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The 11 Best Kitchen Rugs That Are Comfortable and Stand Up to Cooking Messes

Our picks will look great in one of the most used spaces of your home. Plus, they stand up to food spills and messes left behind by kids and pets.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Let's face it: It's hard to justify splurging on a nice rug for the kitchen when you know it will get spilled on, walked over, and worn out in just a matter of time. But there are many kitchen mats and carpets that provide the best of both worlds, striking the ideal balance between style and function. "Take the time to think through the functions and aesthetics specifically associated with your kitchen and your level of participation in its stewardship,"  says Keith Miller of Miller Interior Design. He notes that whether you're someone who spends hours in the kitchen or barely makes use of the space, the "benefit of a softer cushion underfoot and a rug's added beauty has its advantages." 

Kitchen rugs provide comfort during long hours spent cooking or baking, and they'll keep you cozy while you're washing dishes after dinner. Even on nights when takeout is on the menu, the furnishing will add a little something extra to your kitchen's overall aesthetic. If you're someone who spills often, consider something with an abstract pattern that will easily hide hard-to-remove messes, like this Ruggable Alessia Dark Wood Rug ($119, ruggable.com). Not only does its deep color palette and complex design conceal spills, but it's also washable, so you can easily pop it into your machine for a quick spin on the delicate cycle and it'll be good as new. 

If you choose the right design, kitchen rugs not only help tie the room to the rest of your home, but they can also provide more support in a space where you do a lot of standing. Ahead, we're sharing some of the best kitchen rugs available right now.

What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Rugs

Before purchasing a rug for your kitchen, it's important to consider what materials and colors can stand up to such a highly trafficked, spill-prone area of the home. Since there are so many options to choose from, we've outlined a few things experts say to keep top of mind when shopping. 

Material 

If you're adding a kitchen rug to your home, one of the biggest reasons is likely comfort. After all, standing on a hard, flat floor can get uncomfortable after a period of time. Although cotton isn't stain resistant, it will feel great under your feet and is typically machine washable. If you want something extra durable, Miller says to look for a tightly woven, low pile material (about a quarter-inch thick). "Woven sisal can weather the wear if you're fastidious and don't mind its rough texture or the way it shapes over time," he notes. Additionally, manufactured synthetic materials, like nylon, polyester, and olefin, are great for kitchen rugs, since they repel oil and dirt.

Color

You can find kitchen rugs in a variety of colors and patterns, and while you can certainly opt for something neutral that goes with the aesthetic of your kitchen, Miller recommends colorful or patterned options that effectively hide messes. "If you're starting from scratch with a color palette, aim for warmer hues in reds, oranges, and golds. The busier the pattern, the easier to conceal inevitable spills, so long as you schedule routine cleaning," he says. If you want a rug with a pattern, Miller suggests searching for something with an antique or worn look that can stand up to regular washing.

The Best Kitchen Rugs

To help you find the best kitchen carpets, mats, and rugs, we sorted through thousands of customer reviews from popular online shops to identify nine superior options. Shop these top-rated kitchen rugs below.

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Best Kitchen Runner: Unique Loom Sofia Collection Traditional Vintage Runner Rug

$31.94, amazon.com

This vintage-inspired runner offers a distressed look that makes it a winning choice for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. It has received thousands of glowing customer reviews on Amazon, most of which praise it for its beautiful pattern, easy-to-clean material, and lived-in appearance. "I've received nothing but compliments since placing this rug in our kitchen," one reviewer wrote. "It's the perfect runner for a long, open concept kitchen." Another customer added that this runner "stays put without any tape," which is a convenient feature to have when your rug sees a lot of action. 

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Best Anti-Fatigue: Sky Solutions Oasis Anti-Fatigue Mat

$24.13, amazon.com

Whether you are washing dishes, meal prepping, or cooking at the stove, standing on hard kitchen floors for extended periods of time can wreak havoc on your body. To relieve some of the pressure your joints may feel while standing, you need a mat with the right balance of cushion and support. This anti-fatigue piece offers just that. A thick layer of soft foam helps to relieve pressure on the spine and lower back as well as reduce stress on joints and muscles in the legs. Customers not only appreciate how supported this mat makes them feel, but also how durable and sturdy it is. 

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Best Set: K-Mat Kitchen Rug and Mat Set

$29.99, amazon.com

Don't underestimate the difference a kitchen mat set can make in your daily life. These rectangular non-slip mats align to create a path along the kitchen floor so you always have somewhere comfortable to plant your feet. Customers love how versatile and plush they are. "These mats are a great addition to our kitchen," wrote one customer. "I love the color and the look." An added bonus? The microfiber furnishing is machine washable for convenient cleaning—simply place it into your washer with gentle detergent on the delicate cycle and let it air dry. 

Rug on solid background
Credit: Courtesy of Ruggable

Best Stain-Resistant: Ruggable Jonathan Adler Inkdrop Lapis Blue Rug

$189, ruggable.com

Made of stain-resistant polyester, this runner is ideal if you're looking for something to place in front of your kitchen island, the place where prep work often takes plan. The ink-inspired lines in ivory serve as a nice contrast to the moody blue background. The water and stain resistant rug is machine washable; simply remove the rug cover from the pad and throw it in the washer on the delicate cycle and then promptly place the rug in your dryer. Consumers appreciate the unique design and durability of the piece. One reviewer wrote, "I have two huge dogs and three kids and so far these are standing up. Love that I can wash them."

Rug on solid background
Credit: Courtesy of Ruggable

Best Polyester: Ruggable Kamran Royal Blue Rug

$119, ruggable.com

Available in six different colorways—cayenne red, hazel, coral, ivory opal, royal blue, and blue quartz—this option from Ruggable is made out of 100 percent polyester. The stain-resistant design has an antique look, meaning its colors and pattern won't appear to tarnish from frequently being walked on. Another washable design, a simply spin in your machine will get rid of any spills, pet dander, and dirt. Customers love how comfortable the rug feels under their feet. One wrote, "This rug is perfect for my kitchen floor, it provides warmth and comfort while standing on my tile floor. Plus it cleans so easily and that is important in my kitchen. I am a messy cook." 

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Best Area Rug: Maples Rugs Georgina Traditional Area Carpet

$15.99, amazon.com

If you want to spruce up your kitchen with an area rug, but are hesitant to invest in one knowing how easily it could get dirty, this under-$20 option is one to consider. It comes in a traditional border-style pattern with three different color options, all of which come in deep hues so spillage won't be easily spotted. The low pile carpet is soft but not too thick, according to customers. Many reviewers also note that the grips on the bottom help reduce the risk of the rug slipping. 

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Best Water-Resistant: iDesign Bamboo Floor Mat

$25.28, amazon.com

Water-resistant and non-skid, this bamboo floor mat is ideal for a kitchen. The natural bamboo material has a coating that stands up with water spills and is lined in sturdy fabric, which adds to its durability. In addition to its clean and natural aesthetic, customers also appreciate the mat's smooth texture and sturdy construction. "It doesn't slide around and is very easy to clean," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

Rug on solid background
Credit: Courtesy of Ruggable

Best Vintage-Inspired: Ruggable Alessia Dark Wood Rug

$119, ruggable.com

With an antique look and floral pattern, this option will surely add visual interest to your kitchen. Not only does the trellis-style design make this piece look like a cherished heirloom, but its rich espresso and deep walnut browns mean it can easily conceal spills, dirt, and other messes that your rug is susceptible to. Like all of Ruggable's carpets, this iteration is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable. Although the design is intricate, customers say it effortlessly complements their space. "I love this rug! It looks great with black, oak and white furniture. The coloring is nice and the pattern is busy but not distracting," one reviewer said. 

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Best Kitchen Sink Rug: Cosy Homeer Anti Fatigue Kitchen Rug

$15.99, amazon.com

A good kitchen mat is a game changer for standing in front of a sink full of dirty dishes, especially when the rug is just the right size. This half-round rug fits nicely in front of most kitchen sinks and comes in multiple colors to match a range of kitchen styles. The textured design is soft and cushioned yet extremely supportive. What's more, the rug is easy to clean. Use a vacuum daily to pick up crumbs and pet dander, then when it needs a deep clean, pop it into your washing machine and rinse on the delicate cycle with liquid detergent. Reviews also confirm that the rubber backing keeps this kitchen mat in place without much adjusting. 

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Best Washable: ReaLife Rugs Machine Washable Rug

$62.99, amazon.com

A kitchen rug that's easy to clean is key, especially when you live with kids and pets. This machine-washable one from ReaLife Rugs makes cleaning a breeze; just toss it in the washing machine after a spill, and it'll come out good as new. Plus, its worn-in look means you won't have to worry about the pattern or colors fading from frequent cleaning. One reviewer wrote that this rug is "easy to wash and quick to air-dry." It is important to note, however, that the 3 x 5 size of this rug is the largest that will fit in a home washing machine. 

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Best Accent Rug: NuLoom Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug

$22.99, amazon.com

Available in a variety of contemporary patterns, this top-rated accent rug will bring a welcome splash of color to your kitchen. The low pile carpet is as functional as it is stylish, as it's designed with easy maintenance in mind. Many reviewers praise this kitchen rug for being a breeze to clean, which is ideal for something that will likely be prone to spills and messes. 

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