Rugs Runners and Mats for the Kitchen

Runners

A runner rug can be described as a long, narrow rug.  They are longer than they are wide and found in many different types of materials.  This type of rug is usually placed in high traffic areas to protect the flooring from wear and tear.  Runner rugs can also protect an area from liquid splash while providing a pop of color to a long, narrow area.  If you have a long, narrow expanse of wood flooring, a runner rug can provide a break in color to the eye and add some character to the space.

Area Rugs

When you are looking to cover a certain section of your kitchen with a rug, an area rug would be what you are searching for.  It can cover the area near the sink, under the kitchen table or in front of a door into the kitchen.  Kitchen floors are often made of materials that are cold.  So, a comfortable area rug can warm the space up.  The sky is the limit when it comes to area rugs that will fit in your kitchen.  There are so many sizes and shapes.  Below are some of our favorites.

Mats

A kitchen mat is often made of nylon, rubber, cloth or other durable materials.  Kitchen mats are meant to be durable, long-lasting and super easy to clean.  Mats always work out great in the kitchen where cooking can result in food dropped and liquid sprays.  These days, the durability and ease of cleaning of a mat vs a rug does not mean that you have to sacrifice aesthetics.  There are so many different patterns, colors and materials to choose from that will compliment your kitchen.  Don’t count a kitchen mat out in your kitchen.

Washable Rugs

With high traffic, food and drink, washable rugs in the kitchen go hand in hand.  Washable rugs come in many different shapes and sizes.  You can find runners, area rugs and small door or sink rugs that are washable.  Some brands, like Ruggable, come with a pad underneath and your peal off the top layer and throw only that layer into wash.  Other brands, you can toss the entire thing right into the wash.  Most washable rugs are drip dry.  Either or, a washable rug, while slightly limited in styles available, only makes sense in the kitchen.

Rubber Backed Kitchen Rugs or Mats

In the kitchen, a rubber backed rug or mat can make a huge difference.  When you are running around doing food prep, carrying a hot pot of water or even in the morning rush making lunch for the kids, a rubber backed rug can prevent slipping and falling in all of these cases.  If a rug or mat is rubber backed, the rubber coating also prevents liquids from seeping through the rug and protects your wood floors.  We found some beautiful options available with a rubber back so that limiting your choice in rug doesn’t have to mean you have to go without style.

Anti Fatigue Mats or Rugs

Anti Fatigue mats or rugs are designed in a style and material to reduce the kind of fatigue that is caused by standing in one place for long periods of time.  A great spot for an anti fatigue mat would be in front of your kitchen sink.  We spend a great deal of time standing in front of the sink washing dishes.  An anti fatigue mat encourages us to move our feet which increases blood flow and reduces stress and fatigue.  Anti fatigue mats are becoming more common.  So, there are some great choices.

Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

Indoor-outdoor rugs are designed to be durable and withstand the elements – rain and sun.  Have you ever thought of putting an indoor-outdoor rug in an area of your kitchen?  So many indoor-outdoor rugs are very stylish.  Alot of them you would not even know that they were made to be outdoors.  They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  They are made to withstand liquids and not absorb them which makes cleaning the rug a breeze.  In the high traffic areas of the kitchen, you might reap the benefits of using an indoor-outdoor rug.

Kitchen Rug Sets

Whether it be an anti-fatigue mat, a rubber backed rug, an indoor/outdoor rug or a traditional area rug a kitchen rug set is often beneficial both style wise and enables you to save some money.  Often you will need both a runner and a kitchen sink or doormat in your kitchen.  Instead of searching all over to find two separate rugs that match, a kitchen rug set solves that problem for you.  Kitchen rug sets are available in many different size combinations and styles for your particular kitchen.  Take a look at our favorites below.

Runners, area rugs and mats for your kitchen give a blank canvas of floor color, character and warmth.  Kitchen runners and rugs also provide important protection to your flooring from traffic, food and liquids.  If it is support and comfort under your feet that you are looking for, a rug or mat in your kitchen will help.  It is easy to find a kitchen floor covering online that provides that needed function that you are looking for with style.  Shop the top rated rugs in our article to find just what your kitchen needs.  

Related Article: Best Rated Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mats

Related Article: Top 10 Washable Kitchen Rugs and Runners