Introduction
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s where families and friends gather to cook, eat, and spend quality time together. While kitchens serve important practical functions related to food preparation and storage, they also have the potential to reflect the style, tastes, and personality of homeowners. An easy way to add visual interest, color, and a decorative accent to your kitchen is with a runner.
What is a Kitchen Runner?
A kitchen runner is a long, narrow rug or piece of fabric that is placed on the floor in front of kitchen counters, islands, sinks, or stoves. Runners typically range in length from 3 to 9 feet, and 12″ to 36″ in width. They lie perpendicular to kitchen cabinets, spanning either the full length or a portion of the workspace.
Kitchen runners serve both form and function. Visually, they break up large expanses of flooring and add color, pattern, and texture. Functionally, they provide a soft, cushioned surface underfoot while standing at countertops, protecting feet and legs from hard flooring, and helping prevent slips and falls on slick surfaces.
Benefits of Using a Kitchen Runner
Decor and Style
Kitchen runners come in a vast array of colors, patterns, textures, and materials. A runner is an easy and affordable way to incorporate your personal style into the kitchen. It can complement your existing decor or provide a pop of color. Florals, geometrics, stripes, solids – the options are limitless.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Standing on a hard and unforgiving kitchen floor for extended periods can lead to fatigue and discomfort in the back, legs, and feet. A kitchen runner offers a supportive, cushioned surface that is kinder to the body. This can help boost energy and productivity.
Safety
Flat and smooth floors like tile, stone, and hardwood can become slippery when wet or greasy from cooking. A kitchen runner provides traction underfoot, helping prevent slips and falls for safer cooking and cleaning. The padding also helps absorb shocks and impacts.
Noise Reduction
Kitchen runners can help muffle noises like appliance hums, utensils clanking, and footsteps. This absorptive effect can make cooking and socializing in the kitchen more pleasant.
Protect Surfaces
A kitchen runner shields floors from spills, grease splatter, and scratches from furniture or dropped items. Protecting the flooring helps maintain its appearance and extends its usable lifespan.
Popular Materials for Kitchen Runners
Cotton
100% cotton runners have a casual, rustic look. Cotton is soft underfoot but prone to staining, wrinkling, and showing dirt.
Jute
Jute has a coarse, natural fiber texture. It’s durable and absorptive but may shed initially. Jute works with casual decor styles like farmhouse or cottage.
Wool
Wool runners are soft, comfortable, and easy to clean. Wool is resistant to dirt and stains. It’s a good insulator too.
Polypropylene
Runners made of olefin or polypropylene are colorfast, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. However, they lack the luxurious feel of natural fibers.
Microfiber
For a super soft and cushy feel, microfiber kitchen runners are a smart choice. Microfiber is very absorbent and quick-drying.
Rubber
Rubber runners are excellent for water resistance and traction. Dense rubber also helps reduce fatigue from standing. Easy to sanitize.
Vinyl
Vinyl runners are inexpensive, waterproof, and easy to clean. Vinyl comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns.
Placement Tips for Kitchen Runners
In Front of Sink
Protect the flooring around a busy kitchen sink by placing a runner in front. This cushions feet for dishwashing and absorbs splashes.
Between Islands and Counters
Designate walkways and work zones with runners placed between kitchen islands, counters, and appliances.
The Entire Workspace
For small kitchens, runners can span the entire countertop workspace area for a cohesive look.
In Front of Stove
Shield flooring from grease splatters and provide traction while cooking with a runner in front of the stove.
Partially Under Appliances
Runners can be positioned partially underneath appliances to protect floors and dampen noise.
Just the Sink Area
To conserve space and rug size, use a narrow runner only in front of the kitchen sink.
Entire Length of Counters
Extend a runner the full length of countertops for a seamless linear look.
Design Tips for Selecting a Kitchen Runner
Complement Flooring
Pick runner colors that coordinate with or accent your existing kitchen flooring. Contrasting hues can make floors “pop”.
Match or Contrast Cabinets
Coordinate runner colors with cabinetry for a cohesive look. Or use runners to visually break up cabinetry.
Consider Maintenance
Factor in ease of cleaning when choosing runner materials and patterns. Busy or light colors show stains.
Measure First
Take exact measurements of the space to ensure proper rug fit. Allow an extra 4-6 inches for placement.
Texture Interest
Inject visual and tactile interest by mixing up textures – glossy flooring with a nubby jute runner, for example.
Pattern Scale
Petite kitchens look best with smaller-scale prints like florals. Large patterns suit bigger kitchen spaces.
Cut Down Long Runners
For narrow areas, save money by buying a larger runner and cutting down to fit your custom size.
Safety First
Prioritize slip resistance and cushioning for runners in high-traffic kitchen zones.
Style Second
Focus first on function/performance needs. Then narrow options to styles suiting your decor.
Care and Maintenance of Kitchen Runners
- Vacuum frequently to remove surface dirt, dust, and debris that get ground in over time.
- Spot clean spills and stains quickly to prevent setting in. Use manufacturer cleaning guidelines.
- Some runners can be machine washed on gentle cycle and air dried. Check label first.
- Rotate direction periodically to evenly distribute wear in heavy traffic areas.
- Shake out outdoors regularly to freshen.
- Consider professional rug cleaning every year or two to deep clean and sanitize.
- Rotate with a second runner seasonally to spread out wear and extend lifespan.
- Keep away from direct heat sources like ovens that can damage or discolor.
- Use rug pads and grippers to prevent shifting, curling edges, and slip hazards.
- Watch for signs of excessive wear and replace as needed. Worn kitchen rugs are safety risks.
Style Ideas for Kitchen Runners by Decor
Farmhouse Kitchen
Add natural texture with jute in tan and brown tones. Use vintage style rag rugs. Cotton in checks and plaids.
Traditional Kitchen
Suit the classic vibe with tailored wool or floral runners. Persian-style rugs in rich reds also work.
Contemporary Kitchen
Lean modern with solid color shag, geometric patterns, or reflective metallics.
Rustic Kitchen
Look to braided, woven, or striped cotton runners. Deep reds and earth tones fit in rustic kitchens.
Cottage Kitchen
Florals, vines, and scenic imagery complement the cute cottage look. Pastels or sun-faded vintage rugs too.
Industrial Kitchen
Go bold with black and white graphic or trellis patterns. Consider rubber, leather, or sisal textures.
Coastal Kitchen
Capture the nautical coastal style with runners featuring anchors, fish, shells or aquatic hues. Natural seagrass or sisal as well.
Eclectic Kitchen
With an eclectic mix of old and new, display a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures blended together.
Boost Function and Style With a Custom Runner
Beyond off-the-shelf options, having a kitchen runner custom made allows for complete personalization and a perfect fit. Provide your exact dimensions and select weave, color, materials, borders, and patterns from a catalog or provide your own design. Monogramming and other special details can be added too. Though more expensive, a custom runner ensures your kitchen decor vision comes to life in durable form.
Refresh a Runner on a Budget
If your current kitchen runner remains structurally sound but looks dated, dingy or worn, consider these budget-friendly refresh ideas before replacing:
- Spot clean then shampoo the entire runner with a cleaning solution suitable to the material. Let air dry.
- Use fabric paint to stamp a pattern or stencil over an existing runner.
- Cut runner to fit a smaller space, keeping the least damaged portion.
- Rotate or flip direction so the least worn areas are in high traffic zones.
- Dye a light colored runner using Rit Dye or other household dyes.
- Freshen the edges and ends with binding tape, pom pom trim, or fringe.
- Layer over with a coordinating cotton throw rug for quick color change.
With some creativity and elbow grease, you can extend the life of a kitchen runner on a budget.
When to Replace a Kitchen Runner
Signs that a kitchen runner needs replacement include:
- Thin, worn out, breaking apart, or developing holes in heavy traffic areas
- Stains that are unable to be removed after repeated attempts
- Edge curling that cannot be fixed with rug tape or grippers
- Slips on the surface indicating loss of traction
- Noticeable color fading not fixed by cleaning
- Odors unable to be eliminated through cleaning or deodorizing
- Excess shedding leaving piles of lint and debris
- Growth of mold or mildew, especially around the edges
- Visible damage from burns, tears, or pets
Prioritize kitchen safety and hygiene, and replace runners at first signs they are no longer performing well.
Runner Alternatives for Kitchens
For those not sold on a traditional runner, here are some alternate options that can also spruce up kitchen floors:
Individual Rugs
Use separate coordinating rugs in front of the sink, stove, and key workstations. Offers more placement flexibility.
Tile Inserts
Customize tiled floors by adding decorative tile rug inserts, available in a range of colors and designs.
Stencils
Paint, stencil, or apply patterned adhesive floor decals directly onto existing kitchen floors.
Furniture Leg Covers
Protect floors from chair legs orisland cart wheels using plastic, fabric, or felt covers.
Mats
Use washable rubber anti-fatigue mats in key kitchen work zones to cushion and support feet.
Area Rugs
Larger area rugs can define functional kitchen zones like an eat-in dining space.
The Takeaway
Kitchen runners are affordable and versatile decor additions that can instantly enhance your kitchen’s form and function. With myriad colors, patterns, and materials to explore, and customizable sizing, it’s easy to find options aligning with your personal style. Plus, the health and safety benefits like added traction, fatigue relief, and noise reduction make runners worthy functional investments. When thoughtfully incorporated, runners can help build your dream kitchen look and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Runners
Should kitchen runners be secured to the floor?
Yes, it’s recommended to use rug pads, double-sided tapes/grippers or non-slip mats underneath kitchen runners to secure them in place. This prevents shifting, curling edges, and slippage that could lead to trips and falls.
How do you clean a kitchen runner rug?
Check manufacturer guidelines as methods vary. Most can be spot cleaned with carpet cleaner, gently washed with mild detergent, or steam cleaned. Avoid excessive moisture. Let air dry fully before returning to use.
Where should you place a runner in a small kitchen?
In compact kitchens, focus runners in front of the sink and stove where messes often occur. Or opt for one longer runner spanning the main work zone.
Should runner length span the entire sink and stove area?
It’s recommended, but not essential. Runners can be any length to suit your space. Extending to cover both sink and stove helps protect more flooring.
How do you choose a rug for a farmhouse kitchen?
For farmhouse style, look for natural fiber runners like jute, cotton, or wool in tan, black, white, red, grey, or faded blue colors. Vintage, braided, striped, plaid, or geometric patterns also fit.
Is it OK to put a runner on vinyl flooring?
Yes, vinyl floors and luxury vinyl plank are fine bases for kitchen runners. The padding provides cushion without damage. Just take care choosing rug backings that won’t discolor vinyl.
Should you put a runner under or in front of the sink?
It’s best under the sink between cabinets to catch drips and pullout for easy cleaning. If limited space, position as close to the front edge of sink as possible.
How do you clean a jute runner?
Vacuum gently, spot clean stains with liquid dish soap and water, or have professionally dry cleaned. Avoid excessive moisture on jute which can discolor, stiffen, and shrink the rug.
Conclusion
With the right kitchen runner, it’s easy to add personality and decorative flair to your home’s hardest working room. Allow this functional accent piece to showcase your unique tastes and kitchen design goals. Measure carefully, select quality durable materials suitable to the space, and properly care for your runner. In return, it will provide a more beautiful, comfortable, and safe meal-making environment for many years to come.
