The best kitchen rugs combine practicality, safety, comfort and style. Dress up your space (and soothe your feet) with these tried-and-true rugs.
Our editors and experts carefully select each product we recommend. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Learn more.
Whether you’re looking to add color or create a soft space for washing up, the easiest way to update your kitchen is to find the best kitchen rug that suits your needs. Instead of browsing countless websites or trawling store shelves, our dedicated in-house team of testers tested a dozen popular rugs to find out which ones are worth your money. Keep reading to see their picks for the best kitchen rugs in every category, including fatigue-resistant, machine-washable, bamboo, and natural.
Our testers named the Abdulraheem Anti-Fatigue Non-Slip Rug from Wayfair the best kitchen rug. This rug has a ¾-inch-thick layer of polyurethane foam that will keep your feet and knees comfortable even after hours of use. This rug also has beveled edges to prevent falls or trips on the rug, which is especially important in the kitchen.
The Abdulraheem rug comes in two sizes: 2 ¾ x 1 ¾ feet and 4 x 1 ¾ feet, making it ideal for a small kitchen or kitchenette. There are four colors to choose from: black, cranberry, navy, and truffle. According to our testing team, they all have a leather-like appearance and are super easy to clean.
If you’re on your feet all day, every day, the Fulton standing mat is worth the money. It’s no surprise, since Fulton specializes in insoles. Catherine Ward, kitchen manager at Taste of Home, tried the mat and said, “I loved it from the minute I stepped on it. The Fulton mat has kept my feet from getting tired or sore at the end of the day.”
This comfort is achieved because the cushions are made from granulated cork, natural foam, and vegan cactus leather, which provide support and are easy to clean. The only downsides to this beautiful standing mat are the limited color selection (Fulton Green and Natural Cork), only one size to choose from, and the $120 price tag.
These kitchen rugs are super cheap, at just $40 a pair. Each set includes two rugs (one 17 x 47 inches, one 17 x 29 inches), so you don’t have to choose between the sink and the stove. The set comes in eight colors and two patterns to match your kitchen decor.
The PVC material these mats are made from is stain-resistant, durable, and can be cleaned with a cloth and a heating pad. Our testers found that these kitchen mats provide less support, so they are best suited for those who cook at home occasionally and use them for only one to two hours a day.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen flooring without spending a ton of money, Ruggable has a nearly endless selection of styles, colors, and sizes. Ruggable has a variety of patterned, solid, neutral, minimalist, and geometric rugs that can be customized to match (or enhance!) your kitchen’s look. The company has even partnered with brands like Jonathan Adler, The Home Edit, Star Wars, and Disney to help you achieve just the aesthetic you’re hoping for.
In addition to the abundance of design options, our team of testers also loved the fact that this rug is washable. Ruggable includes a latex-free rug pad and a rug cover that can be removed and machine washed. Our testers were impressed with how well the rug cover held up in the wash, with no pilling, wrinkling, curling of corners, or fading. The rugs don’t even require special treatment to remove oil and ketchup stains!
Sarah Farmer, executive culinary director at Taste of Home, tested both the Padded Area Rug Pad and Tufted Area Rug Cover at home and said, “I typically notice a little stiffness in my hips after standing on tile floors for hours doing prep, cooking, and washing up. However, after making sure I was standing on the rug, I didn’t notice any soreness in my feet, legs, back, or joints.”
While this rug has many positives, the testing team did notice that the dimensions of the rug on the website and in real life are different. The rug is “significantly larger” than the listed dimensions of 37 3/4″ x 26 1/4″, and the pile height is shorter by more than 5mm. The team also noted that this rug is not slip-resistant, which is surprising since Ruggable bath mats have excellent traction.
For those who tend to spill or drop food while cooking (and there’s no shame in that!), you’ll love this washable kitchen mat from Amazon. Our testing team simply wiped away any excess spills, threw the 2 x 3-foot rug in the washing machine, hung it up to dry, and the rug looked like new again. Plus, the polyester fleece stays incredibly soft wash after wash.
While the rug has good slip resistance (it has a rough texture with rubber dots on the underside), the test team noted that it took more than four days for the rug to recover from being packed away, and that there were some minor signs of wear on the corners. If you find wrinkles in your rug that can’t be repaired, check out our tips for smoothing them out.
The test group really liked this bamboo rug from Anji Mountain, which is available at Home Depot. The surface of the rug is made of smooth, glossy bamboo strips that are water and splash resistant, while the bottom is made of a rubber material with excellent non-stick properties. Since the top is made of slats, it can be folded for storage when not in use.
Like bamboo flooring, bamboo kitchen rugs also have some drawbacks. While the planks themselves can be easily cleaned with warm water and a cloth, spills can seep into the cracks between the planks and become lodged. The test group had a hard time completely removing debris from between the planks, but they noted that no dirt, dust, or stains were visible on the smooth rug.
Of the natural kitchen mats we tested, the NuLoom was the best. Made from sustainably sourced sea grass, this rug is water-resistant and durable enough to withstand two weeks of vacuuming without wearing out. It comes in five colors and 23 sizes, including rectangular, square, and round.
However, jute rugs can be quite a tedious task to clean. During testing, our team found that the deep grooves of this woven rug tend to accumulate dust, debris, and stains, making it difficult to clean and disinfect. Therefore, we recommend using this rug above doorways or walkways, rather than on countertops, stovetops, and under sinks.
There are many factors to consider when shopping for rugs online. From size to material to style, here’s what to look for when buying a kitchen rug:
Whether the rug is going under the sink, in the kitchen, or under the dining room table, size matters. Before you start shopping, be sure to measure the space where the rug will be located, just as you would measure rugs in other areas of your home.
Do you prefer natural fibers like jute or bamboo, or easy-care, easy-to-clean synthetics? The type of rug you choose depends on where you plan to use it and how much effort you’re willing to put into cleaning it. Indoor/outdoor rugs are great choices for a kitchen entryway or an attached pantry. PVC and polyurethane rugs are best for under-sink areas because they’re waterproof.
Today, many rugs are lightweight and made from fabrics that can be thrown straight into the washing machine. Most rugs, unless they have a non-slip rubber backing (see below), are tumble dryer safe. If you don’t plan on buying a rug that’s washable, make sure you know how to clean it properly.
The best kitchen rugs should have a non-slip, grippy backing. After all, there’s nothing worse than tripping on a rug when you’re holding a hot pan or knife. In fact, non-slip rugs are one of the best kitchen safety features you can afford.
A soft rug can help ease leg and back pain. They’re also a great place for your pet to sleep. If you’ve noticed your carpet has become flat over time, check out our tips on how to make any rug cozier.
You don’t want the rug to clash with the rest of the kitchen’s color scheme, but you don’t want it to be so light that all the (inevitable) stains show. Choose a rug in an interesting accent color to liven up the space, or choose a soft neutral if you don’t want it to be too bright.
Kitchen rug colors and patterns are virtually endless. Express yourself from simple to traditional and wild.
Family Handyman is a haven for DIY and DIY enthusiasts. For over 70 years, we’ve been inspiring readers with detailed project plans, design inspiration, home improvement and troubleshooting guides, and trusted buying guides.
Kitchen mats are nothing new to us. Not only do our editors and writers use them at home, but the team of test chefs at our sister brand Taste of Home uses them every day.
Finding the best kitchen rug is no easy task. Our in-house team of testers scoured the web for the highest-rated kitchen rugs from leading brands and retailers in a variety of materials, sizes, and features.
In total, we tested 15 products and tracked nearly 600 data points, including packaging and shipping, absorbency and maintenance needs, materials, feel, style and size options, and price. We spill common kitchen liquids and food on the rug to test its stain resistance and ease of cleaning, measure each side and pile of the rug to ensure the retailer’s measurements are accurate, stand on the rug for hours to assess its anti-fatigue properties (or lack thereof), and more. In total, we spent about 24 hours testing each rug.
Each category is rated out of 5 points, which are then added up to get an overall score. Only the highest scoring kitchen rugs were included in this list.
The best type of rug for the kitchen often depends on your specific needs and desires, but there are a few that stand out. Washable fabrics like cotton, PVC, and polypropylene (also known as olefin) are easy to clean, making them great choices for the kitchen. Natural materials like jute, bamboo, and cork can also be suitable for the kitchen, depending on the rug’s construction and durability.
On the other hand, avoid rugs made of silk, leather, and faux fur. These materials are too fragile for use in the kitchen and are difficult to clean. We also recommend avoiding rugs that shed easily, are slippery, or have high or curled edges, as they can be tripping hazards.
Kitchen rugs are a great way to update your space and save yourself a lot of hassle. Like almost everything in the kitchen, they come with potential safety hazards. To minimize these hidden dangers, make sure the rug you use is non-slip on both the top and bottom. Beveled edges and a low profile or pile also minimize the risk of tripping over the edges of the rug.
Of course, you can also put a mat in front of your kitchen sink, especially if you spend a lot of time washing dishes. Anti-fatigue kitchen mats can prevent foot, hip, and lower back pain. Just be sure to wipe up any drips and spills to avoid slipping. You should also clean and disinfect your kitchen mats regularly, just like you would your kitchen floors.
We no longer support IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to ensure that our site works in browsers that support new web standards and security methods.