Kitchens are often overlooked when it comes to adding rugs, but they’re a super easy way to add comfort and a homely touch to hard flooring. They also help to soften sounds, which is especially useful in open plan spaces. But kitchen rugs don’t just act as practical floor coverings – they can provide visual cohesion and add a dash of pattern to an otherwise minimal room.
Choosing the best rug for your kitchen will depend on both the look you’re after and the material you prefer. Ideally, you’ll find a rug that is both durable and stain-resistant. Spills are inevitable in any kitchen, and a low-pile design is less likely to trap dirt. Tightly woven, natural fibres like sisal or jute are a great choice for kitchen floors, but manufactured synthetic rugs such as nylon and polyester also have their own benefits. They’re often easier to clean and can withstand high footfall better than a more delicate weave.
The shape of the rug you choose will also affect the overall look you want to achieve. A square or rectangular design is ideal for a large room, while a half-moon or crescent shaped option can work well in a smaller area and can soften the sharp edges of a kitchen island. If you’re looking for a more decorative style then a more plush, higher pile rug can offer a warm, luxurious underfoot feel that adds a sense of opulence to a modern kitchen.
A rug can also help to define a dining space in an open plan setting, and is a fantastic idea for an eat-in kitchen. Anti-fatigue mats are another smart option for a busy cooking space as they provide shock absorption and help to ease the strain on your feet.
Color is another key consideration when shopping for kitchen rugs. Whether you’re adding an accent color to a neutral scheme or simply want a pop of brightness, there are rugs to suit every palette. Look for a rug with the same hue as your appliances or one with a subtle coordinating pattern. This will help to create a cohesive look and can cut down on the visual clutter that open concept rooms are prone to.
A kitchen rug isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think about how to style your home, but they’re an ingenious way of adding personality and warmth to practical rooms that can sometimes be lacking in character outside of built-in cabinetry, sleek surfaces and stylish appliances. From vibrantly colored options to farmhouse kitchen rugs, there’s something to suit all aesthetic preferences and can give any space a quick and inexpensive lift. Just remember to pair any accents in the rug with your hardware to avoid an unintentional colour clash!
