Should you put a rug under the kitchen table?

Some people like the idea of a rug under the kitchen table while some claim it’s a big no. But a rug under the kitchen table is necessary and for good reasons. It’s understandable why some people may be reluctant to add a rug to cover the floor under the kitchen table since it’s an area that is exposed to constant spills and messes of all kind, something that you don’t want to leave soaking into the rug but the aesthetic value of such a tug is hard to ignore. A beautiful rug that is well anchored adds a sense of grandeur to the kitchen area. 

If you don’t have an open plan kitchen but the floor is less constricted, you need to differentiate where every zone starts and ends. After all, the last thing you want is the functionality of your kitchen or dining room to spill over to the living room area for instance. By purchasing a rug of a contrasting color, you can achieve that perimeter that showcases the kitchen area neatly. 

How should a rug fit under a kitchen table?

The greatest concern among most homeowners regarding rugs for different rooms is what size is right. Get a rug that is too big and it may appear like you are trying to hide your floor for some reason and too small and people will assume that you are trying to conceal a stain. Choosing the right size of rug for the kitchen table is no rocket science but it’s also not guesswork. While you can get away with not-traditional choices when it comes to other rooms, it’s not always the case when choosing a rug to fit under the kitchen table. 

While the space limitations and the table size will dictate the rug size the kitchen area can accommodate, there are a few rules that you still need to follow. Generally, the kitchen area rug needs to be around four feet longer as well as wider than the table. Bearing that in mind, you need at least 18 to 24 inches on all sides such that you can slide out the chairs without them falling off the edge of the area rug. If the rug is small, the chairs might scratch the floor or get tangled in the rug’s edge which can be embarrassing especially when you have guests. 

What type of rug is best for the kitchen?

Some people are against rugs in the kitchen but just like you would have area rugs in the bedroom or living room, your kitchen could also benefit from aesthetic value rugs bring. The question is what kind of rug is best suited for the kitchen seeing that a lot of spills occur there. A good kitchen rug needs to be easy to maintain but this depends on the amount of floor traffic the rug sees. If you have a big family, then that means that the rug will require to be cleaned more often that one in a single person’s home. On that note, some kitchens require a rug that can handle spills more often while others require a rug just for aesthetic value. The best thing is to get a washable rug in such a case that you can either vacuum, spot clean, or throw in the washing machine.

The easiest rug to maintain that can do well in the kitchen are those made of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and nylon. Also, get a rug that is resistant to staining since the kitchen area experiences a lot of spills. As such, rugs made of natural fibers like jute and seagrass would be more ideal since they are easy to clean and stain-resistant. Lastly, go for a rug with a design that offers variation in terms of pattern and color since stains and spills are more noticeable on rugs that have a solid color. 

How to clean kitchen rugs?

  • Start by vacuuming the rug on both sides to remove dirt, debris, pet hair, and dust that may have been dragged onto the rug over time. For pet hair, use the brush attachment to remove them.
  • Pick up the rug and carry it outside and lay it on a flat surface preferably in the patio or driveway. 
  • If you will be using store-bought shampoo, ensure that you follow the instructions of the manufacturer when it comes to how you mix the shampoo and clean the rug otherwise you can also make your own shampoo using liquid dish soap and warm water. 
  • Apply a little shampoo or cleaning solution to a small area of the rug, leave for an hour or two and then check for discoloration. If any occurs, you need to change the cleaning solution or cleaning method. 
  • If there is no discoloration you can go ahead and apply the cleaning solution on the entire rug. Use a soft bristle brush or a sponge to work the shampoo into the fibers ensuring that you don’t over-wet it.
  • Leave the cleaner to sit for about 5 minutes and scrub and then using a garden hose, rinse the soap off.
  • Wring out as much water as you can or use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to get rid of the excess water.
  • Lay the rug flat and leave it outside for a day or two to dry completely before returning it to the house.  

Are jute rugs good for the kitchen?

Jute area rugs offer an inherent aesthetic beauty to any room they are used in since they are made of dried plant fibers that leave them with the original tan shade. If you are looking for an area rug for the kitchen, you can’ go wrong with a jute rug. Jute rugs despite being soft are highly durable and are more useful in their woven form. Jute rugs are also easy to clean and maintain since they are naturally resistant to stains. The kitchen gets a lot of spills and messes and you might refrain from using an area rug because of this. However, just like with the living room or bedroom, rugs are just as functional in the kitchen. 

Jute rugs are woven from very think fibers hence can withstand all manner of foot traffic which makes them a perfect fit for the kitchen. In low traffic homes, the rugs can last for years. While you need to vacuum a jute rug to remove dust and dirt, the rugs don’t require any special care even when placed in the kitchen, and not to mention their brown colors makes it possible for stains to be less noticeable which is what you need in the kitchen. 

Can you use a bath rug in the kitchen?

Bath rugs serve several functions. For one a bath rug makes a whole lot of difference aesthetically speaking in terms of complementing the color scheme of the bathroom and not to mention coordinates well with the bath towels. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and texture, which makes it easy to change the rugs whenever you want to. They are highly absorbent hence the reason why they are used in the bathroom to absorb the excess water on the floor and prevent you from slipping on the wet tiles. A bath rug made of 100 percent cotton is the most ideal since cotton absorbs a lot of water more times than other materials. Due to these properties, a bath rug is not strictly restricted to be used in the bath area but it can also be used in other areas like the kitchen. It is possible to find a bath rug that you can use in the kitchen area without it coming out as an obvious bath rug.

Because the kitchen experiences constant spills from foods and liquids, you require a rug that is not only highly absorbent but easy to clean as well as stain-resistant and that’s what you get in bath rug. As such, if you can’t find a good kitchen rug, just go with an aesthetically pleasing bath rug.  

Can you wash kitchen rugs?

Whether a runner between the cabinets and the island, a small rug in front of your sink, or a full-size rug under the kitchen table, having an area rug in the kitchen is a great way of adding texture, color as well as the comfort to the space. While some people advise against kitchen rugs mainly because the area is so prone to spills and messes, just like in the living room, a rug will add beauty to the room. The main concern with kitchen rugs, is whether or not you need to wash yours? The answer is yes.

Just like a rug in any other room of the house, the kitchen rug will get dirty after some time and the last thing you want is the keep using a dirty rug. If you have a large family especially the rug will likely get dirty quicker than if you were living alone. Additionally, if you have pets, you can be assured that pet hair will be all over your rug after some time. While you don’t need to deep clean the rug every week, to make maintenance easy, you can vacuum the rug at least once a week to remove dust and dirt that may be embedded in the fibers. For deep cleaning, use recommended rug shampoo or mild dishwashing soap and warm water to clean the rug. 

Do you need a rug under the kitchen table?

Whether a rug is necessary under the kitchen table is a never-ending debate. Some people are strictly against rugs under the kitchen table while others are pro rugs. Having a rug under the kitchen table is a matter of personal preference. The area is prone to spills and messes and you may want a rug to absorb them or you may be against that if you don’t want to keep cleaning the rug. A rug even one under the kitchen table has many uses with the most important being that it adds beauty to the décor. There are times when the rug may work against you so you need to decide on whether you need to have a rug under the kitchen table or to have the table resting on the floor.  

Ideally, it's recommended that you purchase a rug before you purchase the kitchen table if you do decide that you need one. Rugs look good and make the colors come alive in the kitchen. A rug can brighten up a dark kitchen and not mention will make the room feel more alive. A rug under the kitchen table will also prevent the floor from being scratched when you pull the chairs. Additionally, it can be used to absorb spills and messes that would otherwise end up on the floor staining it in the process. Lastly, a rug under the kitchen table is a good way of defining the space especially if you have a large kitchen. 

How big should a kitchen rug be?

Kitchens experience a lot of traffic since food is being prepared there and so will your rug. When you are purchasing a kitchen rug, the most important factors that you need to consider are ease of cleaning and comfort. Ideally, you want a rug that fits well in that it is not too small or too big to present a tripping hazard. Since kitchen rugs need to be cleaned regularly, you want a run that is of the right size such that it can be pulled up and put back in place. The size of your rug will mostly depend on the size of the kitchen. 

  • Large kitchen: If you have a large kitchen that is more than 200 feet and has a kitchen island, then you might go with 5×7 or 3×5 rugs on both or either sides of the island. If you want some floor space to be visible, then a 2.5’x10’ rug that spans the length of the sink or the cabinets will do.
  • Medium size kitchen: Depending on the layout of the kitchen, a smaller 5’x7’ or 3’x5’, or a 2.5’x7’ runner rug that sits in front of the sink will work perfectly for you since it will leave out open floor space. 
  • Small kitchen: Small kitchens may feel cluttered already and adding a rug may make it worse. If you get the right rug however you can still enjoy the personality and warmth that area rugs bring. With such a kitchen, opt for small rugs such as 2’x3’ or 3’x5′ rugs or a short 2.5’x7’ runner rug. 
  • Long kitchen: Long kitchens normally have two parallel units that form a corridor in the middle. For such a layout, a 2.5’x7’ or 2.5’x10’ runner rug will work perfectly for you.

How to choose a kitchen rug?

  • Décor: when choosing a kitchen rug, consider the décor of the room and whether you want a cozy or a sleek look. Whether you opt for a small or a larger rug, the rug must match the décor of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen has bright colors, go for a neutral-colored rug so that it won’t appear to be competing with the design. 
  • Material: The kitchen is prone to messes and spills and not to mention high foot traffic. Go for a rug that is made of highly durable material that is also water and stain-resistant. The rug needs to also be soft in case you drop dishes on the floor. If you have a busy kitchen, go for a flat weaved rug since these tend to be colorfast and highly durable.
  • Ease of cleaning: Since kitchen rugs need regular cleaning go for a rug that is easy to clean and maintain. Again flat weaved rugs are easy to clean since you can throw them in a washing machine. Rugs made of sisal and jute are easy to hand wash. 
  • Safety: If you have got a tiled or hardwood floor, safety should be of the utmost concern. Go for a rug that has a non-slip backing such that the rug stays in place even when you move the chairs. 
  • Comfort: Since you may be spending a lot of time in the kitchen standing up preparing meals, then get a rug that is as comfortable as possible underfoot. Anti-fatigue rugs in this case would work best for the kitchen area.