Designer Tips for Choosing Perfect Kitchen Rug Runners
Are you considering sprucing up your kitchen with a stylish rug runner? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’m sharing how to choose kitchen rug runners to upgrade the look and feel of your entire kitchen.
We'll review the most durable and cleanable materials, size considerations, and more. I’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when shopping for a kitchen runner. Plus, I'm sharing 32+ of my favorite durable, easy-to-clean, and stylish runners that are perfect for any kitchen. Prepare for kitchen rug inspo!
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How to Choose a Kitchen Rug Runner
Size Matters
When selecting a kitchen runner rug, size is an essential factor to consider. The most important thing is that the runner should fit comfortably within your kitchen space—it should not be too short or too long. If it's too short, it won't cover enough of your floor space and will look awkward. It will also look awkward if it's too long for the space. Balance is key.
I recommend measuring the dimensions of the area you plan on covering with your new rug before making any purchases. The most popular size runner for a kitchen is 2.5′ wide x 6′ to 8′ long–again, but the length will depend on the size of your space. If you are just looking for a kitchen rug in front of the sink, a 2′ x 3′ or 4′ x 6′ could also work well.
We chose this runner for my friend Thea's budget kitchen makeover. The 7-foot length fits the narrow kitchen space nicely in front of the sink cabinet and is large enough to make a statement in the space. It was inexpensive and made from polypropylene, so it's incredibly durable and easy to clean. That leads nicely to the next area you need to consider…the material of your runner.
Material Matters
The material of your kitchen runner matters just as much as its size. For example, if you want something more durable and easy to clean, you may opt for a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. You will likely want something with a low pile (shaggy rugs and kitchen spills don't mix). There's also the possibility of putting anti-fatigue kitchen mats under the washable runner rugs in high-traffic areas. If you have long cooking sessions or a busy kitchen with hard floors, anti-fatigue mats can be a lifesaver.
Polypropylene or PET
Polypropylene or PET (recycled polyester) are good choices for your kitchen runner. Remember that spills and kitchen messes are part of the deal, so having a washable rug is a great choice. While some rugs cannot go in a home washing machine, it is important that they are easy to clean. Make sure to read the description and cleaning instructions before you purchase!
Ruggable Rugs & Other Washable Options
Ruggable rugs are incredibly popular in general and are especially popular choices for kitchen runners. These are the original machine-washable rugs and come in many designs and pile thicknesses. A washable kitchen rug is the perfect solution for a messy area, and many runners are super easy to maintain. They are made from polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier. I've had Ruggable runners (as old hallway runners) and liked them well enough, but I think they are a bit overpriced. And, there are so many other manufacturers of washable rugs that I would shop around if you are considering one. I've included many machine-washable rug options at the bottom of this post.
Woven Vinyl Runners
You can also find kitchen runners made from vinyl! We loved the blue Chilewich Runner in our kitchen. Chiliewich rugs are made from tufted vinyl, so they feel cushiony under your feet, much like a tufted wool or cotton rug would feel. They have looked great in our former kitchen and our current kitchen as well. This woven vinyl is incredibly easy to clean–we take it outside to hose it off whenever needed.
Thin Woven Cotton Runners
After 5 years of use, our Chiliewich runner is starting to show some wear. I plan to swap it out soon with a runner made from thin woven cotton, another great material for kitchen runners.
Why? Because you can throw thin cotton rugs in the washer (just don't wash them with hot water or toss them in the dryer since they can shrink–put them out to dry or let them hang in the laundry room). Thin cotton rugs are also reasonably affordable, especially for a runner size.
Wool Runner
A wool runner may be better if you want something softer and more luxurious underfoot. But remember—wool rugs cost more than synthetic materials and are more difficult to clean (be sure to check out my tips to clean an area rug like a pro).
Style Counts
Remember, a kitchen runner isn't just about function—it can also be used as a decorative element and a pop of color in your kitchen. So, make sure to choose a runner that complements the style of your kitchen and your home's color palette. Whether you prefer bold geometric prints or subtle abstract designs, plenty of choices are available today in all kinds of colors and pretty patterns. Don't be afraid to get creative when choosing the perfect runner for your space.
Speaking of which, you can find all my favorite kitchen runner picks below. I hope they will give you a head start as you shop for your perfect runner. :)
My Favorite Kitchen Runners: A Shopping Guide
I've rounded up stylish kitchen rug runners for you! I've broken them into two categories: machine-washable and “other” easy-to-clean options.
20 Machine-Washable Kitchen Runners
Having a washable runner is a must-have for most families. The kitchen sees a lot of messes, so having something that can cushion your feet when working in the kitchen, looks great, and be thrown in the washer hits all the high points! These are the machine-washable options I love.
Scroll and click any image below for full product details.
12 Other Easy-to-Clean Kitchen Runners
I also put together my other favorite durable runners that are perfect for kitchens. These may not be machine washable, but they are easy to clean and look great. Taking good care of any rug or carpet is key to keeping it beautiful for as long as possible!
Scroll and click any image below for full product details.
Scroll and click any image below for full product details.
When shopping around for a kitchen rug runner, there are many things to consider. But don't get overwhelmed–there are so many great options! Think through the size and material you need first, then look for a stylish runner that meets those requirements. If you follow those steps, you will find the perfect kitchen rug runner that will look great for years.
More RUG Posts
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