The kitchen isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when it comes to area rugs. After all, tiles and hardwood are easily the most practical choice—why risk ruining a perfectly good rug with spilled spaghetti sauce? But it’s all in the type of rug you choose. There are actually area rugs made specifically for the hot, dank environment of the kitchen, spills and all. A well-chosen area rug can give your kitchen that much-needed visual boost and keep it just as functional. Here’s how you can use kitchen area rugs to complete your kitchen décor.
Choosing rug materials
The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so your area rug should be built for everyday abuse. Your best bet is a synthetic rug such as nylon or acrylic. Acrylic is one of the most durable floor fabrics and is often used in bathrooms. If you’re the clumsy type, a nylon or polypropylene rug may be best for you—these are highly stain-resistant and are easy to clean after a spill.
If you want a more natural look, wool area rugs are the way to go. Wool is the gold standard when it comes to rug materials, both synthetic and natural. The only drawback here is their price—a good wool rug can cost twice as much as jute or cotton area rugs of the same size. The best alternative is probably sisal, a stiff and sturdy material made from the agave plant.
Matching your kitchen theme
Area rugs should be as decorative as they are functional. Your rug should match the overall theme of your kitchen; otherwise, it puts the entire room out of balance. So go for bamboo area rugs if you have an Asian-inspired kitchen, or contemporary area rugs if you’re more into postmodern chic. Don’t have a single décor theme? Just match your room colors—choose light blue area rugs to complement darker blue curtains, green area rugs to match your indoor plants, or black area rugs to tone down all-white or pastel-colored walls.
Patterns for protection
Solid colors should generally be avoided in the kitchen, as they make spills and stains more visible. Instead, choose one with a busy pattern, such as those you find on Persian or oriental rugs. The little details will hide most spills, so you can clean them up without removing the rug itself. Just make sure the pattern doesn’t clash with your room theme and colors. Consider changing the curtains or other room fabrics to match your rug pattern.
Size and positioning
Kitchen area rugs shouldn’t be too big—at the most, they should cover no more than 50% of the floor space not taken up by furniture. Avoid those that have fringed or tasseled edges. Try to stay within the 6’ limit—any bigger and your rug may get difficult to maintain.
Unless you have a fairly large kitchen, the most practical spot for area rugs is under your furniture. This will keep the furniture legs from scraping your floors and make for more comfortable seating. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of floor space, you can use area rugs to break up the monotony and add some interest to the room. Place it by the sink or fridge to serve as a spill mat, or in the middle of the room to provide a good focal point.
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Not many people put area rugs in their kitchens nowadays, but it’s an easy way to make your kitchen feel warmer and look more stylish. If you are worried about spills and wear on the area rugs in your kitchen, I would suggest buying discount rugs online. You can usually save money compared to many neighborhood stores and you’ll also have a bigger selection.