It's likely that your kitchen is the busiest room in your home – from cooking to entertaining to working, there's an endless amount of movement and a lot of time spent in the kitchen. The two most important qualities to consider when thinking about kitchen rug ideas are finding something that looks comfy and inviting but is sturdy enough to hold up under day-to-day wear. Keep reading below for our favorite kitchen rug ideas and tips for finding great washable kitchen rugs.

Kitchen Rug Materials & Techniques

A kitchen rug needs to be soft enough to cushion falling dishes but still strong enough to give you adequate padding for those hours spent rolling out holiday cookies with little ones and other foot traffic. The material and technique used to create a kitchen rug are two important things to consider before clicking "Add to Cart." Peek at our favorite rug tips and style ideas below as well as the best washable kitchen rugs.

Technique

The two most common rug-making techniques you'll find in kitchen rugs are flatweave and looped.

Flatweave

A flatweave rug is probably the best option for your kitchen. Flatweave rugs are durable, they look great, and they're made from cotton so they're very easy to care for. Flatweave rugs are woven in small loops, so they won't easily catch on your pup's teeth or cat's claws. Flatweave rugs are machine-washable kitchen rugs, which makes them a smart and practical choice for the kitchen.

Looped

Looped rugs (also called hooked rugs) are great for tile floors, because the large loops create a comfortable high-pile feeling over the tile. Because looped rugs are thicker, they also help reduce noise, making them perfect for busy mornings when everyone's schedules aren't always aligned. You can machine-wash a looped rug, but it's better to hand-wash it to make it last longer.

Material

In addition to considering the style and comfort of your kitchen rug, you'll also want to consider whether the material is machine-washable.

Polyester & Polypropylene

Both polyester and polypropylene rugs are nonflammable and incredibly easy to clean, making them a no-brainer for the kitchen. These rug materials are designed for indoor/outdoor rugs, so they can withstand even the most aggressive scrubbing and bleaching.

Wool

Wool rugs are another great option for kitchens because they are both water- and stain-resistant. Whether you're nervous about spilling wine or ice flying out of the fridge door, you can feel confident investing in a wool rug.

Jute

Jute and sisal rugs are two classic materials you'll see in a lot of designers' homes. Jute rugs are not machine-washable, but when cleaned with soap, water, and a stiff brush, they look great and will hold up well for years to come. The neutral colors of a jute rug make them easy to coordinate into any transitional kitchen.

Kitchen Rug Colors & Designs

One of the most exciting parts of looking at kitchen rug ideas is deciding what color, style, and design will work best in your home. Most kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes rely heavily on neutrals, so you can keep that theme going when it comes to your rug. Alternatively, a bold rug can really spice up neutral tones. Check out our favorite ideas for kitchen rug colors and designs below.

Color

Our number one tip for choosing a rug color and style is to opt for one that picks up on the secondary color of your kitchen, that way it won't overwhelm the room. A neutral-toned rug in ivory or tan looks great when paired with brightly painted cabinetry, rich-toned wall art, and bold serveware left on display. If your cabinets and shelves are painted white, choose a bold color or pattern for your rug instead. Sea-glass-inspired colors or a rich navy are a couple of our favorite kitchen rug ideas.

Design

Coordinate your kitchen area rug with the decor. If you want to pick out a rug with a pattern, consider the aesthetic you're leaning toward. Large stripes are perfect pattern for a farmhouse kitchen, while plaid or Southwestern rugs would look best in a rustic kitchen. For a more bohemian look, opt for a vintage-inspired rug or mat.

Kitchen Rug Shapes & Sizes

Choosing a rug that's the perfect fit may seem challenging when it comes to the kitchen. Since a lot of kitchens have islands, appliances, and countertops that create a unique layout, it's important to pick out a rug or mat that fits well and won't bunch around corners. Keep reading for our best kitchen rug ideas and sizing tips.

Shape

A square or rectangular rug will work in almost any space. This shape gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to placement. If your kitchen has a corner breakfast nook, opt for a round rug to soften sharp lines and give bare feet a comfortable spot to rest.

Runner rugs can fit into the most unique kitchen layouts. They work well in large kitchens because they effortlessly close the gap between a kitchen island and counter. However, a runner rug also works well if your kitchen is narrow, because it creates an illusion that the kitchen is larger.

Size

For runners, try to leave about 6" of space between the rug and cabinets. If you are placing a rug under a kitchen table, make sure that the rug extends at least 24" – 36" beyond all sides of the table to ensure all chair legs can fit – even when pushed back.

If your kitchen is limited on space, you might only need a 2' x 3' rug in front of the sink. This small rug will give you a little cushion when you're washing dishes and it will absorb splashes.

Pro Tip:

Remember safety: Some rugs come with nonslip backing but others don't. Place a rug pad underneath the rug to make it nonslip.

Ready to bring one of these kitchen rug ideas home?