Thinking about adding a kitchen rug but not quite sure what the best kitchen rug runners are?
You’re worried about a kitchen rug getting dirty, and you’ve seen those washable kitchen runners and wondered if they are the best choice.
You think a kitchen rug will slip all over the place because you have high foot traffic in your kitchen.
Even in busy kitchens, a beautiful rug makes a great addition to the space’s style, with the bonus of extra cushion under your feet in an area where you do a lot of standing.
Here are seven tips to help you find the best kitchen rugs.
Just a quick heads-up: Everything in this post reflects my genuine opinions and recommendations, but it’s not a substitute for professional advice. To keep this content free, I use ads and include affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Is a Rug in The Kitchen a Good Idea?
The most frequently asked question about kitchen rugs is it a good idea? Most people are worried about the rug getting dirty, followed by slipping around on the kitchen floor because there is no furniture to hold it down.
A kitchen rug is a great choice as long as you select the right one, and by using these tips, you’ll easily find a great option for your kitchen. There are numerous options for not only stain resistant rugs but also machine washable ones! So gone are the days of worrying about getting a kitchen rug dirty.
What is the Best Kitchen Rug Type?
Not all rugs are created equal, and not all are right for every situation; the kitchen is a prime example. Finding a durable kitchen runner is the key to loving your kitchen rug.
Washable kitchen rugs are made from polyester and have a special water-resistant barrier helping to repel spills and prevent any soiling of the rug. And if the rug needs washing, it’s easily removed from the backing and placed in your home washing machine.
Jute rugs are another great option for a kitchen rug because these types are made from a durable, surprisingly soft material. They are naturally water-resistant and can handle washing with soap and water. The downfall is water on the jute releases oils and causes it to brown.
Indoor-outdoor rugs are another excellent choice for a kitchen rug because of their synthetic fiber, designed to withstand a lot of water. They also have a low pile which reduces tripping over the rug.
Best Kitchen Rug Runners Placement
Now that you know what type of rug to look for let’s talk about the two best spots to place a kitchen rug.
The first spot is in front of the sink, where I have a rug in my own kitchen. This rug placement works well because it’s often where you spend a lot of time standing. It’s also where water is likely to splash, so it is better to get it on the rug than on the hardwood or tile floor, which could be more slippery.
Another good place for a runner rug is along the kitchen island. You will put the runner between the back wall of your kitchen and the island. In my humble opinion, it looks strange when you place it on the side where the island seating is unless you have a wide enough walkway to put the rug more in the walkway than under the island.
My tip is to focus on high-traffic areas if you’re torn between which spot to put your kitchen rug.
Best Kitchen Rug Runners Size
Nothing bugs me more than incorrectly sized furniture and rugs, and oversized decor is the fastest way to ruin good design. There are different sizes of rugs, so be sure to measure your space to ensure you have the right size before you purchase (or make sure there is an easy return process!).
For a small kitchen, like my own, use a small rug or rectangular-shaped rug and place it in front of your kitchen sink. Runner rugs generally come in six, eight, or ten-foot lengths, so to use a runner, you’ll need a spot in your kitchen that is greater than six feet in length. A large kitchen could pull off both options, having a rug in front of the sink and a runner rug between the island.
Best Kitchen Rug Runners Color Palette
A rug is a good choice when looking for ideas on how to add a pop of color to your kitchen space. There is no right or wrong answer, but if you’re looking for something that requires little maintenance or regular cleaning, stay away from a white rug. Instead, opt for a dark color, which will hide crumbs and minor spills more easily. A darker rug also will beautifully pop off white cabinets and complement wood tones if your cabinets are not white.
Best Kitchen Rug Runners Patterns
When considering what pattern you want on your kitchen rug, there is a floral pattern that, if done correctly, doesn’t have to look old or outdated. There is also an abstract pattern which gives a more modern look. Also, this is one space you can get away with a busy pattern, especially if you have countertops that are not busy.
Ruggable Rugs Review
If you’re shopping for a kitchen rug, the odds are good you’ve come across Ruggable and wonder if they are all they claim to be.
What initially prompted me to purchase a Ruggable was our dining room since I wanted a rug to warm up the space, but we have children, so it had to be durable and washable in the washing machine and also needed to not slip all over our hardwood floors.
Ruggable meets all these criteria, so I went for it. I opted for one of their best sellers, the Sarrah Hazel, and the classic rug pad. I did not take on the extra cost for the cushioned rug pad because most of the rug would be under the dining table; however, if I were to place this in a more high-traffic area such as a kitchen or living room, I recommend the cushioned pad.
The original rug pad paired with the Ruggable rug is barely elevated from the floor, making this the perfect runner or area rug for spaces where you do not want the rug to slip or move around from where you placed it.
I have a few different washable rug brands; honestly, one is not better than the other. Another great option is the Taupe Keyara from Rugs.com, and it’s proving to be just as durable and slip-free as our Ruggable.
Ruggable Rugs Quality
The one thing I’ve heard others complain about with washable rugs is how they appear printed vs. just being a flat-weave rug. And they are not wrong. The Ruggable washable rug is incredibly thin and does not have much texture. But I love the designs, colors, patterns, and vintage look these rugs still have despite being polyester.
So, as a Ruggable rug owner, I’ll be the first to tell you they are an excellent choice and make the perfect kitchen runner rugs. They don’t slip; they are low profile, have beautiful designs, many size options, and, best of all, are washable!
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