Kitchens get a workout—a rug in the kitchen will, too! When shopping for a kitchen rug, the most important factors to consider are comfort and cleanability. You’d want a rug that cushions your feet and that’s also easy to move around on while performing tasks. You’d also want a rug that is durable, washable, and easy to clean. Because your kitchen rug requires regular cleaning, you’d want your rug to be easy to pull up and put back into place.
Where to Place Your Kitchen Rug
Regardless of the size and shape of your kitchen, the space in front of the kitchen sink is the best, most functional place for your rug. It’s where we stand for longer periods of time so the extra cushion there really helps.
The kitchen sink is typically centered on a wall with cabinetry adjacent, so coordinate your rug with both your flooring and cabinetry, and place the rug centered in front of the sink.
If You Have a Large Kitchen
(Over 200 square feet)
Who doesn’t love a large kitchen? A space this big can most likely handle larger or even multiple rugs.
If you have a kitchen island and want a rug there, position a 5×7 or 3×5 on either or both sides of the island. If you prefer to have more visible floor space, a long runner, like a 2.5’x10’, spanning the length of the cabinets or the sink is also a good alternative.
Styling Tips:
– Leave the area around the refrigerator and stove clear from the rug.
– If you have a kitchen island and want a rug there, position the rug on either side of the island or on both sides.
– Position the rug underneath the island seating, but not underneath the island itself. You’d want to be able to easily pull the rug up for regular cleaning.
If You Have a Medium-Size Kitchen
(100 to 200 square feet)
If you have a medium-size kitchen, depending on your kitchen layout, a smaller rug, like a 5’x7’ or 3’x5’, or a 2.5’x7’ runner rug in front of the sink, might work best, leaving the rest of the floor space open.
Styling Tip:
Remember that the smaller the kitchen the more wear it gets. You should be able to work efficiently without a rug getting in the way.
If You Have a Small Kitchen
(70 square feet or less)
A small kitchen can very easily feel cluttered, adding a rug and pattern may only add to that. However, the right kind of rug can add warmth and personality to an otherwise utilitarian space.
Styling Tips:
– If you do decide on adding a rug, opt for a small 2’x3’ or 3’x5′ rug or a short 2.5’x7’ runner and place it in front of the sink.
– Select a rug color that coordinates with your floor, keeping pattern light and minimal.
If You Have a Long Kitchen
(at least 10 feet long)
A galley-style kitchen consists of two parallel units, usually the stove and fridge on one side and the sink on the other, forming a long central corridor. Most small kitchens, especially in apartment homes, have this kind of layout. For this layout, a runner rug, either a 2.5’x7’ or a 2.5’x10’, would look the best.
Styling Tip:
– If the galley is wide, position the runner rug along the sink side of the kitchen. If the space is narrow, position it in the center of the kitchen.
READERS: Do you have any other tips? Share them with us in the comments section below.
12 Comments
Can you put the rug on top of carpet in bedroom?
Good question, Kay! We don’t suggest placing our rugs over carpet. Our Rug Covers are designed to adhere to our nonslip Rug Pads, and the overall Rug System works best on hard surface floors.
I cant find the styles in the round sizes….
Thanks for this guide on how to pick a rug for a kitchen. My brother likes cooking at home and my mom is looking for an appropriate gift for his birthday. The idea of buying a rug that can fit our kitchen is brilliant! We’ll make sure to pick the appropriate color and size of the rug for him!
I would love to see these rugs in small sizes for the kitchen. This is a really fantastic idea. The sizes provided I cannot use.
I love ruggables and would love them for my kitchen however the sizes are too large. Will you be offering smaller sizes anytime soon or custom sizes? 2×3 or
2×6?
My galley kitchen is longer than 10′. Are there longer runners available?
Thanks
Hi, Camille! Thanks for reaching out! Although we currently don’t have a runner longer than 10′, we never say never! We’ll make sure to share your interest with our team. 🙂
Thanks for all the tips! I have a style question. I have a 6’9” long island with the sink centered in it. My stove and back cabinets span the entire length of the kitchen just behind the island. Should I choose a runner that is 6 feet long so it is not noticeable from the open concept livingroom or is it acceptable to have a longer runner like 8 feet long and have a few inches visible on with side of the island? Thanks for your recommendation.
Without seeing the space, I’d suggest going with the 6’ rug to fit neatly into the space between the island and stove + cabinetry, I think this will be a cleaner look from all angles.
I have a round kitchen table in my farmhouse style kitchen. How should a round rug fit with the table and 4 chairs. I am afraid the 6 foot round will be to small and the 8 foot will be to big. Any help is appreciated
Hi, I have a nice size kitchen 400 square feet with a sitting area. Can I mix prints in the same color or get 3 of the same rugs?