rugs in kitchens – your opinion please

by Sharon Santoni
[blank]I often see photos of beautiful kitchens with rugs on the floor, and think how much I’d like one here.[blank]
  
[blank] I love the look, but each time find myself wondering how 
practical it can be, especially in a busy house with
 dogs and lots of cooking going on.[blank]
 
[blank]Who better to ask than you!
Are they for decoration only, or is there a practical
 reason to lay a rug? [blank]
 
[blank]I’m sure that among my readers there are those that love rugs,
 those that hate them and those that like me like the idea 
but don’t quite dare ….[blank]
 
[blank]Here are some pictures that caught my eye, 
 found on Pinterest and elsewhere[blank]
 
[blank]are there any that you like?[blank]



[blank]tell me please, I’d love to know ![blank]

82 comments

Magnolia Verandah August 30, 2013 - 11:02 am

They are probably nice and soft underfoot, but I am so messy in the kitchen my poor rugs would look terrible very quickly. I would be ever cleaning them. they do look nice though.

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ParisGrrl August 30, 2013 - 11:28 am

Regular rugs in kitchens are a recipe for disaster.;-) A far better investment imo are shock-absorbing kitchen mats (some are even decorative) that make standing while cooking much more comfortable.

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Laura's Rose Garden August 30, 2013 - 11:50 am

Hi Sharon,
I have two 4X6 ft cotton rugs that I use in my kitchen. I use just one at a time ( I always have a clean one handy) and it is placed between the sink and the stove so it catches the drips that occur in a busy kitchen. The floor in the kitchen is a 12X12 inch porcelain tile. The rugs are a heavy weave and when they are soiled I pop them into my washing machine on a "heavy duty" load cycle and I also use a bit of bleach. Sometimes I dry them in the dryer, sometimes on a large table outside in the summer and in the winter I dry them draped over a couple of chairs in our large family room where we have a wood stove that provides a great drying heat! The colour was originally light blue and yellow, but they have faded over the years (they are eleven years old now!) From looking at your pictures, I would say that my rugs are similar to the ones in picures 1,3 and 4 of this post.
I like the softening look that the rugs give to my kitchen and I also like the bit of cushioning they provide while I am working in the kitchen.
I hope this info helps!!
Kind regards, Laura from Ontario Canada.

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Debbie August 30, 2013 - 11:55 am

I always think they look a bit out of place – as if they don't quite belong? Also, with three dogs and a husband who does all the cooking (fab) but is a VERY MESSY cook (not so fab…), it's a definite no for me!

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Melissa Lanham August 30, 2013 - 12:39 pm

Rugs are wonderful in the kitchen, as a matter of fact I have two myself but they need to be washable. Because as you said dogs, children and cooking make for an interesting floor ;]

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Kim August 30, 2013 - 12:47 pm

I love them … I have a busy house with 3 dogs and a messy husband cook like Debbie! I just vacuum and send out to be cleaned every now and then (really probably not enough!) But I love the warmth and color they bring … plus, if you are a cook or standing at the sink a lot, the rugs add a cushion and are better for your back!! xo

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Down Raspberry Lane August 30, 2013 - 1:30 pm

I have had washable rugs in my kitchen, but after years of constantly having to wash them, I gave them up. They look great straight out of the washer, but after just a few days they already would look dirty.

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Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest August 30, 2013 - 1:33 pm

I have one of those "foam rug pads" things – plain as I can get them, small, at kitchen sink for the hours I spend in the kitchen on tile…..it is a leg and foot saver…..mine we spray outside with a hose if needed.

It's really pretty when new, but doesn't take long for the cat to shred it fuzzy with his claws. I have learned to just use it fuzzy and put it away when I have company. We will never declaw our cat and it is about the only thing he does that with once I stored my leather chairs.

I love it and recommend it.

I grew up with washable cotton rugs – big long ones – all over our HUGE kitchen, they were there because it kept my Mom warmer. She was ill and the kitchen was on a concrete slab (no basements on a rocky island) so the floor was always cold or even cool in the summertime.

Love those pics you shared.

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Castles Crowns and Cottages August 30, 2013 - 1:53 pm

I don't find rugs useful in the kitchen, just a chore to keep clean, straight and safe so one does not slip!

Lovely photos, however! Bonjour Sharon! Anita

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Razmataz August 30, 2013 - 2:00 pm

I sell Dash and Albert rug (many of which are in your photos), so you know I'm going to say "DO IT" right? Actually NO.

I used pink and white striped rugs in my Florida kitchen and within a week they looked awful. Yes, they can thrown on the wash, but realistically I would have to wash them every couple days. And I don;t have pets there. With pets and kids I don't think they would last a day. To me, a kitchen floor needs to be washed daily (near counters) or at least every other day. A dark kilim maybe or Indian rug, but I think it would be dirty but not visible. Maybe I am just really messy?

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Lynda Bergman Decorative Artisan August 30, 2013 - 2:06 pm

Hi Sharon, All of the kitchens are just beautiful!! But,I like a smaller rug at my sink for me to stand on and in case I splatter water. Also, a rug under a table is nice. Everywhere else, I would much rather see the beautiful wood floors. They look so clean and uncluttered. Lynda

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Petite Michelle Louise August 30, 2013 - 2:46 pm

i'v always had a rug in my kitchen…(that may be because hubby is in the rug industry…ha ha)…but i do love the way a rug gives most "industrial-looking" kitchens a "warmer" feel. all of the pix above are just lovely.

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Roxane August 30, 2013 - 2:48 pm

I've tried to use one between our range and kitchen island sink, but it just doesn't work for me. I had a pink & creme striped wool runner and while it was easy enough to throw in the washing machine after a couple of washes, the edges started to shred. It wasn't worth sending out for dry cleaning because that would end up costing me more than the rug was worth. I do still have a small striped wool rug in front of the sink in our pantry that is very easy to clean and gets switched out weekly. Some of the rugs without backing can be very slippery for kids and dogs running through the kitchen.

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Roxane August 30, 2013 - 2:48 pm

I LOVE Dash & Albert rugs!!!

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La Table De Nana August 30, 2013 - 2:55 pm

I only use a small one at the sink..don't know hy..guess it's like a comfortable chair in front of the sink and window ..The one that has lookde the best ..and easiest to keep clean is a pale.. looks like flat bamboo slats w/ piping around..
Wipes off clean.. and against the terra cotta..not too busy.

I ahve seen some in a shop done up with French Calligraphy..but mine would wear out quickly.We use the kitchen..a lot..
Feels empty without a rug at the sink.
Not under my table etc..

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Anonymous August 30, 2013 - 3:03 pm

This post comes at a perfect time! I just renovated my kitchen – the set up is exactly like the first picture. I'm on the hunt for kitchen rugs! With my new wood floors, I am constantly wiping up drips. I love to cook and bake and the runners are perfect! I only buy cotton ones so that they can be washed. Like Laura, I hang them outside or over chairs. They protect the floors wonderfully! Juliana

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Marsha Splenderosa August 30, 2013 - 3:08 pm

I really like the tribal-feeling ones. And, yes, I would use one. They add so much warmth. Today there are so many lovely & inexpensive ones that you just toss out when it becomes a problem. My daughter has 2 real Persian rugs in her kitchen and breakfast room and, believe me, they get wear. They are lovely and very very very old.

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Kellie from Indiana August 30, 2013 - 3:15 pm

I love the ones in the 2nd and 4th photos. I do have area rugs in my kitchen. My feet get cold when cooking or washing otherwise 😉

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Bonnie August 30, 2013 - 3:38 pm

I love the look, and had a lovely rug in my kitchen for years. The problem if you do actually use your kitchen for cooking, spills are going to happen; they always seemed to land on my rug. Rugs in the kitchen make a pretty picture, but not for sure they are really practical.

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Nancy August 30, 2013 - 3:52 pm

I would be afraid of hurting myself. I'm a tripper/faller. 😉 I did try one once and after a week gave it up. Gets way too dirty, way too fast. They do look nice in photos though. 🙂

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Omar at NW Rugs August 30, 2013 - 3:53 pm

A densely patterned (traditional) wool rug work wonderfully in the kitchen. Wool is easier to clan than synthetic. If you have a dog that's a plus – s/he will eat anything you drop within seconds. Tip: use a pad cut from a large piece of thick wall to wall carpeting padding for that extra comfort you need for long periods of standing. Can't think of a time when I haven't had a rug in the kitchen. Here's a handy Rug Cleaning Guide for all kinds of spills – https://a.pgtb.me/TDGHKm

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Pat@Life At Lydias House August 30, 2013 - 4:08 pm

I am obviously out of step with the other readers who left comments but I love my kitchen rugs! I like them because the keep water spots from showing up on the floors. When I spill something, I clean it up. I use patterned rugs so that every little drop doesn't show up and I vacuum them regularly. And yes, I cook often.

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Anonymous August 30, 2013 - 4:16 pm

I can't imagine my kitchen without several rugs — wool area rugs. I have a messy husband, dogs, and cats, and still I love rugs in the kitchen. Rug gripper pad is a must. One rug is in the triangle between sink, stove and fridge. A quick vacuum when you clean and an occasional trip to the cleaner. None are too precious. If they start to look bad you can always throw them out and replace with new. Even an inexpensive wool rug will last for years in a high traffic kitchen. If you find you don't like it at the end of the rug's life, don't replace it — simple as that.

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The Blue Farmhouse August 30, 2013 - 4:20 pm

Beautiful rugs for and absolutely to die for kitchens…but no on the kitchen rugs for everyday living {which we are do].Love the photos.

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manuela carvalho August 30, 2013 - 4:33 pm

I do not like rugs in kitchens … but these are beautiful and make the kitchen more welcoming! I think I'll change my mind and put a rug in my kitchen. Your blog is on the list of my favorite blogs and is an inspiration to me! A big hug from Portugal.Manuela

cemmanias.blogspot.com

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The enchanted home August 30, 2013 - 4:39 pm

Hi Sharon, they look good in certain kitchens. I think they and warmth and give it a dose of color and/or pattern. Love your examples!

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Angie Burrett August 30, 2013 - 4:53 pm

I have a lovely handmade rag rug in front of my Aga – wouldn't be without it. Want to get a bigger one for the rest of the stone floor this winter. Rugs add warmth and depth and look so welcoming. I do agree that a gripper underneath is essential.

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HelsBells August 30, 2013 - 4:58 pm

I have two shock absorbing kitchen mats. I wish I could find some that are not black/grey and look more like rugs.

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Elena August 30, 2013 - 5:06 pm

I only like a rug on the sink floor area of my kitchen. Currently I have one of the black rubber French script menu rugs from Ballard Design, it's cute but not my dream rug. It is so easy to wipe off and adds cushion. I like having the extra padding over the marble floor as I stand doing the dishes. It will stay put until I find the perfect small antique wool Turkish rug to go in that spot (with a non-slip pad for safety) I grew up with Turkish wool rugs and they were easy to keep clean. I believe most of the rugs in the photos are put there for photo shots only. Some of them look too slippery and those light stripes on the floor in front of the cooking range don't make sense to me if they are in a "cooking" kitchen. My husband is a chef and I cannot imagine putting a rug in front of our range because I clean up his many spills that he never seems to notice, lol.

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Emm August 30, 2013 - 5:23 pm

I use an old oriental rug in the kitchen, have for years, but not near the stove. It adds color, reduces walking noise, and gives the dogs a place to lie down. In front of the stove is one of those cushioning stand-on mats, one of the best buys ever.

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franki January 13, 2015 - 3:51 pm

Me, too, Emm!! franki

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K August 30, 2013 - 5:44 pm

I love rugs. I just make sure they are dark patterns and washable! Right now I have just a pretty foam thingy to stand on as we wait to figure out what to do with our floors. Our house is really cold most of the year and so rugs help keep me warmer. I've also thrown rag rugs over the foam pads so I have comfort and style.

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Anonymous August 30, 2013 - 6:00 pm

I think carpets are very nice and practical in some situations. But you have to wash both of them (the floors and the carpets). So it is better to wash one thing instead of two. For the special situation I use newspapers and then I throw them away. It is not very nice to see dust, spots, hair… on the carpets!Anyway with a little attention you should try to use them. Emy

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sheepyhollow August 30, 2013 - 7:07 pm

Absolutely! In front of the kitchen sink for sure. Especially when hubby does the dishes [we have wood floors)!! We also had a large 'oriental-style' rug under the kitchen table beginning to show some wear. My son asked if he could have it for his college room…and so, for the past year or so, we are without!

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Laura August 30, 2013 - 7:09 pm

I have cotton red & white throw rugs. They break up our new wood floor that flows through the house. The dogs do lay on them, but they just throw in the wash. Amazingly, they've not stained… Thus far!

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sallybrash August 30, 2013 - 9:06 pm

There are ways to use rugs in the kitchen to add color and practicality. Our kitchen does not have a mudroom so everyone walks directly into it through our French doors. We have a Turkish rug there that catches the dirt and all sorts of things from the garden. I've seen workmen wipe their muddy boots on it! It is very highly patterned so it hides a lot. I vacuum it and occasionally have it cleaned. It has gone from a too new looking Oriental to one with great patina. I do not put rugs in food prep areas, but I do have a small handwoven wool plaid rug in the same colors as the Turkish rug in front of the sink. It doesn't show dirt and can easily be washed. Wool is great and I wouldn't be without the pattern and warmth these rugs add to the kitchen.

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Anonymous August 30, 2013 - 9:11 pm

Washable rugs are a must in my tiny kitchen to catch dirt from the dog's feet as he comes in the back door and to catch drips by the sink. They helped with today's dishwasher disaster too.

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Jayne E August 30, 2013 - 9:37 pm

I have put two small rag rugs on the quarry tiles in our kitchen. One was originally in front of the sink but it got drenched every time my husband washed up. So I moved it in front of the painted china cupboard. They do look good against the old, scruffy tiles but they're more aesthetic than useful I think.

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wilma oud August 30, 2013 - 9:44 pm

Ik vind al deze keukens en kleedjes, maar de eerste foto en keuken zijn mijn favoriete. Ik heb ook kleedjes in de keuken. Ben er heel blij mee.

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Prince Snow Farm August 30, 2013 - 9:53 pm

personally I love the look, but I am also unsure of if it will work in our home….a dog….kids….a high traffic area…we have a long island….food spilling….hmmmm…I also look forward to what your readers say!

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Karen August 30, 2013 - 10:37 pm

I have a small, antique Persian prayer rug in front of the sink. I don't really need it but it's too small to put anywhere else. I have 2 dogs and there isn't a problem with it…it has a fairly dark classic pattern so it's not vulnerable to dropped crumbs and bits of food…I shake it and it's fine. I do have a small non skid pad under it.
Karen

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Deidre August 30, 2013 - 10:56 pm

I am all for the rugs…BUT….I have messy kids prone to spills and a big labradoodle who acts like one of the kids so for me I cant do rugs well try as I might,but I really do love them.

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Susie~From My Home To Yours August 30, 2013 - 11:31 pm

I've been looking for the 'perfect' kitchen rug for years….I like a rug in front of my sink. I've decided to make a floor cloth mat which will be so easy to clean and add a bit of interest to my floors. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned floor cloths. What do you think?

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Nella Miller August 30, 2013 - 11:58 pm

Dear Sharon, I think the pictures you have presented are lovely…pleasing from a decorative stand point..after just finishing a kitchen renovation with a large area of wood floors, I originally thought I might like the softening effect of a rug underfoot…however after several months of cooking, cleaning, spills and guests, I can't imagine dealing with keeping rugs clean as well…I love the fact that I can just damp mop the large area and carry on… I am opting for a no….N.xo

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Vicki August 31, 2013 - 12:50 am

Just another thing to clean. The kitchen floor is the messiest place in the house. Wish I could learn not to make a mess, but as I cook all meals (no take away here) that is unlikely.

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Jennifer Clark August 31, 2013 - 1:14 am

I have a couple of small rag rugs I use. Catches the water that would have landed on the tile floor. Which then I would put a heel down on and fall on my arse. I end to charge around and we have 6 people and 2 cats milling about.

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Sarah August 31, 2013 - 2:55 am

We have wood floors and have always had an old Persian runner in our kitchen. It softens the floor, adds color and interest, and because it's a handwoven wool rug it is easy to keep clean. We vacuum it frequently, and if there is a spill it wipes right up. I recommend a Persian rug because these rugs are true work horses. So my vote is yes, to a rug in the kitchen, a Persian rug.

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Terri Cheney August 31, 2013 - 4:24 am

A few years ago my mom wanted rugs for her home after getting rid of the ratty looking carpet (and finding lovely hardwood floors). We went to a sale at a flooring store and there we found not only beautiful rugs for her but a lovely wool blend runner that I adored. It was on sale ($140 to $42!!) and it was my birthday. I planned to use the rug in my kitchen along the long wall of cabinets/sink/stove and I have never ever regretted it. It gets food stuck on and it looks a bit careworn at times but we use our Bissell steam cleaner to clean and it looks perfect all over again.

As a side, Mama found a small entry way type rug that matched on sale at Penney's for $14. It's now in front of my stove and we clean it the same as the runner. It makes those long sessions where I'm on my feet in the kitchen a lot (canning, freezer cooking, etc.) a lot less tiring. There's just something about having a rug under your feet that softens the standing.

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 4:26 am

Hi Sharon I love rugs and floor runners actually obsessed would be the right word. I spent hours and days looking for the ONE, but then I realised my kitchen was a bit small and a rug/runner would be messy and dangerous when you are too busy cooking (a bit of a slip or trip). But I have to tell you I absolutely love all of the rugs you have shown us. If you have a big kitchen where you have an area that's traffic free I would say go for it. Have a wonderful weekend, till next time Regards Esther from Sydney.

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NotesFromAbroad August 31, 2013 - 5:25 am

I always have rugs in my kitchens!
In one house, the kitchen was massive and there was an area where the dog liked to lounge so we put in a big old antique persian rug that was too threadbare for living rooms but fine for the kitchen ( and the dog).
But in my kitchen now I have an antique woven rag rug by the sink and in winter I will put down an antique "Persian" rugs that we got at auction years ago. There will be one by the door and one by the counter/sink area.

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 5:48 am

I guess it all depends on what kind of flooring that you have if you "need" a rug or not for cushioning. Over the years I have had rugs or mats in my kitchen but as everyone as noted they get dirty pretty quick and I found that they really couldn't withstand being cleaned as often as I wanted or needed them to be; and lastly they could and can become "trippers". In our kitchen renovation two years ago, I cut out a "mat" in the hardwood floor and tiled it with marble mosaic tile to look like a rug in front of the kitchen sink. I love it and so does everyone who sees it. For me it is much more practical. I like it so much I wish I had installed another mat in front of the stove and work area. If you are looking for cushioning it won't give you that but it gives you the look of a rug. Cheers!
Rose

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 7:07 am

They're more functional than you'd think. I was under the same impression as you of rugs in the kitchen being a hassle underfoot, but you can get the roll of non-skid stuff at Lowe's/Home Depot and the rugs really help when you're on your feet all day in the kitchen. I'm in shape and everything, and I wear comfortable shoes, but it still really helps me when I'm in front of the sink or counter a lot. The pics you showed are gorgeous!

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FL-Rose August 31, 2013 - 7:36 am

I really like the look, having blue and white braided rugs, infront of the sink and stove area, in my all white kitchen.

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Jenny Short August 31, 2013 - 7:55 am

I have non skid and washable rugs in front of the sink and in front of the stove. They catch water and fat from frying.

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martinealison August 31, 2013 - 7:58 am

J'ai renoncé à toutes sortes de tapis depuis l'arrivée de Icarus mon dalmatien âgé maintenant de 5 mois. Lui adorait ça ! le tapis un peu moins et moi j'enrageais à chaque fois qu'il le traînait dans tous les recoins de la cuisine pour le mordiller. Il est vrai que le tapis d'une cuisine n'est pas un tapis de grande valeur non plus mais bon !!
Aussi plus de tapis dans la cuisine…
Gros bisous

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Anna Marie Tang August 31, 2013 - 8:51 am

I absolutely would use a rug in the kitchen! It helps to protect the floors which is a benefit in a high traffic wet room such as the kitchen. I knit my own black and cream checked rug out of chunky yarn that was both adorable and washable (very important!). Buy (or make) a rug and enjoy!

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Mumbai August 31, 2013 - 10:13 am

I use a Kelim on my terrace (not covered). Why not in a kitchen?

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La Contessa August 31, 2013 - 4:34 pm

I have three rugs in my kitchen and I love them.One at the sink ,one by the stove and the other by the chaise lounge and loveseat(Yes, they are in the kitchen!)Get a heavy rug is my recommendation, no fringe on the end……tripping hazard .

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 5:32 pm

I love a rug in the kitchen. It protects my wood floor from both things that are dropped, and from our dog. I buy a very good quality, good looking indoor-outdoor runner. When it requires cleaning, it's simple to clean; when it requires replacing, it's not painful to toss. And, lastly, a rug warms up the kitchen — there are so many gorgeous indoor-outdoor rugs available.

Marilyn in Mt. Vernon, Virginia

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 6:20 pm

ME GUSTAN TODAS LAS FOTOS Y SI ME GUSTAN RUGS EN LA COCINA ..

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Burlap Luxe August 31, 2013 - 8:43 pm

Ooooooooh! Not such a great fan of rugs, I know they serve a great purpose but, not a big fan of them. I love that soulful worn look of open wood floors or stone floors, that sure footed feeling and knowing that the beauty and soul of the room is not distracted by throw rugs or runners, it just feel so much more naturally enriched to have the follows open. Plus I'd rather clean a floor then have to wash a rug 🙂

Im sûre Thérè are rugs out there that add to the beauty of the room but there is nothing better then the beauty of the floors without any distractions with rugs competing with the other pieces in the room that have a voice in beauty.

Thank you for this post, I really never gave it much thought on a choice rugs or no rugs 🙂
Thank you for sharing your grace and beauty here.

Bisous
Xx

Doré

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marsha cannon August 31, 2013 - 8:52 pm

I really do not like the gray square tile in my kitchen and have thought many times about covering with a rug. I have not done it yet but those pictures make me want to order one right now – probably a Dash and Albert by the way! I love their rugs and you really can toss them in the wash.

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Susan August 31, 2013 - 8:55 pm

Love rugs..my only problem is that they do become dirty and I would rather have some to wash than try to spot clean. I love them also because I have a wood floor and they do absorb water and other drips from the kitchen, and if you are like me, I am barefoot a lot of the time and rugs cushion my feet!
Especially like the blue and white stripes!

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Anonymous August 31, 2013 - 11:20 pm

Have wool rugs in the kitchen – saves the wood floors and is easy on the back. Has rubber grips on backs to prevent sliding. Actually helps keep the kitchen looking nice by absorbing drips from dishes going into dishwasher, etc. I live in a mountain resort area so deeply patterned wool rugs look okay here.

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Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home September 1, 2013 - 4:12 am

I've always had a small rug at the kitchen sink and would consider one under the table.
Blessings,
Cindy

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JudyMac September 1, 2013 - 4:37 am

Have no problem with rugs in the kitchen …. I have an old, wool (very thick and heavy) Oriental of sorts in front of my sink where it seems I stand for a good part of the day. Do not, however, want a rug that would for any reason, such as curled edges, cause me to fall. I've seen many pictures in magazines of rugs that look like a perfect invitation to catch your toe and fall on your face. That we don't need!

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Tamms @ Amelie's Farmhouse September 1, 2013 - 2:42 pm

I have wood floors in my kitchen and thought it would be nice to "break up" all that wood with a colorful cotton "rag" rug (4 x 6) I bought on clearance. I also thought it would be a softer place for my aging lab to lay while he watched me at the sink and stove.

Everything was going fine until my little 5-lb Yorkie mix decided it was going to be his rug and started marking it. Into the wash it went and out it came nice and clean. Within a day, I caught him again, so it was cleaned once again and put in storage. I just ordered male belly bands & liners for the little stinker; then we'll try again.

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Anonymous September 1, 2013 - 10:22 pm

I have tile floors and a rug helps soften them up. I got an indoor/outdoor rug in a black and cream chevron pattern from Ballard. I just hose it off in the backyard once a month or so. The cat also really likes it and isn't her comfort the priority?

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Debbie September 2, 2013 - 3:07 am

I was so busy admiring the kitchens I scarcely noticed the rugs. I really like the first kitchen and rug and the third kitchen and rug. But seriously, I would not like to have to feel like I had to wash the rug every time I spilled something on it, so I'd go for a darker shade and wash it weekly.
But that would depend on how bad the spill was. Have a couple to alternate between. I used to have a kitchen rug but took it away as it had become another item of laundry I had to wash on laundry day.

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LUISA OLIVÉ LEITE September 2, 2013 - 3:19 pm

EU USO TAPETES NA COZINHA !!!! ELES AJUDAM A MANTER O PISO COZINHA SECO E LIMPO !!!

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Anonymous September 2, 2013 - 9:51 pm

Love rugs, but with various and sundry paws and feet, not practical. Oh, and did I mention paws and feet?

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Auckje van der Leij September 3, 2013 - 12:34 am

Hi Sharon, you could ask your painter friend to paint a rug on your wooden floor or take out some of your floor panels and put those magnificent Portugese tiles instead. With these tiles you often find border tiles so you can make your own 'tile carpet'.
Auckje van der Leij, The Netherlands

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Shira313 September 5, 2013 - 1:14 pm

Ma mère fait les carpets elle-même. Elle les crochete à partir des anciens vetêment du laine ou du cotton – excellent recycklage et très joli d'ailleurs. Ces carpets sont plus épais et les chiens les adorent. Tous nos amis qui ont un chien pourront vous confirmer cela :o) Et pour les entretenir – rien n'est plus facile que les mettre dans la machine à laver!
So in the name of all dog I recommand a good rug!

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mamaroses September 7, 2013 - 4:04 pm

Just a piece of info, TJ Max carries (at least carried) some that had rubber backing and were kitchen rugs. They are like a typical tufted carpet strip that can be shampooed and hose down.

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mamaroses September 7, 2013 - 4:21 pm

Sorry I am a cleanliness freak. I like my fabrics/weaves looking fresh and new. Currently all my rugs (indian, persian, afghanis, belgian) all rolled up….but that is 'coz we are in an aptmt for a year. Kitchen rugs also stay in my linen closet 🙂 I have stopped buying rugs… 10-15 yrs ago.

My mom has it all out, uses them well and replaces them regularly. She believes in use and throw…with appliances as well ;). She has synthetic ones which hold up to wash beautifully and kitchen wear (curry & spice and all).

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Anonymous September 8, 2013 - 10:25 pm

We have a rug on our tiled kitchen floor and its all because our dog a large Husky Alsatian slips far to easily on the tiles to the point where hes actually scared to go on tiles so now we have one just so he can walk through the kitchen to the garden without any problems! of course it may as well look beautiful too!!

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Anonymous October 1, 2013 - 3:15 am

I love 4,5,6, I could never imagine my kitchen without rugs. I am a rug lover for any room in the house!

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susan December 4, 2014 - 12:47 pm

Amazing responses – your readership must be very young! Now in my 70s, always loving color and style in the kitchen, I would not dare to have rugs. Rugs have edges and edges can create areas where people can trip.

Thank you for the lovely photos and discussions, and links to other blogs. ~ susan

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Kathryn December 4, 2014 - 8:20 pm

dunno how I missed this post but here’s my two cents: rugs slip and a fall to a hard floor is painful. Rugs hold germs when food spills. If one doesn’t like the bacteria contained in grout I would think on would also not like standing on a pile of germs while cooking .

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Ski_Gpsy January 13, 2015 - 8:47 pm

Everyone commenting has discussed the practical aspects of kitchen rugs, but I didn’t see anyone mention their visual effect. If you look at the pictures you’ll see that in most of the photos the rug has become the initial eye-catching focal point of the kitchen, with the possible exception being the first photo where the rug is subtle and almost monochromatic to the kitchen’s decorating scheme.

I once bought a beautiful, richly colored rug for my kitchen and every time someone came in they commented on how pretty the rug was. The rug had become the initial focal point of the kitchen. When I removed it, people went back to commenting on how lovely the KITCHEN was.

Now I have a thick rubber “comfort mat” in front of the sink, in medium brown to match the hardwood floor. It wipes clean, is extremely comfortable, and it disappears visually.

For me, I had to consider how I wanted to direct the eye in my kitchen, as much as the practicality of using rugs on the floor.

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Debra February 7, 2015 - 4:53 pm

I have two striped thick pile wool rugs 24″ x 30″ in my kitchen, one in front of the sink the other the stove. They are wool because of its oils which are a natural stain barrier. I vacuum regularly, spot clean and then use my electric carpet cleaner once a month. Love the softness under foot and they really save my back!

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Carol May 22, 2021 - 4:41 am

I had a rug between my island and range in my previous home and hated it, it got filthy quickly and washing the wood floor underneath all the time was not wonderful either. I see how nice they look in magazines but know they are impractical and I don’t understand why they continue to promote it. I solved the problem in my new home. I had an insert of tile (looks like slate) between my island and range. You can’t see it from the living area as its set in a bit on each end. It’s increased my love for my kitchen 100%.

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