Kitchen rugs can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. In small kitchens, they are especially impactful as they help define spaces in an open floorplan or bring warmth and visual interest to a compact room. The right small kitchen rug can make the space feel cozier while also serving practical functions like cushioning your feet or protecting your floors.
When shopping for rugs for a small kitchen, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The size and proportions are important – an oversized rug can make a petite kitchen feel even smaller. The material is also important, as kitchen rugs experience a lot of foot traffic and need to be durable and easy to clean. Placement of a small kitchen rug can help delineate work zones or highlight a particular area.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to choose the perfect small kitchen rugs, from determining the right size and place to put them to selecting the shape, color, and material best suited for your needs. We’ll also provide stylish small kitchen rug ideas to inspire your design. Let’s get started!
Determining the Right Size and Placement for Your Small Kitchen Rug
When working with a compact kitchen, proportion is paramount. You want to choose a rug size that is a good fit for the room – not too small, but not overpowering the space. As a general rule, a rug for a small kitchen should extend 24-36 inches from the cabinets, appliances or fixtures that frame it. This creates a transition zone that makes the rug feel integrated rather than like an afterthought.
Consider placing small kitchen rugs in zones where you stand for periods of time, like in front of the sink or stove, rather than spanning the entire room. This helps define individual spaces within an open layout. If your kitchen work triangle area measures 6 x 4 feet or less, a 3 x 5 foot rug can work nicely. For larger kitchens or to anchor a table and chairs, a 5 x 8 foot or 6 x 9 foot rug is ideal.
Runners are another great option for small kitchens, allowing you to highlight traffic areas. Size them according to your layout – try a 2.5 x 7 foot runner in front of the sink and stove or a 2 x 5 foot runner in a galley configuration. Make sure any seams fall under appliances.
When determining placement, pay attention to how existing architectural details frame the rug. You want sufficient border space so the rug doesn’t directly abut cabinets, islands or walls. Layering a round rug on top of a rectangle can help fill negative space and soften edges. Use low-pile rugs under tables and chairs so they slide easily.
Selecting the Right Shape for Your Small Kitchen Rug
The shape of your small kitchen rug will influence how it defines and anchors the space. Here are some popular options along with placement tips:
Rectangular Rugs
The most versatile shape, rectangular rugs work well centered under tables, parallel under kitchen islands or flanking a sink. Try sizing at 3 x 5 feet or 5 x 8 feet. Make sure all furniture legs rest on the rug.
Round and Oval Rugs
These soften hard edges and corners in a small kitchen. Round rugs look great under a pedestal table or topping a rectangular rug. Oval rugs work well anchoring sinks. Size round rugs 5-6 feet in diameter and ovals approximately 6 x 4 feet.
Runners
Perfect for defining walkways and protecting against wear and tear. Use 2-3 foot wide runners the length of galley kitchens or position perpendicular to lower cabinets. Size them at least 18 inches wider than your cabinetry or appliances.
Octagons and Hexagons
For a unique look, octagonal or hexagonal rugs can make fun accents layered atop a larger rug. The 8-sided geometrical shape works well under a round pedestal table. Use hexagons (around 4 feet wide) flanking a kitchen sink.
Coordinating Colors for a Cohesive Look
Color is critical in small spaces. Stick to a cohesive color palette of 2-3 complementary hues for your small kitchen rugs and accessories. Neutrals like beige and gray make a foolproof base. Incorporate pops of color with rugs in aqua blue, tomato red or golden yellow.
You’ll want your small kitchen rug to blend with – not fight against – existing elements like cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and floors. Choose analogous shades that are adjacent on the color wheel, or opt for contrasting hues that bridge warm and cool tones.
For bohemian or eclectic spaces, layering rugs in different colors and patterns can give a lively, collected look. Anchor with a jute or braided rug then add a vintage Turkish kilim or faded Persian rug on top. Just be sure to pick a unifying thread among the designs.
Selecting the Right Material for Durability and Easy Care
The material of your small kitchen rug needs to stand up to heavy daily use as well as an array of spills, drips and crumbs. You want a low maintenance, easy to clean rug that is soil and stain resistant. Here are some of the best options:
Machine Woven Polypropylene
Affordable and versatile, polypropylene wears well in high-traffic areas like kitchens. It’s soil resistant, colorfast and withstands moisture. Poly rugs are easy to clean by just spraying them off with a hose. For patterns, look for a tight, dense weave.
Low Pile Polyester or Olefin
Less expensive synthetic fibers like polyester and olefin work great for kitchen rug runners as they shed water easily. Look for kitchen rugs labeled stain resistant with a short, woven pile for rolling chair wheels. Spot clean as needed.
Braided and Rag Rugs
Made from cotton, wool or blends, these cozy rugs add farmhouse flair. The dense weave repels spills and they can go right in the washing machine. Cotton rag rugs get softer over time but be aware wool can absorb odors.
Natural Fibers Like Jute and Sisal
Durable jute and sisal make excellent choices if you want natural fiber rugs. Their coarse, tightly woven construction stands up to heavy use. Just be aware these materials are prone to shedding and fading which requires regular vacuuming.
Low Pile Wool
While expensive, wool area rugs offer superb durability and soil resistance making them a sound investment. Look for kitchen rugs with a tight flat weave and synthetic backing that can handle moisture and spills. Spot clean only.
Small Kitchen Rug Ideas to Inspire Your Design
Now that we’ve covered the basics of selecting and placing small kitchen rugs, here are some stylish ideas to ignite your design imagination!
Warm up a White Kitchen
The crisp, clean look of all-white kitchens can feel clinical without warmth. Introduce cozy texture with natural jute rugs layered over rustic hardwoods. Use round sisal rugs under pedestal tables to soften hard edges.
Define Zones in an Open Floorplan
Use kitchen rugs to delineate work zones in a large open space. Position rectangular runners parallel to lower cabinets to anchor appliances. Float round rugs by the sink or island for prep spaces.
Add Retro Flair
For a retro diner aesthetic, checkered vinyl rugs extend the classic black-and-white tile theme. Or go mod with a bold 60s-inspired circular rug in citrus orange, sun yellow or electric blue.
Incorporate Vintage Style
A battered antique Tabriz, Turkish Oushak or sheepskin adds old world flair layered over hardwoods. Use faded jewel-toned Heriz rugs or vintage kilims to warm up sleek spaces.
Make a Statement with Color and Pattern
In a neutral kitchen, vibrantly hued or eye-catchingly patterned rugs make dramatic focal points. Try global-inspired designs from Morocco, distressed Oaxacan rugs or Turkish kilims.
Create a Cozy Kitchen Nook
Carve out a homey dining nook in your kitchen with a large area rug. Look for 8 x 10 foot rugs or layer two sized 5 x 8 foot rugs to fill the space under a table and chairs. Add texture with a shag or flokati rug.
Keep It Simple with Solid Rugs
Stick to basic solid colors like navy, charcoal or tan for a clean, contemporary look. Use texture like a nubby wool loop or soft chenille to add subtle visual interest without overwhelming a petite kitchen.
FAQ About Small Kitchen Rugs
Should rugs go under kitchen tables and islands?
Yes, anchoring kitchen tables and islands with the proper sized area rug creates an inviting space for dining and gathering. Make sure furniture legs sit on the rug and that chairs can slide easily in and out.
How do you keep kitchen rugs from slipping?
To prevent rugs from sliding around the kitchen floor, use gripper pads or anti-slip rug tape placed under the corners. You can also try rug pads and non-slip backings designed to adhere to hardwood, tile or vinyl floors.
Can you put an area rug on vinyl kitchen floors?
Vinyl floors are a great surface for rugs, just avoid excessive moisture getting trapped underneath. Use vinyl-backed or non-slip rug pads. regularly lift and air out rugs. Clean vinyl floors before laying a rug to allow adherence.
Should you put rugs under the kitchen table?
Rugs under the kitchen table help define the dining space, provide cushioning and warmth underfoot and protect your flooring. Use low pile, flat weave rugs that allow chairs to slide easily. Size the rug so furniture legs rest on it without slipping off.
How do you clean kitchen rugs?
Clean flatwoven, synthetic or low-pile kitchen rugs regularly by taking them outside and hosing off dirt. For spot cleaning, use a mild dish soap and water solution with a soft bristle brush. Check rug labels for washing guidance. Air dry flat rugs thoroughly before returning to use.
Should you put rugs in a small kitchen?
Rugs are highly recommended for small kitchens. They help delineate spaces in an open layout, provide comfort underfoot and protect wear areas in compact work zones. Use proportionately sized rugs and minimal patterns. Float rugs between fixtures rather than wall-to-wall.
Do rugs make kitchens look bigger or smaller?
It depends on the size and placement. Small rugs zoning individual areas make kitchens look more expansive. Oversized rugs under islands or full floor coverage can shrink a compact kitchen. Floating rugs with sufficient border space around them give a sense of openness.
Conclusion
The right small kitchen rug brings warmth, comfort and style to compact cooking spaces. Pay attention to proportion, placement, multipurpose utility and easy-care materials when selecting rugs for petite kitchens. Use masculine stripes, playful checks, sturdy jute textures, or vivid global-inspired patterns to brighten up your culinary zone.
With a myriad of shapes, sizes, fibers and colors to choose from, the options are endless for showcasing your personal taste. Just focus on coordinating with your existing cabinetry and flooring rather than competing. Follow these tips to find the perfect small kitchen rugs to stylishly suit your space and decor.
