When it comes to decorating your home with area rugs, the kitchen isn’t usually the first room that comes to mind. Tile and hardwood floors are, after, all, the best choice for kitchen flooring and why risk ruining a perfectly good rug with spilled sauces or other food? It really comes down to the type of rug you choose.
In actuality, there are rugs specifically made for a hot kitchen environment, spills and all. A well-chosen and placed kitchen rug can give the room a much needed visual enhancement and be functional as well. Here are a few tips for using area rugs to complete your kitchen’s décor.
Choosing the Right Material
Since the kitchen is a high traffic area, your rug should be able to withstand everyday abuse. Synthetic rugs, such as nylon or acrylic, are your best bet. Acrylic is highly durable and often used in bathrooms. This makes them perfect for use in kitchens as well. If there are a lot of spills occurring in your kitchen, a nylon or polypropylene might work the best for you. Rugs made from these materials are highly stain resistant and easy to clean.
If you’re looking for a more natural look, a wool rug will be the way to go. Wool is the standard when it comes to rug materials, either natural or synthetic. While they have an uncanny ability to add warmth and comfort to the room, they tend to be more expensive. A good quality wool rug will cost twice as much as a cotton or jute rug of the same size.
Complimenting Your Kitchen Décor
Area rugs are both decorative and functional. A good rug should match the overall theme of your kitchen; otherwise, the entire room is out of balance. So if your kitchen is Asian inspired, go for a bamboo rug. If you’re more into postmodern chic, try contemporary area rugs. If your kitchen doesn’t have a single décor theme, match the room’s colors. Use green rugs to match your indoor plants or black rugs to tone down white or pastel-colored walls. A great thing about area rugs is that they can be readily moved, so do some experimenting to see what colors work best for your kitchen.
Use Patterns to Hide Spills
Since the likeliness of spills occurring is increased in a kitchen, plain patterned rugs should be avoided. These rugs will make spills or stains more visible. Busy patterns, such as those found on oriental rugs, will hide most spills and stains. Be sure to address the spill immediately to keep it from setting in and becoming a stain. Make sure the pattern of the rug doesn’t clash with kitchen theme and colors. You can always change any curtains or other room fabric to match the rug’s pattern.
Rug Size and Positioning
Kitchens tend to be a little more confined than other rooms. For this reason, kitchen rugs shouldn’t be too big. At the most, they should cover about 50% of the floor space. Don’t use any rugs that have fringed edges, and try to stay within a 6 foot limit. Anything bigger makes the rug difficult to maintain.
A practical spot to place a rug is in the middle of the kitchen. This helps to create a good focal point. If you have an island in the middle of your kitchen, place smaller rugs in front of the sink or fridge. These can help to prevent spills and add traction at the same time. Another good spot to place rugs is under any furniture in your kitchen. They’ll help to protect the flooring from scratches while at the same time adding character and warmth.
