Mixing a lot of rugs in a kitchen can be tricky. You may be wondering how many rugs belong in a kitchen. You also may be conflicted about mixing different rug styles together. There are different ways to place rugs in a kitchen. We’ll help answer your questions and give you some ideas for how to place several rugs together in your kitchen area.
In This Article We'll Discuss
How Many Rugs Should Be in a Kitchen?
To figure out how many rugs you need in your kitchen, think about where you’ll spend the most time standing. This is a simple guideline. You will need a rug under your feet in places where you spend a lot of time standing.
If your kitchen is small and tight, you may only have room for one rug. With a kitchen that’s medium to large, you’ll likely use at least two rugs. If you have a large kitchen, three rugs may work, or you can use a large rug to cover a decent amount of surface area.
Where Can You Place a Rug in a Kitchen?
Start by putting a rug in front of your kitchen sink because you’ll probably spend a lot of time there. You’ll want a nice, comfortable, cushioned rug to stand on. Also, try to pick a rug with a rubber non-slip backing so that it won’t move and slip. Since the sink is such a highly trafficked area in the kitchen, you’ll want to put a small rug or runner there.
You’ll also want a rug in front of your stove. This is another area of the kitchen where you’ll spend a lot of time standing while you cook. In general, you’ll want an extra cushion under your feet anywhere that you’ll be spending a good amount of time.
If there’s an area of the kitchen where you spend a lot of time chopping, put a rug there. Your food chopping spot may be a particular part of your countertop, or it could be a kitchen island. If your counter tops or island are next to your sink or stove, a runner may be best because it will cover both highly-trafficked floor spaces.
What Rug Materials are Good for a Kitchen?
Because there will be water and food involved, pick rugs that don’t stain easily. You’ll want to pay attention to the rug’s materials and its cleaning instructions.
Your best bet will be machine washable rugs— cotton rugs or a cotton blend are great. In addition, always check labels to see cleaning instructions before washing your rugs.
Polypropylene rugs are another good choice. Try to pick flat weave rugs because the less pile a rug has, the easier it will be to clean. Avoid any rug material that doesn’t clean easily or that absorbs spills easily.
Which Materials Can You Use to Mix and Match Rugs in a Kitchen?
Flat weave cotton rugs mix beautifully with other flat waves or even jute or sisal rugs. However, jute and sisal rugs need to be spot cleaned, so you’ll have to be careful if you choose to use them in the kitchen. If you mix these styles together, keep jute rugs as far away from high traffic areas where they’d likely get wet. Try to keep these rugs in areas where vacuuming will be enough to keep them clean.
Wool rugs are also made from a natural material, so they hold up for a long time and clean well. Also, keep wool away from high trafficked areas in your kitchen where they may get too wet. Wool and cotton or wool and jute are great for mixing and matching.
Cotton rugs and polypropylene rugs are also a great mix. You will find rugs in these materials in all styles and colors, so they should be easy to mix and match. Both clean easily and are great material choices for kitchen rugs.
Ideas for Multiple Rugs in a Narrow Kitchen
If you have a narrow kitchen, your options will be limited. If you want to use more than one rug, you can layer. Try layering a small accent rug over a runner. A rug that is about 2′ x 3′ in size can be angled over a 2′ x 8′ runner to create a unique look.
You can place two small accent rugs side by side to create a similar runner look and feel. Two rugs next to each other, or layered over each other, may give you a little more space.
You can also layer a 2′ x 3′ small accent rug over a larger 3′ x 5′ accent rug. This will give you two styles together to create a creative and artistic look.
Ideas for Multiple Rugs in an L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen has defined walkways. One option is to put two runners in your kitchen. One runner on either length of the L-shape. You could use the same concept by using one 4′ x 6′ accent rug running one direction and the runner on the other side.
If your kitchen is large enough, you may be able to use a 5′ x 8′ size rug in the widest part of the kitchen. You can then use a runner or an accent rug in the longer area. In a larger kitchen, you’ll also have the choice to easily layer rugs and create a widespread floor space.
Ideas for Multiple Rugs in an Open Kitchen
With an open square or rectangular kitchen, your options are endless. You can start with a larger room size rug in the center. Place a runner or mat in front of both the stove and sink.
If your kitchen is large and has an island in the center, you’ll need to work around that. You’ll probably need narrow rugs such as throw rugs (2′ x 3′) or runners (2′ x 8′). You can place a rug between the island and your kitchen cabinets. This should offer a great look and optimal comfort while you work in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Depending on your kitchen size and shape, you’ll have many options for rug placement. Measure your space to ensure you know how much space you’re working with. Then, find the right sized rugs that you can use together to create a kitchen layout with multiple rugs that’s unique and comfortable.