materials: cotton, a natural all-rounder, can be used in kitchens, one of the best choices. Cotton rugs are very easy for maintenance - there’s no sweat in throwing a thin cotton rug in the washing machine. Jute and sisal add texture and warmth. They are durable but can be harder to clean, so they work best in lower-traffic areas or alongside protective mats.
Photo by Johanna Wiemann
Polypropylene, nylon, or synthetic blends are also easy to clean and can withstand spills and heavy foot traffic.
A vinyl rug not only works indoors, they make wonders in outdoor kitchens as well. Stains basically don’t stick to the material, it’s enough to wash it off with plain water to make it fresh, making a beginner friendly choice among the others.
Photo by Deborah Ottaiano
If you don’t want to put too much effort in analyzing your future kitchen rug’s material, simply check the label for cleaning instructions. Avoid rugs that can only be dry-cleaned.
Comfort and Safety:
How do you use your kitchen? Do you use slippers inside? Do you stand a lot? Your kitchen is rather just a design piece of your home rather than a functional space? Think about how, when and what you use in the kitchen, this will make choosing your rug easier.
Look for rugs with non-slip backing or consider using a rug pad to prevent slipping, especially in areas prone to water spills. However, I’ve met many people personally who didn’t like non-slip lazer beneath their rag rug, try and see what works best for you, ultimately it’ll be in your kitchen.
Aim for rugs without textured edge-binding, fringes, or other types that might make you stumble. The best options for safety are flat-woven or blind-stitched edges.
Photo by Danielle Piacenti
Our Favourite Kitchen Rugs:
Size and form:
Long and straight-lined kitchens call for long runners, but it’s always exciting and rewarding if you play around with shapes, lengths and widths. If you are keen on playful arrangements, then try to put circle-shaped rugs in front of your cabinet, bridging your kitchen with the living room.
Photo by Brit Arnesen
Circle-shaped rugs are also suitable for L-shaped kitchens, but you might put square-shaped ones in there.
Photo by Imma Galiana
Put your rugs where it’s the most convenient and comfortable. Some place it where they stand the most, some put it in low-traffic areas. Less is more - you don’t have to fill the entire floor with rugs, leave 10-15 centimeters from the cabinet, cupboards, etc. Make your decision based on your own comfort.
Color, pattern:
Rugs can make wonders in any space - with a little piece of accessory you can completely change the mood of an existing area, or add to its original style. A minimalistic, simple kitchen can be elevated with a vivid rug with patterns, but a natural jute rug will fit as well. One of my favourite options are painting like rugs, and these work best in the kitchen. Truly an artwork laid under our feet.
Photo by vren STUDIOVREN
I highly recommend avoiding monochrome rugs, any colorful or patterned rug can hide stains that are harder to clean. Taking on this principle, it’s best to choose rugs with eclectic, cloudy, non-logical geometry patterns.
Choose something that reflects your personal style but is also practical. If it results in a monochromatic rug, buy it, but bear in mind the drawbacks of maintenance.