Although an area rug might not seem well suited to a kitchen, it is becoming a common feature in home magazines and is more than something to keep your feet warm in the colder months. They can be stylish, decorative, and have a certain ambiance that makes them a must-have in your kitchen.
Because they are an emerging market, it is hard to tell the quality area rugs for the kitchen from the cheaply made products. This is why we have identified the best on the market and there is something for all tastes. Whether you want a vintage look or something a little more modern and chic, there is an area rug to suit all types of homes and kitchen designs for you to get on board with the latest trend.
Quick Summary of Best Area Rugs For Kitchen
Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Contemporary Area Rug
When you think of area rugs, this is the sort of design that springs to mind. Not only does it have a modern look and a pleasant oval shape but it is neutral enough to fit into most designs and furnishings. Resistant to stains and with a non-slip back it has the functionality to complement its modern look.
You can pick one up in a chocolate brown or grey design and is made from a power-loomed 100% polypropylene construction to make sure it is capable of withstanding the abuse of high traffic spaces, making it a perfect area rug for the kitchen. The nylon low-profile makes it comfortable under your feet but also ensures it doesn’t snag under a door should you need to move it.
- Resistant to stains
- Non slip rubber underneath
- Comfortable to stand on
- Comes in two designs
- Not washing machine safe
Anti Fatigue Comfort Floor Mat by Sky Mats
When you want an area rug for comfort, this is up there with the best and it has been specifically designed to ensure the comfort of their core foam inner. This soft feel makes it ideal for anyone who suffers from foot, knee, or back pain and makes cooking a lot more comfortable.
They have considered the safety of everyone in the kitchen as it has a beveled edge to make sure no one trips and with a non-slip bottom, it is safe to stand on for long periods. Although it comes in 3 sizes, only the biggest (24×70-inches) looks like it will cover a good amount of space so it isn’t the largest area rug for the kitchen but doesn’t give off a toxic smell and comes in a variety of colors and designs.
- Cushioned support to making standing in the kitchen more comfortable
- Comes in 3 sizes
- Non-slip bottom
- Colors can fade over time
AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Standing Comfort Mat
AmazonBasics make some great products for your home and this is their comfort mat the makes an ideal area rug for the kitchen. The cushion foam ensures it hugs the feet and conforms to your size and stance and because of its abrasive surface it is easy to wipe clean.
Measuring 36×20-inches it is a decent size compared to a lot of the competition in the price range and the dark brown design has a quality look to it. There are non-curling edges to make sure passers-by don’t trip and the non-slip bottom makes sure it doesn’t move about when you are trying to increase your comfort. Anyone looking to alleviate joint fatigue and is looking for a little extra support when you’re stood at the chopping board, this is one of the best.
- Easy to clean
- Conforms to your feet
- Non-curling edges and non-slip bottom
- Not everyone wants a brown comfort mat
Ottomanson Glamour Collection Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design
The lattice design of this area rug for kitchens gives it a contemporary look that is as practical as it is modern. The stain-free and shed-free pile makes it an ideal rug for homes with pets and children and is designed to withstand the back and forth of the kitchen.
Made in Turkey from nylon it has a non-slip rubber backing to keep it sturdy and makes sure it won’t slip under your feet. It has a soft texture and is low profile for a comfy surface that keeps your feet off a cold floor when you’re preparing a meal. Although it isn’t dry clean friendly you can use a spot cleaner when necessary and for an affordable area rug, it is of a higher quality than most.
- Modern lattice design
- Low profile and comfortable
- Non-slip rubber backing
- Good value
- Not as thick as some might like
Safavieh Rag Rug Collection Hand Woven Purple and Multi Cotton Runner
These handwoven pieces from India are one of a kind with a rag style design it is naturally lightweight and soft. The elongated shape makes it ideal for a kitchen so although it has the appearance of a runner it is practical for what most people need it for.
They are available in different colors so you can match it to your kitchen and measures 72 x 27-inches to cover a good amount of your kitchen so you can stand at the countertop in comfort. One concern we have is that it doesn’t feature a non-slip bottom so you have to be careful about kids running around the kitchen or purchase a non-slip mat separately.
- Handwoven in India
- Available in different colors
- Not non-slip underneath
Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Floral Modern Area Rug
You’ve probably noticed by now that Ottomanson is one of the premier brands when it comes to finding an area rug for the kitchen and part of that is down to their variety. This floral garden design is eye-catching and brings a dull kitchen area to life. Still, even with a pretty design, you want the rug to be practical and as per their other products in the niche, this one doesn’t disappoint.
We like the curved edges and non-slip bottom to ensure the user is safe, especially important when working with sharp knives and hot pans. Made from 100% polypropylene the company offers a hassle-free refund if you aren’t satisfied with this pleasant in appearance yet strong rub that is robust enough to go in any kitchen.
- Pleasant floral design
- Non-slip backing
- Available in various shapes and sizes
- Not a thick rug
Area Rug For Kitchen Guide
Not everyone thinks to buy an area rug for their kitchen which means you could be the first of your friends. This can make it a bit of a difficult product to choose from because you have no starting point. The best area rugs for the kitchen tend to have a few similarities and when you know what to expect from a quality product it can mean you get a rug that looks great between your countertops and will last a long time.
There is more to consider than style and comfort so to help you navigate your way around the world of kitchen area rugs, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What To Look For In A Kitchen Rug
Non-Slip Bottom
Although you can pick up a non-slip bottom for a rug for a reasonable price it is always nice to find an area rug for your kitchen that is ready to go from the moment it arrives.
The best products will have a reliable and consistent non-slip material, usually, rubber that stretches the length of the product. This prevents you from slipping when you are holding a hot pot of boiling water and can prevent serious injury.
Size
As with any rug, it has to fit into the size of your kitchen without looking out of place. Thankfully, most companies tend to cut their rugs in different sizes so you can find the right one for you. The runner style area rugs are often the best as they stretch further below the countertop to cover a larger area and ensure you can stand in comfort.
Stain Resistant
This might be in the form of a pattern, color, or even the material used but when you put an area rug in your kitchen it is going to be up against a few spills. Because a lot of them are not washing machine friendly you need to be sure it won’t spoil easily and is fine to be spot cleaned when required.
Design
To suit your home and bring a little interior design into a dull area, an eye-catching area rug can lift the mood of your kitchen. This depends on the design you go for but there are popular lattice, floral, and plain colored designs that means you can find something for whatever kitchen design you have.
Beveled Edge
To stop your family from tripping as they pass, an area rug with a beveled edge can help everyone to step onto and over the rug with ease. Because it is easy to forget the rug is there you want to be able to pass with kitchenware without the risk of falling.
Anti-Fading
Over time any area rug is going to have to be able to withstand a bit of tread. This means the scuff and standing can cause certain fabrics and brands to fade. Once this happens there is no way or restoring them to their former glory so look for a product that is known for lasting color.
Reasons To Buy An Area Rug
Although you have seen them, you might be wondering what the benefits of using an area rug are. When it comes to putting one in your kitchen, here are some of the plus points:
Noise Reduction
Although you might not notice it too much, the sound of shoes and slippers clapping against the tiles or floorboards of your kitchen can disturb other people in your home. An area rug can lessen the noise of this, and a dog tip-tapping around which could help a baby to sleep peacefully.
Better For Children
If you are expecting or have a toddler in your house, you know that a child learning to walk needs a soft surface to cushion their fall. An area rug in the kitchen can soften the blow when the fall from unsteady feet, preventing injuries and bumps.
Warms The Area
It isn’t going to turn your kitchen into a steam room but an area rug can help insulate the room better than laminate or tiles. It also makes stepping into the kitchen on a winters morning more bearable, even if you’re just making a coffee to warm yourself up.
Comfort
For a lot of people, this is the number one factor that sways them into buying an area rug for the kitchen as there are products that have been designed to enhance the comfort of the user and alleviate joint pain. Those that are designed to be anti-fatigue work to promote added comfort and cushioning but even the standard rugs are more comfortable than standing on a hard floor.
Common Area Rug Materials
This will either ensure the rug is durable enough to last a long time and should be one of the first things you consider before buying.
Nylon – A popular material in a variety of rugs because it is hard-wearing and good for high-traffic areas such as the kitchen. When the kids are spilling juice on the surface it is one of the easiest to clean and can be pretty resistant to stains.
Polypropylene –Â Although it isn’t as durable as the likes of Nylon it does clean easily and is resistant to stains. a popular material nonetheless because it is affordable and resistant to moisture.
Cotton – These can be hand-woven so you get a unique design but tend to be less stain-resistant. This means the upkeep can be a little demanding although they are often soft under your feet.
Wool – Known for being well insulated, a wool or wool blend area rug will look nice but can shed, especially when you first use them.
Polyester – Resistant to fading and easy to clean polyester rugs are popular because they are durable so in places like the kitchen, they can withstand a fair amount of use.
Conclusion
To complement your home, an area rug for the kitchen needs to be comfortable under your foot but you also have to get along with the design.
There are plenty of products that look great on first impressions so now you’ve done your homework you know how to make sure it will be durable enough for you to use day in day out.