Though you may be skeptical of the durability of a rug in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, choosing one made with the right material can serve your kitchen surprisingly well. The best area rugs for kitchens are made from flat-weave textures and can add visual intrigue to the space. They can also protect your floors and give feet a soft place to stand when preparing a meal or washing dishes.
Flat-weave rugs are great for your kitchen because they are low profile and durable, and more budget friendly in case you spill food on them — plus, they're perfect in any season. In terms of material, cotton is typically used for flat-weave rugs, and you're likely to find affordable options in lots of colors and patterns. While cotton is easy to clean, it may not be as durable as some other rug materials if it is placed in an area that gets substantial foot traffic. Natural options, like jute, are made from renewable sources and bring visual texture to your kitchen, though they can be tougher to get stains out of than cotton.
Synthetic materials, like polypropylene or polyester, stand up to high-traffic areas and are relatively affordable; they're also generally flat weaves that won't snag or shed, and synthetic materials are easily spot cleaned.
To mask occasional spills, look for a rug with an intricate weave or a busier pattern. A non-slip backing is ideal for keeping a rug in place, but you can help any rug stay put by using rug tape, which I've listed below.
Area rugs for the kitchen will generally fall into three categories: small mats, runners, and larger area rugs placed under dining tables. Dimensions are listed for each of my picks, but keep in mind many of them come in several sizes, shapes, and colors to suit your taste and space. With all this in mind, keep reading to shop for the best area rugs for your kitchen.
We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.