Spotted! Rugs Take the Floor in Kitchens
Rugs are popping up in kitchens to add style, comfort and a point of difference. See why one could work for your space
Adding a rug to the kitchen floor may not be the first thing you think of when decorating your cook space. But kitchen rugs have the potential to add warmth and colour, connect the kitchen to other parts of the house and define open-plan spaces.
It’s an idea that’s not without controversy though. Won’t it get dirty? What if we trip on it? These are valid points, and a rug in the kitchen isn’t for everyone. When selecting a rug, you may want to choose an outdoor one, or one that can be wiped clean or easily washed. An anti-slip pad could be handy too. Here are some reasons people are laying down a rug in their kitchens.
It’s an idea that’s not without controversy though. Won’t it get dirty? What if we trip on it? These are valid points, and a rug in the kitchen isn’t for everyone. When selecting a rug, you may want to choose an outdoor one, or one that can be wiped clean or easily washed. An anti-slip pad could be handy too. Here are some reasons people are laying down a rug in their kitchens.
It lets you layer
If you’re going for a more eclectic look, maybe try more than one rug. Mix up some colours and patterns for big impact.
Hot tip: Use double-sided tape to hold down rug corners and prevent trips and sliding.
If you’re going for a more eclectic look, maybe try more than one rug. Mix up some colours and patterns for big impact.
Hot tip: Use double-sided tape to hold down rug corners and prevent trips and sliding.
It delineates zones in open plans
Rugs are an easy and inexpensive option for creating a distinct dining area in an open-plan space. Here, the rug placed directly under the dining table visually separates the kitchen area from the dining zone.
Rugs are an easy and inexpensive option for creating a distinct dining area in an open-plan space. Here, the rug placed directly under the dining table visually separates the kitchen area from the dining zone.
It adds an element of surprise
A bright rug can stop your kitchen from looking clinical. The Aztec-style rug pictured here is surprising and eye-catching when place against the white kitchen features.
Hot tip: Go for a hardwearing rug made from natural fibres, or a woven polyester rug – anything that’s durable and easy to wipe down. Kilims are a practical option for the kitchen.
A bright rug can stop your kitchen from looking clinical. The Aztec-style rug pictured here is surprising and eye-catching when place against the white kitchen features.
Hot tip: Go for a hardwearing rug made from natural fibres, or a woven polyester rug – anything that’s durable and easy to wipe down. Kilims are a practical option for the kitchen.
It brings in a splash of colour
A small rug can still have a big impact. When you’re going for a small rug, you have more freedom to think outside the box without it dominating the room.
Read more about decorating with rugs
A small rug can still have a big impact. When you’re going for a small rug, you have more freedom to think outside the box without it dominating the room.
Read more about decorating with rugs
It creates cohesive style
This blue-and-white striped rug ties in well with the rest of the home’s decor, with its subtly coastal vibes.
Some things to take into account when choosing a rug are durability and ease of cleaning, according to interior designer Belinda Vanden Boom of Gallerie B. “An indoor/outdoor rug is a great option as it is easily washable. I particularly like a striped rug or simple geometric, and nothing too fussy,” she says.
This blue-and-white striped rug ties in well with the rest of the home’s decor, with its subtly coastal vibes.
Some things to take into account when choosing a rug are durability and ease of cleaning, according to interior designer Belinda Vanden Boom of Gallerie B. “An indoor/outdoor rug is a great option as it is easily washable. I particularly like a striped rug or simple geometric, and nothing too fussy,” she says.
It softens the floor for comfort
If you don’t like the hardness of standing on a concrete or wooden floor for longer periods, try a rug in your prep and cooking areas. The geometric rug pictured immediately adds pattern and texture to a minimalist-style kitchen.
Hot tip: A rubber backing will help hold a rug in place, even with heavy foot traffic.
Geometric rugs give your room an edge
If you don’t like the hardness of standing on a concrete or wooden floor for longer periods, try a rug in your prep and cooking areas. The geometric rug pictured immediately adds pattern and texture to a minimalist-style kitchen.
Hot tip: A rubber backing will help hold a rug in place, even with heavy foot traffic.
Geometric rugs give your room an edge
It forms a path to the next room
This rug draws the eye from the kitchen straight into the dining area, in a bold and direct way. It says, ‘Here, take this path with your delicious meal, right to the dinner table.’
This rug draws the eye from the kitchen straight into the dining area, in a bold and direct way. It says, ‘Here, take this path with your delicious meal, right to the dinner table.’
It fills the space
Small rugs can be awkward when not positioned properly. Get a big rug to effectively fill a larger floor space. This will also add cosiness as well as a sense of style to an otherwise pared-back space.
Hot tip: Don’t put your treasured antique rug directly in front of your stove and sink, for obvious reasons. Save such heirlooms for living or sleeping spaces, and stick with more heard-wearing choices for the spill-prone kitchen.
Small rugs can be awkward when not positioned properly. Get a big rug to effectively fill a larger floor space. This will also add cosiness as well as a sense of style to an otherwise pared-back space.
Hot tip: Don’t put your treasured antique rug directly in front of your stove and sink, for obvious reasons. Save such heirlooms for living or sleeping spaces, and stick with more heard-wearing choices for the spill-prone kitchen.
It adds welcome warmth
Rugs always feel like they make the room they’re in a little bit warmer, especially if it’s winter. Patterned rugs are also good for hiding stains, and if you choose one with a higher pile, it’s bound to be totally toasty underfoot, as well as adding visual warmth.
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Would you put a rug in your kitchen? Tell us in the Comments.
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Rugs always feel like they make the room they’re in a little bit warmer, especially if it’s winter. Patterned rugs are also good for hiding stains, and if you choose one with a higher pile, it’s bound to be totally toasty underfoot, as well as adding visual warmth.
TELL US
Would you put a rug in your kitchen? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Browse more decorating stories
This subtle yet stunning patterned pastel rug works well when set against the minimalist wood and white of the rest of the kitchen. Rugs, perhaps surprisingly, can work particularly well in contemporary kitchens.
Hot tip: Keep a selection of rugs on hand in case one gets dirty. Or just be really good at washing and drying things quickly.