Kitchen rugs

The kitchen rug earns its keep every single day: it makes standing about far more comfortable, protects the floor from dropped pans and softens a space that is usually all function. Overlooked for a long time, it is now moving into contemporary kitchens, open-plan or closed, to create a warmer, more personal atmosphere.

Where to put a rug in a kitchen

Three spots do most of the work:

• In front of the sink: where you stand for longest. A small rug of 50×80 cm or 60×100 cm is plenty.
• Along the worktop: a long runner-style rug (60×180 cm or 80×200 cm) takes the strain off your legs.
• Under a kitchen island: a 120×170 cm or larger, which anchors the island in the room.

In a kitchen open to the living room, a large rug on the living room side helps mark out the two zones.

Which material to go for

A kitchen exposes a rug to stains, crumbs, grease and water. The essentials are easy cleaning and durability. Three options stand out:

• Polypropylene: tough, sponge-clean, and available in plenty of styles
• Rug-effect vinyl: cleans like a floor, perfect in front of the sink
• Rugs that are machine-washable: the best answer for families, straight into the machine at 30°C

Best avoided: long pile (crumbs lodge in it), plus silk and untreated wool, which are no match for stains.

Styles and colours

There are two schools of thought. The graphic school: encaustic tile motifs, geometric or oriental patterns that give a pared-back white kitchen some character. The understated school: plain black, anthracite grey or dark beige, which hide marks and blend in quietly. Steer clear of very pale tones (white, ivory), which mark on day one.

Non-slip: not up for negotiation

In a kitchen, the rug absolutely has to stay put: a slip while carrying a hot dish happens fast. Choose a design with a non-slip backing built in, or add a grip underlay if yours has none.