Your Kitchen May Not Be Complete Without Putting A Rug In These Areas

Your kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in your home. From the time you wake up and make that first pot of coffee to the end of the day when you're preparing dinner, your kitchen is a hub of activity. But if you don't love the look of your kitchen, spending time there can feel like a chore. One of the easiest hacks to make your kitchen more aesthetic is to use area rugs, runners, and mats in fun or neutral colors — but you need to ensure you place them in the right areas. Some of the best spots for kitchen rugs include in front of the sink, stove, dishwasher, or refrigerator. You can throw one under the island or dining table, and in entryways and walkways too.

Kitchen rugs aren't just for show; they serve the important purpose of protecting the floors and providing a more comfortable surface for your feet. They can also tie together the entire look of the space — especially if you choose rugs that complement your kitchen design. But none of that matters if you put your rugs in the wrong spots.

Where you place rugs in the kitchen is as important as choosing the right kitchen rug color. Adding rugs in front of your sink and appliances, like the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, helps protect the floor from spills and water leaks. Placing a rug in areas where you spend the most time on your feet, like in front of the sink and stove, also provides more comfort than standing directly on a hard floor surface.

A rug under the kitchen island or dining table helps separate the eating area from the rest of the room. It also protects your floor from food spills or scratches from moving chairs and stools. If you use the island for food prep, choose a cushioned rug to prevent foot fatigue when you're standing for long periods.

Kitchen entryways and walkways see a lot of foot traffic, which can cause excessive wear and tear over time. Placing a rug in these areas provides floor protection and helps separate these areas from the main kitchen — especially helpful in an open-plan home.

Knowing where to place kitchen rugs is just the start. Once you know which areas need rugs, you'll need to choose the right ones for your space. Depending on the size and shape of your kitchen, you may need to buy area rugs, runners, or anti-fatigue mats — or even one of each.

Because kitchens are high-spill areas, getting the best washable kitchen rugs is ideal. Look for rugs made from cotton, polyester, nylon, or polypropylene as these materials are usually resilient and stand up well in the wash. Vacuum or shake out the rugs before washing them to remove excess debris.

It's also essential to buy the right size rugs. Aim to leave at least three to six inches between the edge of a runner rug and the kitchen cabinets to prevent the space from looking cramped. If you have a U or L-shaped kitchen, measure the space and choose an area rug that fits well and helps the room look more complete.