10 Kitchen Rug Ideas for a Cozy Cooking Space

Create a Color Scheme

blue kitchen cabinets with blue rug — Anthony Masterson

Fill a large expanse of floor space with a patterned rug that ties the kitchen scheme together. Draw on color, pattern, and texture to guide your rug choice and create a cohesive look. If it’s time for a kitchen refresh, let a fabulous rug inspire your cabinet colors or tile choices. Use an underlay underneath the rug to prevent slipping and tripping.

02 of 10

Use a Hard-Wearing Runner

green kitchen cabinets and wood beams on ceiling — James Nathan Schroder

Kitchen rugs need to be able to withstand the high-traffic area. Materials like wool, sisal, and jute are hard-wearing natural fibers that are both practical and will easily complement a rustic kitchen. They are favored for their natural resistance to staining and crushing, making them an excellent low-maintenance option for a kitchen environment. Natural fibers have the added benefit of being more sustainable than synthetic materials, though recycled plastic rugs are a good eco-friendly option too.

03 of 10

Define an Open-Plan Space

wood kitchen island and kitchen rug — Jay Wilde

As well as lending aesthetic appeal, rugs are a valuable tool for zoning areas in an open-plan kitchen. The rug under this kitchen island establishes a central focal point in the kitchen, breaking up the large expanse of floor. Use the same approach to define a dining or seating area. Ensure the rug is big enough to frame the entire dining set, leaving enough space to fit the chair legs when pulled back.

04 of 10

Create a Lived-In Look

white kitchen with red rug — Anthony Masterson

New kitchen refurbs look sleek and dazzling but can often feel more like a show room than your actual home. A vintage rug is a simple way to instantly create an inviting, lived-in feel and achieve that ‘always been there’ look. Persian-style runners come in rich colors and interesting designs that add warmth and character to modern kitchens. They also do a great job at livening up narrow galley kitchens.

05 of 10

Protect the Kitchen Triangle

kitchen spice rack with blue cabinets and striped rug — Edmund Barr

If you’re not up to speed, the kitchen triangle refers to the busy route between the sink, stove, and fridge. Positioning a rug in this zone is a tactical move to protect your hard floor from the higher levels of transit and wear than other areas of the kitchen. A hardwearing, stain-resistant rug or runner with a short pile is a must here, as they are less likely to trap dirt.

06 of 10

Go Dark and Moody

wood kitchen cabinets with wood island and red rug — Laurey Glenn

While we’re on the topic of mess, dark-colored or patterned rugs are the way to go if your home is subject to more spills than most. Darker shades and lively patterns help to hide dirt and marks, so you don’t have to worry about muddy paws, kids' snack time, or clumsy housemates. Plus, moody kitchens are one of this year's hottest design trends, so there's no reason not to embrace the look.

07 of 10

Opt for Classic Stripes

white kitchen with gray striped rug and wood floors — John Merkl

Stripes are—and will always be—timeless. Classic and simple, a striped rug adds texture and rhythm to the space, and its versatility means there’s a stripe for every kitchen style. The wide symmetrical stripes suit this contemporary kitchen aesthetic, while thinner stripes tend to complement a more traditional style. That said, it’s your house, so you make the rules.

08 of 10

Keep it Neutral

white kitchen with wood stools and white rug — Kim Cornelison

Neutral rugs are an even safer bet than stripes. If you’re not convinced by pattern, opt for something neutral and let the weave add interest and texture. Neutral rugs are soothing and can lend a subtle layer of warmth to the kitchen. If you opt for a light-colored rug, make sure it's stain-resistant and machine washable, so you'll be protected against accidental spills and muddy feet or paws.

09 of 10

Hide Floor Damage

wood kitchen cabinets with teal tile and floor rug — Kim Cornelison

If it’s too late to protect your floor from the wear and tear of everyday kitchen antics, rugs are a fantastic disguise for a stained, damaged, or outdated floor. Look for a rug that suits the size and shape of the floor you want to conceal, and visitors will never know what's hidden underneath.

10 of 10

Add a Pop of Color

white kitchen cabinets and red rug — David A Land

Inject a monochrome kitchen with soul from the floor up with a colorful rug. Crisp white cabinets and stainless steel countertops can quickly look stark and industrial. A rug is a great way to bring color and texture to the space, creating depth, drama, and an overall homey vibe. Introduce other pops of the same color with appliances, crockery, or other kitchen accessories.

Was this page helpful?