One slightly controversial topic at the KBB HQ is having rugs and runners in kitchens. So, to settle the debate, I’ve asked the experts for their pros and cons, and the clever ways to do it right…

As someone who grew up with a rug in their kitchen, to me, it brings a sense of nostalgia; it was the backdrop to child’s play while my mother cooked dinner and the pop of colour on grey days.

Rugs and runners can be a great tool for adding charm, as well as an extra layer of comfort to your space – and, they come with plenty of other benefits, too. However, you need to be more careful with your glass of red or if you’re a messy cook (no judgement here!).

“A well-chosen rug can elevate your kitchen, transforming it from a functional area into the stylish and inviting heart of the home,” says Charlotte Ford, Europe senior marketing director at Ruggable. “Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a kitchen rug also serves a multitude of practical purposes.” So, let’s look at some of the pros, shall we…

Pros of having rugs in a kitchen

Rugs and runners are an easy and affordable way of adding visual appeal and reviving your scheme. These days, they come in a wide range of styles, from pared-back and modern to playfully patterned in a burst of colour, shapes and sizes.

“Changing the colour or design of your kitchen cabinets can be expensive and fiddly, so a rug is a great way to update a kitchen in need of a refresh,” says Charlotte. “A bold, patterned rug can add a pop of personality to a neutral kitchen, while a more subdued, solid-coloured rug can create a serene and calming atmosphere.”

What’s more, rugs can add a layer of comfort to your design. “The hard, cold surfaces of tile or wood floors can be unforgiving. A soft, tufted rug can help keep toes toasty in the kitchen, especially if standing still over the hob for hours on end,” adds Charlotte.

They are also ideal for effortlessly zoning your space. “For instance, a runner placed in front of your counters can separate your cooking space, or one placed under a table can create a cosy breakfast nook. Round rugs can add a touch of softness to a square or rectangular kitchen, while rectangular rugs such as runners can elongate a narrow space,” she explains.

Apart from good looks, they can also guard your hard floors from potential damage. “Beyond aesthetics, a rug can help protect your floors from scratches, spills, and stains – particularly in high-traffic areas like the sink or stove,” says Paulina Lundstrom, CEO at Pappelina.

How to do it right

So, where should you start if you’re looking to add a rug or runner to your kitchen? “Assess the space to decipher the best placement for your rug or runner,” advises Camilla Stannard, founder of Lilla Rugs. “Is it between kitchen cabinets and an island, or in the entryway to the room? This will guide the choice of rug.”

For maximum impact, Camilla recommends patterns over plain solutions. “This will disguise any little spills you get whilst cooking in the area. Choose a complementary colour or pattern to match your kitchen furniture to ensure any runner is in keeping with the overall scheme. A timeless design will allow you to change other areas of the space without replacing the rug too.” For versatility, why not choose a reversible rug?

Compact kitchen? No problem! “In narrow kitchens, consider placing a runner in front of the oven or next to the counter, to break up the floor and elongate the space. Go bespoke to make sure the design matches your style perfectly, offering both practicality and comfort,” says Kirsty Barton, brand storytelling manager at Alternative Flooring.

As the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s crucial to carefully consider the materials of your rugs and runners, so you can enjoy it for as long as possible. “Opt for durable, low-maintenance fabrics that can withstand spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic. To retain the durability of a rug, low-pile and flatwoven rugs are your best bet as they are more resilient and able to withstand the hustle and bustle of kitchen activities,” advises Charlotte.

Are there any cons?

As I mentioned earlier, if you tend to be a messy cook, beware of spills and stains. “Kitchens are one of the most heavily used rooms in the house, so footfall is higher, and the risk of spillages is increased. This means extra care and attention is needed to avoid spills on rug surfaces,” says Camilla.

So, maintenance is a key consideration when thinking of adding soft floor coverings to your design. “Keeping on top of regular cleaning is a must to keep a kitchen rug or runner in good condition,” she adds.

Maintenance

Speaking of maintenance, Charlotte says keeping your kitchen rug looking fresh and vibrant is key to creating a welcoming culinary space. “When big spills or mishaps occur, just throw the rug in the washing machine, and voilà – it’s as good as new,” she advises.

And, for a quick refresh during the week, Camilla recommends shaking the rug outside, ‘to prevent little crumbs and dirt seeping into the foundation of the rug’.

So, which team are you on?

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