Can you imagine how many things are at stake when you risk working with slippery shoes in your kitchen? That too with boiling soup on your stovetop? If the luck is not in your favor, it will take a blink of an eye for you to accidentally slip and get your hands inside the hot soup pot.
As awful as it sounds, you could prevent all these from happening by just investing in a kitchen area rug. Yes, you read it right! Not only does a kitchen area rug give an artistic dimension to your kitchen but it is a significant addition when it comes to preventing accidents and that is why we have spent several hours to research and review the best area rugs for your kitchen along with a thorough buying guide to help you find the one for you.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Area Rug
Interior décor
While investing in a quality rug will enable you to enjoy using it for long, buying one that does not match with your interior décor will deteriorate the value of your kitchen. Area rugs come in varied sizes and not every piece out there will blend well with your kitchen décor. Let your kitchen interior décor guide you on the right color to buy.
If your kitchen already has bright colors then, to add a sleek or cozy touch to it, it would be wise to go for a neutral color rug. And for a neutral looking kitchen, you can never go wrong with a designed rug.
Size and Shape
For any rug really, you need to choose one that fits the area perfectly, be it your kitchen or any other space. If you go for a small rug, there is a high chance that your room will look out of proportion, and too large ones can overwhelm the space. Lucky for us, the market has to offer rugs that come in different sizes so that we can choose the one that matches our kitchen space. Also, it is important to keep in mind that rugs are not always in rectangular shape but you can get oval, round, and square shapes as well.
Non-Slip Bottom to ensure Stability
While adding a rug to your kitchen floor can help improve the value of your home, it may not be stable enough to expose you and your loved ones to injuries. To ensure you are on the safe side, consider going for rugs with an anti-slip or non-slip base. The best ones are those which are made from rubber and stretches when placed.
Stain and Water-resistance
No matter how safely you handle your kitchen rug, you are ought to have a spillage on it. However, the easiest way to get these spill marks is to go for stain-resistant mats. As most mats are not machine friendly, it is a relief to have a mat that offers a spot clean and one that will not spoil easily.
In addition to this, a mat that is water absorbent or water-resistant is a bonus! This feature will further ensure your safety, and you will get to experience a dry and neat kitchen floor at all times.
Ease of Maintenance
With time, your rug will call for cleaning, and if you are someone who barely has enough time to clean their mess, then you should go for a mat that will not take up a lot of your time for its maintenance routine. If you invest in a machine-washable rug and you do not own a laundry machine, ensure you can manage to pay for dry cleaning services.
Pile
While most of us ignore this feature, pile height can be the deciding factor between a good kitchen mat and a bad one. Generally, the pile height of an area rug is described as low, medium, and high, but most commonly, it is expressed in inches. Rugs with minimum pile height are typically thought to be more convenient as they are low maintenance. Moreover, there is a lower chance that dirt and debris will store under the mat. Nonetheless, more luxurious mats come with a higher pile to give your feet the extra cushier feeling.
13 Best Area Rugs for Kitchen
| Product Name | Dimension | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Sky Solutions Anti Fatigue Mat | 20 X 32 Inches | A+ |
| Kangaroo Original Standing Mat | 20 x 32 Inches | A+ |
| Maples Rugs Reggie Floral Kitchen Rugs | 2 feet 6 inches x 3 feet 10 inches | B |
| Ottomanson Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design Area Rug | 26 Inch x 6 Feet | A |
| Ottomanson Contemporary Bordered Design Modern Rug | 1 feet 1 inches " X 7 feet | A |
| COSY HOMEER 27X18 Inch Anti Fatigue Kitchen Rug Mats | 27 x 18 inches | A+ |
| AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat | 36 x 20 inches | A |
| Carvapet (2 Pieces) Microfiber Rug Set | 17x48 inches and 17x24 inches | A+ |
| Ottomanson Modern Area Rug | 2 x 5 feet | A |
| KMAT Kitchen Mat [2 PCS] Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug | 17.3 x 47 inches and 17.3 x 28 inches | A+ |
| Royal Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat | 20" x 32" Inches | B |
| Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Beige Design Area Rug | 20" x 59" inches | B |
| NewLife by GelPro Anti-Fatigue Designer Kitchen Floor Mat | 18x30 inches | A |
1. Sky Solutions Anti-Fatigue Mat
If you are someone who spends a lot of time on their feet either at home or at work, this kitchen mat then shall be the right choice for you as its soft foam core reduces stress from your feet and knees by a great margin. The mat is super comfortable and feels very light on your feet.
The mat moreover helps you stay energized and is responsible for enhancing your balance and posture. This is due to the mat featuring an ergonomic design that promotes subtle muscle movement, which in turn increases the blood flow in your body, making standing up less tiresome. Furthermore, it also can relieve spinal pressure and decrease lower back pain.
Not only is this an appropriate choice for home kitchens, but also has a commercial use. They are used in restaurants to absorb shock in high-foot-traffic areas because of their non-skidding feature.
Lastly, the mat is not just a healthy option for you but also has the ability to magnify the look of your kitchen. The mats are offered to you in a variety of colors so that you can choose just the right one that complements your kitchen area.
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2. Kangaroo Original Standing Mat
Kangaroo Original Standing Mat is a multipurpose non-toxic and phthalate-free mat that is fit to be used in all types of home décor. The mat features extra thick foam with a three quarter inches dimension to ensure the comfort of your feet while you stand on it for an extended time. Not only does it ensure convenience but also is efficient in reducing stress and fatigue on the feet muscles and joints with the help of the thick cushions, keeping your foot steady at all times.
Furthermore, the mat features a low-profile beveled edges contour that gives it a seamless design and prevents slipping and tripping, making this a very safe choice.
Additionally, with this mat, you do not have to look for replacements anytime soon as the materials used in the building of the mat is strong and can outlast its existing competitors. The durable backings are perfect for high trafficked areas and the bottoms of the mat will never suffer from compression, even with rough and tough use.
Last but not least, while most kitchen mats come in only a few commercial colors, with this mat, you get the luxury to choose from a wide range of colors and textures to match your kitchen décor.
However, the minor inconvenience that you can face with this mat is that small food particles like flour or sugars may get stuck on the mat, which you need to separately scrub off with tools like a soft-bristled brush.
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3. Maples Rugs Reggie Floral Kitchen Rug
If you want a modern twist on your kitchen rugs, then this one from Maples Rugs should be on your priority list as this features a Reggie bold floral pattern. This USA based product has an attractive contrast of dark and bright colors. The vibrant hues of colorful flowers on a dark background give an extra touch to your kitchen setup, making it look sophisticated.
Nylon is used as a raw material in the making of this mat which gives it the extra durability and fade resistance feature. Moreover, it features a 0.44-inch pile height, which makes it very easy to be placed anywhere.
The timeless design of the mat with a latex backing makes it skid resistant, which means that it will not require any additional padding to keep it in place.
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4. Ottomanson Contemporary Moroccan Trellis Design Area Rug
Neutral colors bring classy and contemporary looks and that is what this Ottomanson area rug offers. The mat is designed to bring style, function, and comfort to your home. It has been constructed using superior quality nylon which is resistant to stain and is serviceable.
On the back of this rug is a rubber backing which is non-slip, stain resistant, and durable giving you the confidence to walk around with confidence or without worrying about accidental spills. With its smooth, neutral ivory and grey color, this mat brings a classy feel and contemporary looks which blends perfectly well with most decors to lighten up your room.
Investing in this gorgeous rug will help turn your home into a visually stunning place with its outstanding colors. The mat can be a great addition to your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and hallway. You can use the rug on both sides, meaning you can rotate for even use. This also helps in keeping the creases away. Lastly, it is easy to clean and maintain saving time. Be careful not to dry clean it as the pressure can destroy the rubber back. You can clean it with mild soapy water or vacuum it to remove extra dirt.
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5. Ottomanson Contemporary Bordered Design Modern Rug
This Ottomanson rug touts of 100% polypropylene with contemporary designs to bring elegance to your home. Its high-end nylon low profile gives a cozy feel under your feet without hanging under doors. Its super durable power-loomed design gives the mat exceptional durability allowing you to enjoy using it for long.
Being the sole manufacturer of this product, Ottomanson ensures each mat is of the right quality. Its stain free, slip-resistant rubber backing does not fade or shed which helps the mat retain its contemporary looks even with regular cleaning.
The eye-catching rug creates an elegant, serene and welcoming environment to any room. Overall, Ottomanson rug is affordable and professionally crafted to help lighten up any room with its contemporary designs which strikes a balance on your floor tones and your room décor.
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6. COSY HOMEER 27X18 Inch Anti Fatigue Kitchen Rug Mats
Enhance your room décor with the amazing anti-fatigue kitchen rug mats from COSY HOMEER. The feature that we loved the most in this rug is that, unlike other others, it does not come with a rubber bottom rather the bottom is made of PVC material, which is much more long-lasting.
Moreover, PVC has the ability to provide better friction between the mat and the floor, in turn helping to keep it in one place, making it slip-resistant.
The mat is constructed with 100% polypropylene material, which gives its ability to resist stain. On top of that, the mat is super easy to clean as it only requires vacuuming. You could also wash it in a machine after the rug cushions have been used for too long.
The feature that steals the show for us is the mat's amazing after purchase customer service. Customer satisfaction is all they care for so, in case of any quality issue or dissatisfaction, a full replacement will be paid by the manufacturer within 24 hours.
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7. AmazonBasics Premium Anti-Fatigue Comfort Mat
Transform your home or office with this exceptionally comfy mat by AmazonBasics. The mat boasts of its well-cushioned foam padding which offers your feet a cozy and comfy feel. When standing, more pressure is employed on your legs and joints which explains why you feel tired faster.
This amazing mat has anti-fatigue properties which help keep your legs on an ergonomic angle, minimizing pressure on the legs, giving you peace of mind to concentrate on important issues.
The mat does not have any curling edges which helps keep it in place and giving you maximum support without slipping. It is not only friendly to your feet but also to the floor. It is resistant to an abrasive surface which prevents it from losing its original smooth surface even when placed on areas with high traffic.
Whether you step on this mat with barefoot, shoes or slippers, you will get the same feel making it a great addition to your home or office.Highlighted Features
8. Carvapet 2 Pieces Microfiber Rug Set
Your hustle for dry kitchen floors is over as the Carvapet with its exclusive rug set offers the ultimate resistance against water damage to your kitchen floor. The mat features materials that are super water absorbent and will keep your floors clean and dry at all times.
In addition to this, the mats ensure your utmost comfort and ease. This is taken care of by its microfiber material, which is super soft to touch and will ease your feet even when you stand on it for a prolonged period. The mat is backed by rubber material to make it non-skid and ensure your safety. Moreover, the mat resists wearing and fading like a champ.
The double-trouble mat set features a Moroccan classy and cool trellis motif that brightens the visuals of your kitchen and gives it a posh touch. Last but not least, the mat offers a very easy cleanup process; however, you need to be careful not to wash it in harsh conditions. It is machine washable and only requires cold water and mild detergent to be cleaned. You are advised to not use any fabric softeners or dryer sheets for cleaning purposes.
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9. Ottomanson Modern Area Rug
Usher your guests in style by placing this stylish oval shaped mat on your doorway or hallway. It’s cool, classy and stylish floral design brings a great flair which can be matched with numerous colors spoiling you for décor ideas.
The area rug features high-quality nylon low profiled pile which offers great comfort while bringing a luxurious touch to any room. It is strong and slip-resistant with great power to withstand high traffic areas without wearing out.
On its back side is a rubber backing which resists stains, slips, and discoloration. Its bound edges give the rug unmatched long-lasting power to serve you for generations to come. Due to its rubberized back, the mat is not recommended for machine washing.
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10. KMAT Kitchen Mat Cushioned Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Rug
In case you may be looking for a kitchen area rug that is made up of non-toxic material, this KMAT could be a great addition to your kitchen. KMAT comes in a set of 2 rectangular mats measuring 17.3 x 47 inches and 17.3 x 28 inches with no phthalate and is made up of high-quality strength material that makes it ideal for heavy use. The PVC material used is eco-friendly and helps the mat keep its shape.
This product oozes comfort in terms of its build as well as a maintenance procedure. The anti-fatigue feature is responsible for the comfort it provides by improving blood circulation and posture so that even standing for too long does not stress your feet.
The mat features an attractive texture at the top, while the bottom is made of a premium quality non-skid material, making this one of the safest options out there. Even though the mat claims to be water-resistant but it is better to stay careful to place it on a dry surface. It is also advised that you open the rug fully to avoid any accidents.
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11. Royal Anti-Fatigue Mat
Enjoy unmatched comfort while reducing the pressure exerted on your knees and delicate joints on your legs by 40% with this fantastic mat from Royal. The mat is designed with superior quality materials to ensure you enjoy using it all day long.
Unlike other standard models which may produce bad odors, leach chemicals or contain toxic substances like phthalate, this mat is perfectly designed to not only offer you comfort but also favorable environment free from any smells or toxic chemicals.
The mat is strong, tough, slip and tear resistant which allows you to enjoy using it for years to come. Its beveled edges keep it stable with a stay-flat design which prevents any curls or slips giving you the confidence to walk over it without worrying.
The mat comes in two very smart and standard colors – Jet Black and Mocha brown so that you have the luxury to choose the one that best matches your décor. The mat can be used at your home in your kitchen, bathroom, and office and is also fit to be used for more commercial places like Hotels, Concierge, Airlines, and Industrial facilities.However, you need to be careful not to step on these mats with pointed heeled shoes as they cannot withstand such pressure, and you may risk puncturing them.
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12. Ottomanson Ottohome Collection Beige Design Area Rug
If you seek a seamless looking area rug for your kitchen, then there is no better alternative to the Ottomanson Ottohome Collection in its beige design. The contemporary paisley design gives interesting and attractive visuals to your kitchen that too ensure your full comfort. The rug features a practical low pile and strong bound edges which prevents it from bulking under your feet and stays in one place.
Being constructed from premium quality nylon, the mat is ideal for high-traffic areas. Not only that, its non-slip rubber backing promotes safe stepping for you, for your kids as well as your pets.
With this rug, you do not have to go through the trouble of heavy cleaning as it offers spot clean only with the use of mild soap or detergent. You can also use a vacuum for removing the extra dirt, and the mat can be used on both sides for even wear.
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13. NewLife by GelPro Anti-Fatigue Designer Kitchen Floor Mat
Give your feet exceptional support and soothing feel with this NewLife anti-fatigue kitchen floor mat. The mat touts of its flair fabric cover which covers 5.8” thick foam padding for relaxing, comfy and ergonomic support for your feet, legs, and the back.
Unlike memory foams which bottom out, this mat stays put. It is designed to withstand heavy use without losing its shape and elegance. Its slip-resistant base gives you the freedom to walk over with confidence. Its waterproof and stain resistance properties give you peace of mind without worrying about any spills.
Though sold as a kitchen area rug, the mat can also be a great addition to your bedroom, garage, laundry, workplace or any room with hard flooring. Its stain resistance feature makes its cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
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Benefits of Using Area Rugs
Area rugs are a great addition to any home and here are the reasons why you should own one.
Reduce noise
Walking on the floor with open shoes or slippers tend to be noisy as compared to when you have an area rug. Some people may ignore the noise but it can cause disturbance to your sleeping baby or your loved ones. Placing a rug on your floor helps provide a quiet and serene environment.
Keeps your small kids safe
When kids are learning to walk, they usually encounter challenges before they perfect their skills. Leaving them to walk on a hard floor can cause injuries on the hands, knees or even their head. But with an area rug, you can prevent any accidents. The rugs reduce impact and offer comfy walking surface which is user-friendly not only to your kids but also pets.
Warms your room
Though the kitchen is one of the areas in your home where temperatures tend to be high, placing a rug on the floor can help keep the room warm. Compared to hardwood laminate floors, area rugs have high heat insulation power. This can be a great energy saving idea for people who live in cold areas or during the winter season.
Conceal stains
If your floor has stubborn stains, using an area rug can help hide them. Their stain resistance features allow them to defy stains which helps retain their looks and ease their maintenance.
Versatility
Kitchen area rugs are not only made to be used in the kitchen alone but also in other rooms. This gives you the freedom to utilize it when needed.
Improve your interior décor
Area rugs come in different colors to help you select one that blends well with the interiors. This helps improve the value of your home by livening up the room and your moods.
Comfy
Walking on hard floors can put a lot of pressure on your knees, legs and the back causing severe pain and suffering. Taking advantage of area rugs with anti-fatigue properties will help place your feet on an ergonomic angle while offering optimal comfort and reducing your fatigue levels altogether.
Types of Weave Available in the market
Area rugs are either hand knit; machine made, tufted, flat woven, or hooked. Each of these designs vary and have some benefits and drawbacks. Below is an overview of what makes these rugs apart.
1. Hand knit rugs
Hand knit area rugs is time-consuming but long-lasting. They are weaved using hands where the fibers are tied on a loom manually. However, they are not only ideal for use in the kitchen but are a great addition to any room. Due to their ability to withstand the test of time, they are expensive.
2. Machine made rugs
Machine made rugs are designed using power looms which are computer driven. Unlike hand-knotted rugs, machine-made rugs are not time-consuming. The method uses high-quality synthetic fiber which is stain resistant making their maintenance easy.
Though they may feature different patterns to suit user needs, they are not recommended for use in areas with high traffic. Placing them in high traffic areas will cause the pile to crush but can be a great addition to your bedroom, under tables, or areas with minimal traffic. They are affordable and easy to maintain.
3. Tufted area rugs
Tufted rugs have a plush surface which is attached to a rubber or latex backing for increased stability. They give you a luxurious and cozy feel to your feet and, feature different styles. Due to the rubber backing which is susceptible to high heat, these rugs are not recommended to be machine washed. They are also prone to shedding and may call for vacuuming. However, they are a great addition to any area with high traffic.
4. Hooked Rugs
Hooked rugs are made the same way as tufted rugs are designed. The only difference is that tufted rugs have their yarn loops sheared off while hooked are left intact. This gives them a textured surface which does not shed.
5. Flat woven tugs
Flat-woven rugs come in different materials which include fiber, cotton, and wool. They usually don't have padding but are double-sided which gives you the freedom to flip them when the upper part becomes dirty. The fact that they do not have a pile makes them ideal for use in high traffic areas like hallways, playrooms and any other place which has high traffic.
Common Area Rug Material
As mentioned above, area rugs feature different materials with different comfort levels, style, stain resistance and stability. The most popular materials used are synthetic fiber, wool, cotton, and silk. Each of these material shave benefits and drawbacks and the choice you make will depend on your personal preferences. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the features associated with each material.
1. Natural fiber
Natural fiber rugs are made from natural materials which are eco-friendly to the environment. The most popular used materials include sisal, bamboo, jute, and seagrass. Rugs made from sisal and jute will have a rough texture as compared to bamboo and seagrass. Due to their texture, they are recommended for use on a rough floor. Though eco-friendly, they are vulnerable to stains and cleaning them is hard.
In case you happen to settle for a rug made of natural fiber ensure your kids do not play around with drinks or else you will face challenged removing stains.
2. Wool
Rugs made of wool are comfy, durable, soft and by nature stain resistant. They retain heat and have insulation features which make them ideal for use on cold areas and any room that requires a cozy rug.
3. Silk
If you are looking for a luxurious touch in an area rug, then a silk material can be a great pick for you. However, they are delicate and susceptible to moisture and require proper maintenance. Due to their moisture sensitivity, they are not recommended for use in kitchens but can be a great addition to your bedroom.
4. Cotton
Cotton material is machine washable but is likely to shed. Its low maintenance and versatility make it ideal for use in stain prone areas like kitchens.
5. Synthetics
Synthetic materials like polypropylene are popularly used by most manufacturers due to their stain resistance properties, easy maintenance, and ability to resist discoloration making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor purposes. They are durable and have the strength to withstand high traffic areas.
Stability
While adding a rug on your kitchen floor can help improve the value of your home, it may not be stable enough exposing you and your loved ones to injuries. To ensure you are on the safe side, consider going for rugs with anti-slip or non-slip base.
Time Management
Staying for long hours in the kitchen can cause strain on your legs, joints and your back. Investing in a well-padded or cushiony rug with anti-fatigue properties will help offer a comfy and serene environment allowing you to do your cooking with ease.
Ease of maintenance
With time, your rug will call for cleaning. Before buying your preferred model, ensure you can commit to its maintenance routine. If you invest in a machine washable rug and you do not own a laundry machine, ensure you can manage to pay for dry cleaning services.
Final Verdict
Area rugs are a great investment for every homeowner who may be looking forward to bringing a flair of luxurious touch to their home. While investing in the best area rugs for the kitchen comes with significant benefits, not every rug out there will be ideal for you. You need to factor in all that you need in a rug and bring in your personal style to help identify the best area rug for your kitchen. Our review has covered everything you may need to know to own one, and making use of it can help you make smart decisions. So do not hesitate to make your selection from our top quality products.
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