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March 16, 2023Whether you’ve just finished remodeling your kitchen or are giving your space a facelift with new decor items, a kitchen rug is an essential touch. Floor rugs are incredible at tying a space together and making it feel cohesive. However, there are some factors you should consider before you purchase your new rug. Here’s how to choose the perfect rug for your kitchen.
Decide What Size Rug You Need
Before you can decide what size rug you need, you’ll need to measure your kitchen floors. The area of your kitchen will determine what rug size will look best. If you don’t remember how to calculate this, simply measure the length and width of your kitchen. Multiply these two lengths together; this will give you your kitchen’s square footage.
Large Kitchens
Any kitchen over 200 square feet falls on the larger end of the scale. For a kitchen of this size without an island, a large area rug usually looks best. If you do have an island, placing a runner on either side of the island can greatly enhance the look of your kitchen.
Unlike in a living room, your rug does not need to cover the entire floor. It is simply there as an accent and to add cushion underfoot. Look for area rugs sized 3’x5’ or 5’x7’ to add visual interest to the center of your floor. If you decide to opt for runners, size them appropriately to the length of your countertops.
Medium Kitchens
Medium kitchens fall between 100 and 200 square feet in size. Unlike a large kitchen, it’s best to avoid adding multiple runners in a medium kitchen. The smaller size can result in a cluttered-feeling space.
Instead, choose one runner that lines one length of the counter. These usually look best placed in front of the countertop with the sink. A 2.5’x7’ runner is a good size to start with. Size up or down as needed for your space.
Small Kitchens
Small kitchens are smaller than 70 square feet. It’s important not to choose too large of a rug; otherwise, your kitchen will feel cramped and smaller than it actually is. Instead, choose a small area rug to add a bit of color. Either a 2’x3’ or 3’x5’ rug will look fantastic in a small kitchen.
You can also always choose two doormat-sized rugs and place them in front of the stove and sink. This will add a tasteful bit of color to your little kitchen without making it feel too busy. In addition, you’ll have a more comfortable place to stand while cooking or washing dishes.
Features To Look for in a Kitchen Rug
There are a few essential features you should look for in any kitchen rug. The ideal kitchen rug is water-resistant, non-slip, and stain-resistant. Some rugs feature a non-slip rubber on their underside. However, if you find your dream rug and it doesn’t have this feature, you can always purchase a non-slip rug pad, which will achieve the same effect.
Choosing a rug that can handle water and the occasional spill will ensure that it holds up well to kitchen use. There are few rooms where you are as likely to drop something messy on your rug as in your kitchen, so it is important to choose a durable rug.
It is also best to save your cozy, high-pile rugs for the living room or bedroom. Low-pile rugs work best for the kitchen, as they are much easier to clean, and you are less likely to trip over them. “Pile” refers to the thickness and density of the rug fibers. “Low-pile” refers to rugs that are ¼ inch or less in thickness.
Rugs in natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or jute, make great options for kitchen rugs. These hardy fibers are stain-resistant and durable, which makes them excellent choices. When in doubt, choose a rug marked for indoor-outdoor use. These rugs are designed to hold up well to tougher conditions, so they can definitely handle small kitchen spills.
Styling Your Kitchen Rug
When choosing a design for your kitchen rug, work with what you already have. Your rug doesn’t need to match your countertops exactly, just coordinate with them. Here are a few ideas for rug designs based on your kitchen’s interior design aesthetic.
If you have a modern kitchen with light wood elements, consider a black-and-white checkered runner. For a Bohemian space with neutral or white cabinetry, consider a colorful patchwork rug for a splash of color and whimsy. For a farmhouse-style kitchen, try a sisal or jute rug to add a rustic touch.
When in doubt, do the opposite of your current design. If your kitchen is bright and colorful, try a neutral rug. In a minimalist kitchen, add a small pop of color with a soft, solid-colored rug. This strategy looks great in most kitchens and is a great way to coordinate your space without making it feel too busy.
Still not sure what to choose? Striped rugs look great in almost every kitchen. Simply choose a color and stripe thickness that you think will match your decor best to add a subtle pattern to your kitchen.
Positioning Your Kitchen Rug
Once you purchase your kitchen rugs, it is important to know how to place them. Otherwise, you risk them looking either overcrowded or lost in the expanse of your kitchen tile. The general rule is to leave 18 inches of empty space between the edge of your rug and the counter. This will give you the most coordinated look.
If you have a U-shaped kitchen, your best bet is usually to place your area rug in the center of the space. Choose a large enough rug that it sits between 18 and 24 inches away from the countertops. This will ensure that your rug does not feel awkwardly small for your kitchen.
Other Notes
If purchasing multiple rugs for your kitchen, make sure they match. This will tie your whole kitchen design together!
When planning to place a rug beneath your sink, choose one approximately 6 inches larger than the length of the sink. This will help the rug feel balanced and intentional in the space.
If your kitchen is an unusual size or shape, you may not be able to find the perfect size rug for your space. In this circumstance, your best bet is usually to purchase a custom rug. This will ensure you’re able to get the rug you want and still position it adequately within your kitchen.
At Koeckritz Rugs, we offer cut-to-size area rugs in all different styles, materials, colors, and patterns. When choosing the perfect rug for your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with one of our gorgeous, high-quality rugs!