5 Kitchen Rug Styles That Will Totally Transform Your Kitchen

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Kitchen rugs are a controversial topic in the world of interior design. Some people strongly feel that only bare floors are acceptable in the kitchen (though this is far from the worst kitchen flooring choice you can make). Well, we here at Chowhound respectfully disagree — within reason, of course. Some rugs are better than others, but a good one can tie your kitchen's decor style together and make the space more comfortable to cook in for hours on end. If you're committed to choosing a quality rug for your kitchen, we have some pointers.

When choosing a kitchen rug, keep factors other than aesthetics in mind. Equal to looks, a rug's ergonomics, ease of cleaning, and texture should all play important roles in your decision-making. Most kitchen rugs are best when small and in areas you stand often, like in front of the sink or oven (though there are some exceptions — more on that in a bit). As far as aesthetics go, however, you may want to stick to simple designs regardless of rug style to keep your kitchen from looking too visually busy.

This type of rug isn't as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. A runner that matches your kitchen's interior design can help maximize space in your galley kitchen and tie the room together nicely. As far as rug materials go, try looking for sisal. Sisal rugs are made of natural fibers (similar in texture to jute) and are pretty durable. They'll last you a long time, and won't be easily worn down by being frequently walked on.

A small rug with a simple, geometric pattern can go a long way in modern, sleek-looking kitchens. In fact, they can upgrade your kitchen without overwhelming it. A rug like Qicaijia's anti-fatigue kitchen mat, which has a simple square in the center, is a perfect example. The design isn't overwhelmingly fancy, and the material is washable.

Speaking of mats, a traditional rug might not even be necessary; consider a comfortable yet stylish kitchen mat that's designed to be stood on for extended periods at a time. For instance, KitchenClouds' anti-fatigue rug is waterproof, easy to clean, and prioritizes function over appearance. Most of these mats have lots of different colors and designs to choose from, though they're on the simpler side. And that's perfectly fine — there's no need to go crazy over kitchen mats so long as your feet don't get tired while cooking.

If you have an open floor plan and a large kitchen with room for a dining table, why not put the rug over there? Buying a larger area rug for your hosting and entertaining space is ideal for those who still aren't completely sold on the idea of a kitchen rug. It's not like the rug will actually be near where you prepare the food.

L-shaped rugs typically cover the areas in front of the sink and the oven. This is especially helpful if you're looking for standing support. Some stores also sell these in sets of two for the same purpose, like Hebe's two-piece kitchen rug set. Since they usually exist for ergonomics, they're often made of foam.