Choosing The Best Kitchen Rugs
The kitchen is the heart of a home, so why not make it as cosy and inviting as possible? Adding a colourful rug to your kitchen can be just that - an effortless way to add both style and substance.
Of course, spills and messes can happen in any room. However, there are plenty of materials which are designed to repel moisture or that have easy-to-clean surfaces. So don’t be afraid to indulge in textiles in this important part of your home - it could really bring together the overall look of your living space.
With our extensive guide, you’ll find the ideal rug for your kitchen; one that will weather an occasional mess, look great, and serve as warmth and comfort for many years and can be properly maintained with professional rug cleaning.
Common Materials Used
When looking for the best kitchen rug, you'll find that there are many materials to choose from - let's look at some of the most common ones.
Natural Fibre
Natural fibre rugs and mats are perfect for adding a touch of nature to your kitchen, however, they are not practical to be around food and moisture. Natural fibres are more likely to stain and for the stains to become permanent, so while natural fibre rugs can be common in kitchens, we certainly do not recommend you use one.
Whether it's sisal, wool, cotton, or jute, these natural materials provide a textured look. Just make sure that if you place them anywhere near the oven, keep them away from the area because natural fibres are flammable.
Rubber
Rubber mats/rugs offer the perfect combination of comfort, cushioning, and convenience -- not only are they excellent for standing in front of kitchen appliances during extended periods of time, but they’re also easy to care for and can handle the rigors of high-traffic areas. Their highly-durable texture lets you keep your feet and your kitchen tidy with minimal effort - further, they come in a variety of colours, sizes, and textures to match any decorating scheme. With rubber mats, everyone stays comfortable and happy—no matter how demanding their routine might be.
Foam
Foam kitchen rugs and mats bring a luxurious feel to your flooring, as well as providing great support for your feet. They are ideal for those who spend time in the kitchen for more than just a quick snack – it can be hard work after all! For this reason, it may be wise not to commit entirely to foam's functionality, but to mix it up with something a bit more stylish too. By pairing the comfort of foam with the aesthetic of trendier rugs or mats, you can really liven up your space and make it fit with the rest of your design schemes.
Synthetic
Synthetic mats/rugs are great options when you want to spruce up your kitchen on a budget - these rugs are fabricated from polypropylene and olefin, but in some situations, they may be made of polyester, nylon, or acrylic. While they typically last between three to five years, they're much more affordable than other types of rugs. Synthetic mats also have the benefit of being easy to clean, ensuring that you can maintain your kitchen's aesthetic without worry or hassle. The only thing to be aware of is that synthetic materials are flammable, so if you have an oven nearby, be sure to leave space for safety's sake.
Plastic
If you're looking for a practical and hassle-free option to have in your home, plastic mats or rugs are the way to go - not only do they trap any spills with ease, they are so quick and easy to clean that they present a minimal amount of cleaning work. Get one for your kitchen's well-used spot or put it under the high chair of your little one -- you'll notice an immediate change in terms of tidiness. Plastic mats/rugs practically take care of themselves – no need to worry about complex maintenance.
We also do not recommend you use shaggy, silk, or viscose rugs in your kitchen.
Characteristics of Kitchen Rugs
When it comes to choosing the right kitchen rug, there are a variety of characteristics to consider before you head on over to the rug store.
Standing or Anti-Fatigue
Standing or anti-fatigue mats and rugs offer characteristics you can benefit from in the kitchen. These characteristics include extra cushioning and support for your feet, making it easier to stand while you cook and clean without discomfort or fatigue.
Stain-Resistant
Investing in a stain-resistant mat or rug is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your home. Not only does the material keep its vibrant colour, but it resists food and liquid stains like nothing else.
Anti-Slip Backing
Anti-slip backing is an ideal feature to look for when buying a rug or mat for a high traffic area. It provides peace of mind, knowing the rug won’t slip and become hazardous. You also don’t need to purchase an additional attaching mat pad because the characteristics of anti-slip backing will secure your rug into place.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistant characteristics make kitchen rugs and mats very desirable. They are designed with a special coating to ensure that any water spilled on them does not sink in, but instead wipes away easily. This prevents the formation of mould and mildew, which can occur when fabrics absorb too much liquid.
Kitchen Rug Placements and Styles
Kitchen rugs and mats are a great way to style while at the same time protecting floors in your home - placement is an important factor to consider when discussing these items.
Near The Entryway
Near the entryway is one of the more popular spots; the rug or mat here not only welcomes guests but also serves as a great way to dust off your shoes before fully entering the home, keeping germs and dirt at bay.
Drawn Up Between Larger Pieces of Furniture
Another option is to draw them up between larger pieces of furniture, such as between a kitchen table and the refrigerator, or between a sink and the cabinets. This can help create a subtle level of texture in the area without taking away from other elements found in your kitchen - making it an ideal solution for interior decorators looking for that perfect touch.
Under the Kitchen Table
Kitchen rugs and mats placed underneath the kitchen table can help protect surfaces from scratches, stains, and heat. They provide an easy way to brighten up a space and also allow family members to be comfortable while congregating in one spot.
Conclusion
Choosing the right kitchen rugs and mats can be incredibly rewarding when you eventually find your ideal fit. It's a great way to add to your existing décor while also protecting your floor from scratches and spills - with so many options available, there is surely a kitchen rug for everyone's personal style preference!