Kitchen rugs: Top 10 stylish and practical rug ideas

While kitchens obviously have to have hard floors such as tiles, stone or wood, we do like a few rugs in there as well if there’s space. They add colour and texture, and are generally particularly welcome if you have pets! You can also use them to separate different living areas in the same room, such as a dining corner in the kitchen. The only criteria with kitchen rugs is that they should be practical and ideally washable, as they tend to have a pretty hard life! These rugs can face everything from kitchen spills to pet hair to high traffic footfall, so they need to be tough and up to the job. We’ve tracked down our top 10 favourite kitchen rugs.

1. Bereber beige washable rug, Lorena Canals

Part of the black and white collection of monochrome rugs by Lorena Canals, this simple design would work well as a contemporary kitchen rug.  This rug is individually handmade from natural cotton by artisans in northern India, and can be easily washed at home in a conventional washing machine. Lorena Canals also provide schooling for children in northern India. The rug is available in two sizes, and prices start at £175. Available from Cuckooland. 

2. Navy Oslo kitchen rugs, Weaver Green

As kitchen rugs go, this rug is soft, warm and luxurious – despite the fact that it’s made entirely from recycled plastic bottles! It’s stain resistant, machine washable, resistant to water and mould and can even be used outdoors. Available in a wide choice of colours and sizes, prices start at just £40 from Weaver Green. 

3. Koi jade runner rug, Pappelina

The pattern on this striking rug was inspired by koi carp fish scales. Soft and pliable, dust and dirt repellent, water and UV resistant, these rugs are also made from plastic and are very hardwearing. The colourway is reversed on the back so you get two looks for the price of one. Available in a range of different sizes, prices start at £82 from Cloudberry Living.  

4. Pemba mat in powder green, Brita Sweden

Combining style with sustainability, the Pemba mat is hand woven from vinyl ribbon by Brita Sweden. With natural tones mixed with soft powder green it’s available in two sizes. Non-slip and reversible, it’s ideal for indoors and out. and is exceptionally durable. Available in two different colours and two sizes from Garden Trading. Prices start at £70.

5. Reith outdoor rug in blue, Soho House

Another lovely reuse of recycled bottles, this outdoor rug has textured loop sections and has the look and feel of wool. The dying technique makes each one unique and it’s handwoven as well. Although it’s suitable for outdoor use, it would be equally at home in the kitchen. Available in two sizes, prices start at £245 from Soho House. 

6. Palm leaf outdoor rug, Lime Lace

Suitable for inside and outside use, this palm leaf rug will add a little tropical joie de vivre to your kitchen on the coldest of wintery days. Machine woven in Belgium from 100% polypropylene, it is highly durable and low maintenance and is easy to wipe down with a sponge and warm water. Available in three sizes, prices start at £69 from Lime Lace.

7. Cancun rug in blue stripe, Fab Hab

This stylish striped rug is made from handwoven polypropylene and will be equally at home in the garden as in the kitchen. No need to worry about spills as it is wipe clean and also eco-friendly, made from recycled materials. Available in a range of colours, designs and sizes, prices start at £89.95 from Cuckooland. 

8. Moroccan pattern kitchen rug, Matalan

Matalan have a lot going on in their ‘cheap and cheerful’ range at the moment, with lots of designs and colours. We’ve picked out this vintage-y Moroccan inspired rug, with an intricate grey Moroccan medallion pattern. Soft, durable and stain resistant, it’s an ideal choice for high traffic areas such as the kitchen, hallway and living room and measures a generous 170cm by 120cm. Made from 100% polypropylene, it’s easy to rinse off with warm water. £60, available from Matalan.

9. Paws washable recycled door mat, Hug Rug

Made from 90% recycled cotton and 10% microfibres, this mat measures 150cm by 65cm so would fit nicely in front of a cooker. It traps up to 95% of wet, mud and dirt, so ideal if you have pets. It will also soak up any moisture from accidental spillages! £70, available from Amara.

10. Recycled cotton multi-coloured rag rug, Ian Snow

This multi-coloured cotton and viscose striped rag rug is made from recycled materials and is machine-washable. If you’re keen to have kitchen rugs that would add a pop of colour, this product could certainly fit the bill! Available in three different sizes, prices start at just £14.99 from Ian Snow. 

By Sara Walker.