Which one is your taste?
Quincy Bulin is a writer focused on lifestyle, among other topics and has contributed to Better Homes & Gardens, Reader's Digest, and more. Pvc Noodle Mat
The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where family recipes are passed down to the next generation and friends are hosted over a simple cocktail. Introducing a rug to a room with so many gadgets and so much metal can make a big impact, transforming it to look as warm and inviting as it feels. We’ve curated these kitchen rug ideas over the years from real spaces that exemplify everything the Southern home represents, and we know you’ll find them just as inspiring as we do.
A vintage rug can do no wrong, especially when paired with more modern details. Bonus: Their pre-loved, imperfect nature means you’ll never cry over spilled milk.
From windows to cabinets to appliances, kitchens’ biggest elements are all sharp and straight. A circular rug like this softens the edges (we had to) and makes them more inviting. It works especially well in a narrow kitchen like this one.
With all the pure white tile on the walls, this was an ideal spot for a deep red rug. It pairs well with other moody accents in this kitchen, like the dark wood floors and the cabinets painted in Dunn Edwards' Black Spruce.
Another example of the power of contrast, the bright kitchen in this 1890 North Carolina home relies on a rug with deep jewel tones. The patterned walls and countertops are in neutral hues, allowing the different elements to live side by side in harmony.
This eat-in kitchen uses the antique pine dining table as a prep station in addition to a place to break bread, but that doesn’t exempt it from having a rug underfoot to define the space. A flatter rug is best for sliding chairs in and out from the table.
In an open floor plan, the kitchen island deserves some attention too. Place a rug under barstools or a table and chairs to create a cozy eating space that borders your kitchen.
Instead of throwing a rug beneath the dining table or between the cabinets, this home has a runner positioned parallel to both spaces. This also effectively redefines the separate areas into one cohesive room.
Nearly 100% of this kitchen is stark white or cool silver, which is what makes the peppy pink runner stand out so much. It’s just what the space needed in order to add some personality while still keeping things clean and simple. The rug contrasts with the playful blue-patterned window treatment.
Who said kitchens have to have just one rug? This Austin, Texas remodel features two: in front of and behind the island, each with its own charm. While they have different patterns, the two textiles have enough similarities to feel in tune with each other.
Not certain a kitchen rug can survive your cooking habits? Create the effect of one instead by painting your floors. This DIY project also is an affordable alternative to retiling your kitchen.
Have your rug—and eat it too? A cowhide isn’t exactly what you expect to see when you enter a kitchen, which is what makes it such a fun design element. Cowhide fits right in with farmhouse or ranch decor.
Woven rugs are popular for the natural character and texture they add to a space, as illustrated in this otherwise perfectly polished kitchen. Jute, sisal, and seagrass are all popular natural fibers for rugs.
We’re all about some pattern play, which you can see here with the checkerboard tiles and vintage rug. Juxtaposing these two classic but bold elements makes them feel very fresh.
If you like your kitchen heavy on decor, consider staying within a tight color palette and tying it together through the rug. This kitchen emphasizes blue and green hues from the floor covering to the light fixtures. A few pops of orange make the beachy colors stand out.
Turn a rug into a moment by picking one that spans the length of the kitchen. You should have luck sourcing a vintage option online, where oddly sized ones like this rug tend to go for cheaper. Using one long rug also helps keep the space from feeling fragmented.
When your kitchen is wide open with nothing but empty floor space, you can upgrade your runner to a true rug with substantial square footage. It’s an easy way to add interest to any otherwise utilitarian room. The muted tones in this rug coordinate with both the woodwork and the deep aqua light shades.
A bold striped rug adds a playful touch to this restful sage-colored kitchen in an Alabama lake cottage. It echoes the pure white quartz countertops in an otherwise serene room. The homeowners repeated the black-and-white theme in additional rooms, using varying patterns.
Who said rugs can only be patterns or solids? Everyone loves to entertain in the kitchen, and a rug like this is a true conversation piece with a touch of sophistication. The bold colors also add flair to an otherwise neutral space.
Instead of placing your rug around your island, put it beneath instead. If you have a portable island, this will help ground it in the space. In addition to making the kitchen feel homey, the rug also protects your floor from damage every time you move the island.
This neutral runner protects the area that gets the most use in the kitchen while also providing padding to increase comfort while you work. The soft ivory rug stands out against the darker flooring without detracting from the natural wood features that shine in our Tennessee idea house.
Because kitchens are so prone to spills, many people are hesitant to put a rug in the kitchen. If that's a concern, buy washable rugs for easy cleanup. Rugs provide many benefits, like keeping the floor dry and making long periods of standing more comfortable.
Pvc Coil Mat At a minimum, we recommend placing a rug in your busiest work area, such as in front of the sink and dishwasher. In a smaller kitchen, you may be able to use one large area rug or runner to cover your entire workspace.