There is often controversy surrounding kitchen rugs. For the sake of easy cleanup after cooking, many people shy away from them due to the (very real) risk of spills. The right rug, however, can bring warmth, texture, and color right to your home with just a few precautions.

Here are the top 5 things you should consider when choosing a kitchen rug.

 

1. Materials and construction of kitchen rugs should be carefully considered

It's common for people to be concerned about upkeep when it comes to kitchen rugs. In kitchens, spills are usually a matter of when rather than if. Preparation is key to dealing with these unfortunate events.

It is important that kitchen rugs are durable and easy to clean. For your kitchen, it's usually best to choose a low-pile, flatweave, or braided rug. It is much easier to clean a rug with a low pile or no pile at all, since dirt and debris cannot hide there.

Pick up an indoor/outdoor rug for your kitchen. Generally made of non-porous polypropylene, these rugs are extremely durable and water-resistant. For busy kitchens, they're perfect partners.

 

2. Get a sense of your space

It is not uncommon for kitchens to be awkwardly shaped. Decorate around cabinets and islands, and consider where you'll stand between your sink, stove, and prep station as you move from one to the other.

Since kitchen rugs serve a more functional purpose than other rugs in your house, they should occupy more floor space. Around the edges of your rug, leave a 3 to 6-inch border of exposed floor. You should have plenty of room to stand on the rug without crowding your cabinets.

Throw rugs and runners are your best friends for tricky spaces. Consider all the areas where you stand most often in the kitchen, then use these small rugs to draw attention to them.

Also be sure to check out our tips for dining room rugs if you're looking for a rug under your kitchen table or in a breakfast nook.

 

3. Get a rug pad

In the kitchen, rug pads are more important than in any other room. In the kitchen, we are most concerned with two properties of a good rug pad: anti-slip and anti-fatigue.

You don't want your rug to slip out from under you if you're moving quickly around the kitchen. Invest in a good non-slip rug pad to avoid this potential hazard. In addition to keeping your rugs in place, these can also enhance their lifespan by increasing air circulation.

In the kitchen, you might also consider a felt-and-rubber pad. After a long day at work, these plush pads will provide welcome relief!

 

4. Coordinate Your Kitchen Rug

Last but not least, you should carefully consider the colors and patterns of your kitchen rugs. As a matter of fact, rugs play a fundamental role in the overall appearance of your home. Make sure neither your rug nor your kitchen décor overpower each other.

Take one of the colors already present in the room and bring it out in your rug. Pair darker rugs with light cabinets or vice versa to create contrast. With a bold multi-colored rug, you can give your kitchen a new lease on life.

In the kitchen, avoid solid, light-colored rugs. Spills in the kitchen are a matter of when, not if. In comparison to their simpler counterparts, dark, heavily patterned rugs will hide stains and last longer.