Area Rugs That Complement Hardwood Kitchen Floors
Hardwood floors lend warmth and natural beauty to kitchen spaces. An area rug is a great way to protect those floors while adding style. With the right rug, you can pull together your kitchen's decor and create a cohesive look. But choosing a rug for a hardwood kitchen floor requires some consideration. The material, size, style, and more impact how well it complements the space.
We'll cover rug placement, materials to look for, sizing and style advice, maintenance tips, and expert secrets for effortlessly styling your kitchen rug.
Considerations for Kitchen Rugs on Hardwood
Area rugs can make hardwood kitchen floors even more stunning. But certain factors determine how well a rug performs in this high-traffic, high-moisture area.
Material
The right kitchen rug materials stand up to spills, moisture, chair legs, and foot traffic.
Polypropylene is a popular synthetic rug material for kitchens. It resists stains, is easy to clean, and relatively affordable. Polypropylene rugs come in various colors and styles to suit any kitchen.
Wool rugs offer cushioning comfort underfoot. As a natural fiber, wool is soft and durable. It naturally resists dirt and spills. Wool area rugs cost more but bring luxurious feel.
Cotton and jute make excellent natural fiber options. Cotton stands up to water and daily use. Jute brings an earthy, rustic feel. Both clean up well.
Size
You want an area rug size in proportion to your kitchen's dimensions. Measure the open floor space then allow for 24-36 inches of floor showing around the edges. This leaves enough hardwood visible while enabling furniture placement.
A too-small area rug floating in the room looks odd and misses the mark. An oversized one dominates the space. The right sized area rug pulls together your design.
Style
When choosing a kitchen area rug style, simplicity is best. Busy patterns and complex designs show every speck of dirt. Instead, look for simple stripes, solids, or subtle geometric prints.
Traditional braided, floral, or farmhouse styles pair well with many kitchen designs. Or go modern with solid colored shag or contemporary patterns.
Aim for a rug that fits your kitchen's overall style. A vintage rug won't work well in a sleek, modern space. Find one that complements your cabinets, counters, appliances and decor.
Pile Height
A lower pile height is ideal for kitchen rugs. Thin pile construction makes it easy to sweep away crumbs or dirt. Looped piles also do well hiding debris.
However, thick plush piles show every footprint. Deep shag rugs require constant fluffing to look their best. Over time, high pile rugs flatten in traffic areas.
For durability and easy maintenance, choose kitchen rugs with low, tight piles. Or opt for flatwoven natural fiber styles.
Rug Pad
Using an non-slip rug pad beneath your kitchen rug is strongly advised. The pad prevents scratching of your hardwood floors. It also keeps the rug securely in place instead of sliding around.
Look for a natural rubber or felt rug pad without chemicals or adhesives. The right pad keeps floors protected for years to come.
Placement Tips
Where you place your kitchen rug also matters. Be purposeful with rug placement to define spaces, protect floors, and enhance beauty.
High Traffic Areas
Use area rugs in high foot traffic zones around sinks, stoves and prep areas. Place dining table and chair legs atop the rug to prevent scratches.
Avoid putting rugs under appliances that release moisture. This includes refrigerators, dishwashers and under most sinks. Allow floors to breathe in these spots.
Entryways
Anchor area rugs at least 12 inches under cabinets upon entering the kitchen. This catches incoming dirt, debris and moisture.
Use waterproof cotton or polypropylene rugs near entries to handle moisture. Contain messes in one simple-to-clean spot.
Sink Areas
When incorporating a rug by the sink, choose cotton or polypropylene. These materials withstand getting wet without damage. Place a rug in front of the sink or stove to soak up spills.
For safety, avoid rugs directly under sinks or stoves. This prevents slips and promotes proper appliance ventilation.
Styling Your Rug
Beyond function, a well-chosen area rug boosts your kitchen's decor. Use these secrets to style your rug with panache.
Mixing and Matching
Echo your kitchen's color palette in the area rug. For example, pick up a secondary cabinet color for the rug. This ties the whole room together.
Or go bold with contrast. Pair light floors and cabinets with a dramatic dark rug. The rug becomes a focal point.
Grounding the Space
A larger area rug visually defines sitting, dining and conversation areas. Anchor furniture legs atop the rug to create intimate spaces within the kitchen.
Floating furniture on the hardwood apart from the rug keeps an airy, open ambience.
Finishing Touch
A solid colored area rug lets beautiful cabinets, counters and accents shine. Place this neutral backdrop under the action.
For added interest, layer in a patterned rug with colors drawn from the kitchen design. This complements without competing.
Maintaining Kitchen Rugs
Kitchen rugs require regular care and cleaning to look their best. Follow these maintenance tips:
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuum high-traffic kitchen rugs at least once a week to get rid of surface dirt, debris and crumbs.
For rugs in lesser used areas, vacuum every two weeks. This prevents buildup in the fibers or backing over time.
Spot Cleaning
Immediately blot wet spills on cotton, wool or natural fiber rugs with a clean cloth. Then spot clean with a mild detergent and cold water.
For polypropylene rugs, simply wipe away spills and spots promptly before they set in. Hot water can set some stains.
Refer to your rug's tag for washing methods. Some polypropylene styles can go in the washing machine. Others must be spot cleaned only.
For wool and cotton area rugs, have them professionally deep cleaned every year or two. This revives fibers and color.
Always allow rugs to fully air dry before returning to high moisture kitchen areas. Wet rugs invite mold, mildew and bacteria.
Treat your kitchen rug well and it will stand up for years of daily family life. With a bit of care, it protects your floors in style.