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A well-placed kitchen rug should do a lot of heavy-lifting: protect your floors from spills and scratches, warm up chilly feet on frosty mornings, and earn your kitchen some serious design points, to name a few. All in all, it’s a balance of aesthetics and functionality. (Suffice to say that you don’t want a rug in a high-traffic area that’s impossible to clean, and you probably don’t want one that’s an eyesore, either.)
So we went ahead and sleuthed down kitchen rugs with these two mandates in mind: a) It has to be machine-washable and/or stain resistant, and b) it has to look good—like, really good. Whether you’re working with a cozy apartment kitchen, a spacious dining area, or juggling kids and pets, these are the best kitchen rugs to stand up to both spills and high design standards.
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Best Kitchen Runners
If you have a galley kitchen or an island, a kitchen runner rug might be the best option for your space.
Best Kitchen Runner for Cold Feet
This high-pile runner singlehandedly rebukes the idea that you’ll need to trade off between plush and practical: Despite the fact that it clocks in at 1.5 inches thick, you’ll still be able to toss it in the washing machine. That’s not even to mention that this rug is actually two styles in one—flip it over for a completely different look.
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Best Sustainable Kitchen Runner
This eco-friendly option from Revival mimics the organic aesthetic of jute—so much so, that you’d never know it’s actually made from 100% recycled polyester, and made in OEKO-TEXⓇ certified facilities. (This badge of honor guarantees that the product meets rigorous ecological and safety standards.)
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Best Statement Kitchen Runner
Riding the maximalist wave? Us, too—which is why we’re drawn to this look-at-me kitchen runner designed by Jonathan Adler for Ruggable. (Translation: It’s peak design and practicality, as all of Ruggable’s offerings are machine-washable and non-slip.)
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Best Classic Kitchen Runner
For traditionalists, this Persian-style rug ticks all the boxes—and is bound to bring a luxe feel to just about any kitchen. (The versatility doesn’t end there—take your pick from a variety of sizes and dimensions.)
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Best Kitchen Mats
If you have a cozier kitchen setup or need a little extra floor protection near the sink, a smaller rug or mat might be the way to go.
Best Fast-Drying Kitchen Mat
Designed for mudrooms, patios, and yes, kitchens, this ultra-durable mat will withstand moisture and heavy traffic. It’s also backed with slip-resistant rubber, and 100% machine washable.
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Best Tile Kitchen Mat
This customizable tile mat doubles as a fun art project—order your preferred colorway, and you’ll receive a bag of 150 tiles to dream up your own design. Need to clean your mat? Some dish soap and a bristle brush will do the trick.
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Best Kitchen Area Rugs
For larger kitchens or dining spaces, opt for a high-impact (and low-maintenance) area rug.
Best Checkerboard Kitchen Rug
The checkerboard trend surges on—though we have a feeling that this handwoven jute iteration will stand the test of time. Choose from five colorways, and rest assured that this natural fiber rug is a breeze to clean.
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Best Abstract Kitchen Rug
A rug that doubles as an art piece? Don’t mind if we do—and can we just say that this Jason Wu-designed rug would look stunning with a midcentury teak dining set? (Psst—it’s also woven with stain resistant wool.)
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Best Durable Kitchen Area Rug
Those with kids and pets should take note: Reviewers swear by Chilewich’s rugs for high-traffic areas. It’s made with an eco-friendly, stain-resistant material, and has a built-in slip-proof backing—plus it comes in 7 different colors (and 6 sizes) to mix and match to your space.
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On a kitchen kick? Consider the best knives to step up your cooking game—or impress your dinner guests with the most Instagrammable paper plates we’ve ever seen.
