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’ll want a rug that cushions your feet and is easy to move around on while performing tasks. You’ll also want a rug that is durable, washable, and easy to clean. Because your kitchen rug requires regular cleaning, you’ll want a rug that’s 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.
36 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….
Hi there, Lynda!
You can shop our Round Rugs here on our website: https://myruggable.com/roundsecondround
Our Round Rugs come in 6′ and 8′ 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.
100% agree. I want a smaller one 2/3 x 4 to put in front of my sink to match the two runners I purchased that lay nicely on each side of my island.
Hi, Pamela and Mary Ann! We appreciate your interest in Ruggable and have passed back your feedback to our team concerning both of your interests in smaller sizes.😊
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?
Yes I agree. I would love a size to fit just inside of my back door. 33”x24”
I have all matching Ruggable runners for my kitchen and hall ways and full size rugs (living & dining room). Would love the smaller sizes to match.
Thank you for providing your feedback, Becca and Bev! We have passed along your feedback and interest in smaller/additional sizes to our team.😄
100% agree. I want a smaller one 2/3 x 4 to put in front of my sink to match the two runners I purchased that lay nicely on each side of my island.
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 Kathy. Ideally, you’ll want 30-36″ of chair space between the table and the edge of the rug so chairs can slide in and out and stay on the carpet. Measure your table’s diameter and add 5-6′ to see what fits best.
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?
Hey Wendy. You can mix prints in the same color. You can also simplify the space a bit keeping two of the rugs the same and making the one rug by the seating area more special, similar colors but in a more sophisticated pattern.
I really like the colors of the Outdoor Chunky Solid Multicolor Rug for our spa … do you sell it by the roll? If not
perhaps you can direct me to the source / manufacturer
I need special sizes with edges bound:
2_ 22″w x 40′ long runners
2_22″w x13′ long runners
1_22″w x 26′ long runner
1_22″w x 10′ long runner
Hi, Sandra! Unfortunately, at this time we do not offer custom sizing. Our Rugs are all made to order by our team and we unfortunately do not sell by the roll or anything of that nature. We do apologize for any inconveniences this may cause and we will pass along your feedback concerning the additional sizes you are looking for!😊
Why don’t you suggest putting a rug in front of the stove? I was thinking of buying one for next to the island and another for in front of the stove. Thanks.
Hey Jill. A rug at the stove is purely a personal choice. Depending on your layout, especially with the kitchen island, another rug by the stove might be perfect!
Hi! I have a similar space to the above where the Hendesi rug is, but it is an island with sink across from cabinets and range and may be a little wider walkway (48 inches of floor but really about 44″ from end of oven to where cabinets come out from island). I like the look you show here but my concern is that you’d be standing half on and half off that rug at oven or sink. Not sure it would look right closer to sink and not in middle? I’d love your suggestion. Thank you!
Hi Lindsay. The visuals are always better when the rug is centered on any space but that isn’t always ideal for the way we move around in our homes. I personally would prefer to be all on or all off of the rug and because I cook all the time and my kitchen is in constant use, the in-between would bug me. Scoot the rug closer to the sink where it makes most sense and where you’re comfortable working from.
Hi! I have so many questions about rugs that seem really minor but I just don’t know how to go about it for my kitchen! I have a L shaped kitchen so I could do the runner in between the island and sink but I guess I’m just so used to function and I don’t understand not standing on the rug in front of the sink? (because in all the pictures anywhere online the runner is centered between the island and sink area)— I probably am over thinking this but I guess I’m so used to standing on a rug in front of my sink and oven. Also, should I not have a rug in front of my oven? lol I feel so lost and I’m only 33 years old! haha
Hi Jessica. The visuals are always better when the rug is centered on any space but that isn’t always ideal for the way we move around in our homes. I personally would prefer to be all on or all off of the rug and because I cook all the time and my kitchen is in constant use, the in-between would bug me. Scoot the rug closer to the sink where it makes most sense and where you’re comfortable working from. If the sink is centered on that side of the kitchen you”ll have that centerline to provide balance. A rug at the stove is purely a personal choice. Depending on your layout, and your preference, another rug by the stove could very well work! Again, if the stove is centered on the wall, bonus!
Get tips! I really wish Ruggable offered a 4×6 option.
Thank you for your feedback, Lizzie! It’s been noted 🤗
If you have a small galley kitchen and put a runner in it, then when you stand in front of the sink washing dishes, you are not able to have support under your feet. How to you manage the need to have something right under your feet for dishwashing or stovetop cooking with the aesthetic of needing to center a rug in the long galley?
Hi Kimberly!
There’s no simple answer to this one without seeing your set-up. Would a wider rug do the trick? A natural rug like jute that fits the galley space then layering a Ruggable at the sink end might give you the bit of the balance you want visually and the comfort you want underfoot.
I have a galley style kitchen with white quartz countertops with grey veining. White upper cabinets and medium gray lowers. I want to order 2.5 x 7 ft rug that would end just before the fridge. Which rug would look better? Hudson grey stripe rug (I am not crazy about the tan in the rug) or Inik Ikat grey rug? Thanks.
Hey Pamela,
It sounds like the tan doesn’t strike the right chord with you now, and it most likely won’t when it’s in your kitchen. There’s a bit of green in the Hudson that takes it another direction. The Inik has some soft pink tones that warm things up. How about the Anza Warm Grey? The pattern is lovely too.
I am concerned about placing this non slip base on a real hardwood floor. Is it safe? I have read that this kind of backing can mar the floor’s finish.
Hey, Valerie! We completely understand your concerns! Our 2-piece rug system is safe for hard surface or vinyl flooring. Our TPR backed rug pad has passed all flooring tests and does not leave stains!
However, we always recommend double checking with your flooring manufacturer to be extra cautious! Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at support@ruggable.com for any additional questions.