Our morning begins in the kitchen - how nice it is to go out in anticipation of an interesting day and feel the soft warm fluff under your bare feet. This is the start of a great day. A carpet on the floor is a great solution, and if you are wondering how practical it is in the kitchen, read our arguments in its favor. In our article we will tell you by what characteristics to choose it.
Whatever the style of the kitchen in your home, you can always choose a suitable option, be it a rug, a mat or a thick pile carpet. In our article you will also find information on where else you can put rugs in the kitchen space, as well as get ideas for handicrafts if you decide to make a unique carpet product.
Pros and cons
The presence of a soft and fluffy carpet on the floor will appeal to many; it will add completeness and comfort to the interior, but, as opponents will note, it will also require additional care. Is it needed? Let's look at the arguments for and against the presence of carpets in the food preparation area.
Behind:
- the floor will become warm and safe (a particularly important factor if there are children in the family);
- protects the floor from damage;
- additionally soundproofs the room;
- will give the interior comfort and beauty;
- will help zone the room (separate, for example, in a studio apartment the kitchen area from the living area).
Choose a non-slip mat on AliExpress >>>
Cons:
- requires additional care.
As you can see, there is only one drawback - soiling, the need for constant hygienic care, because the kitchen is a place for preparing food, and splashes and crumbs fly. Below we will talk about how to ensure proper care of carpet products.
Purpose of the carpet
The main functional purpose of a carpet in the kitchen is to implement zoning. This solves several problems:
- highlight the dining area for greater coziness and comfort;
- reduce the load on the flooring from the legs of tables and chairs;
- reduce the likelihood of broken dishes, since if they fall on the carpet, they may remain intact;
- transform the design of the room, make a color accent.
Criterias of choice
What characteristics should a carpet have that should definitely be placed on the kitchen floor: firstly , it should not be slippery. Take care of an anti-slip mat (an inexpensive option can be purchased, for example, at an Ikea store or a large construction supermarket), it will allow you not to worry that an elderly relative or baby will be injured due to folds in the carpet.
Secondly , choose products made from modern, lightweight, durable materials that can be washed in a home washing machine, this will save you from problems with soiling at home.
Practicality is what should guide your purchase. The water- and dirt-repellent properties of the product should attract your attention, as well as increased wear resistance.
Choice (what to pay attention to)
The choice of carpet for the kitchen must be made according to several parameters, which in combination make it possible to fulfill consumer requests. What specific nuances you should pay attention to are described below. Our recommendations will help you choose the carpet model that will match both the interior and the functional purpose.
Size
The size of the carpet plays a significant role. Some cover the entire floor with carpet, while others prefer a small carpet. In the latter case, it is necessary to choose the correct size of the product, otherwise it may not fit into the overall decor or look awkward.
The main requirement is that the size of the rug for the dining area must be at least 60 cm larger than the dimensions of the table.
Form
There are many varieties of carpet products available for sale. The best option is to choose a shape that will completely match the style of the table used for the dining area. This will allow you to clearly define the lines and visually connect all the components. The classic solution is square or round carpet models. Oval products are no less popular today.
Related article: How to remove wax or paraffin from a carpet: effective removal methods
Material
The material for a kitchen rug should have good strength. This is justified by the fact that there is a fairly large load on it. Models made from natural materials, for example, wool, react negatively to high humidity and household chemicals, quickly become dirty and are expensive - this is not the best option for the kitchen.
According to the recommendations of experts, it is worth purchasing products made from synthetic fibers, for example, the new material – polypropylene – takes advantage.
Texture
The basic principle regarding the texture of a carpet product is that the smaller the pile, the more suitable it is for use in the kitchen. If the carpet has a long pile, then it is very difficult to clean it from stains and dirt, since everything is absorbed directly into the fibers. The best option is beautiful lint-free products or carpet.
Colors
The best option for carpeting in the kitchen is with non-marking colors. Light colors that show the slightest dirt are unacceptable. Even a small drop of coffee on a light carpet background will attract attention and create problems when cleaning it. The best choice is a dark or multi-colored carpet. This fact will significantly reduce the work required to care for it.
On the video: characteristics of different types of carpets and tips for choosing.
Shape and size
There are two options: either the shape of the rug follows the shape of the kitchen (a square kitchen requires a square rug, or a rectangular kitchen requires a rectangular one), or the shape of the dining table dictates the outline of the carpet (for example, an oval table and an oval rug).
Recently, carpet tiles have become increasingly popular. This is a very convenient thing that allows you to design a product of the desired shape and size, depending on the needs and area of the room.
In addition, such a purchase will be very practical - if during use you damage or stain part of the carpet tiles, there is no need to purchase a whole new carpet, it will be enough to replace the damaged part. It's convenient and economical.
If we are talking about an option for a dining table, follow the principle: “The carpet should be large.” In order to comfortably pull out chairs and avoid tripping over the edge of the carpet, the table must be significantly narrower (at least 60–70 cm on each side) than the purchased carpet.
What carpet material should I choose?
Carpets are available with short pile, long pile, lint-free, homespun, wicker, and knitted. In the kitchen, short-pile, “bald” models, or homespun runners are used. The first two are easy to clean from small crumbs with a vacuum cleaner, the last one can be easily washed by hand or in a machine.
The photo shows two identical rugs in the work and dining spaces
According to their composition, soft carpets are divided into 2 types:
- Made from natural materials. It is pleasant to walk on wool, it is soft and cozy. Woolen mats last for many years, but it is better to avoid wet cleaning - they take a long time to dry, so an unpleasant musty smell may appear. Carpets made from natural plant fibers (linen, cotton) are thinner, but no less durable. They are washable, which is a significant advantage.
- Made from synthetic materials. Nylon has characteristics similar to wool, but fades, so is not suitable for sunny kitchens. Polyester is elastic and resistant to deformation - ideal in the work area. Smooth polypropylene is protected from dirt and water - an excellent choice for the kitchen.
In addition to soft rugs, there are also stylish bamboo mats. They protect your feet from the cold and produce a massage effect - an excellent option for standing at the stove for a long time. They are not afraid of wet cleaning, so if something falls on the mat during cooking, wash it without fear.
Advice! For slippery tiled floors, purchase models with rubberized bases or buy additional backing separately - this is a matter of safety for you and your loved ones.
The photo shows a palace in Scandi style
Material selection
It's no secret that when cooking there is a risk of water spillage or flour spillage. A carpet subjected to such tests on a regular basis should be easy and easy to clean (with a damp cloth, vacuum cleaner or washing).
Which material is most suitable? You choose:
Wool
The unique properties of this material: it is not hot in summer, not cold in winter. Incredibly wear-resistant: able to last at least a couple of decades. You can choose any color, pile length, shape. Remember that wool is a desirable food for moths, be careful not to give it a chance. It is very comfortable to stand barefoot on a product made of wool; it gives a unique feeling of warmth and comfort.
Wool is fairly easy to clean from dirt, but it absorbs moisture well and takes a long time to dry. The price of such products is justifiably high, because it is a hygienic, durable and aesthetic material.
Sisal, cotton, jute, bamboo
These materials are suitable for connoisseurs of natural materials in the interior. They are practical: easy to wash and dry quickly. Often used for small mats (matting). Their cost is low, they are very popular, they are often used in kitchen interiors. They do not have high wear resistance.
Acrylic
Artificial wool, suitable for homes with allergy sufferers. Repeats all the advantages of natural wool, with the exception of durability.
Polypropylene
The material is of synthetic origin, does not absorb moisture, and is easy to clean. It is characterized by low cost.
Polyester
A synthetic material with properties similar to wool. Wear-resistant, affordable. Easy to clean, does not fade.
Choose the carpet material after carefully studying its advantages and disadvantages. Any of the above options is suitable for your home. You can often hear that synthetic materials are more practical, but it's up to you to decide.
Where is the best place to lay the bed?
The choice of location depends on the specific task: to protect your feet from the freezing tiles, you will need a path along the countertops or, at a minimum, small mats in the area of the sink and stove.
In large kitchens with an island in their home, they often highlight the island with a rug, covering it with a backing 40-50 cm larger on each side. The ledges perform the same function as the tracks: they retain heat and make the cooking process more comfortable and cozy.
In the photo there is a dining table on the palace
For those who spend a lot of time at the dining table - like to gather with family and friends - rugs under it are necessary. Don't forget that the rug should also accommodate chairs, not just a table.
Carpet in the work area
A spacious kitchen may have several rugs; let’s look at their most common arrangement:
- at the sink. Standing near the sink for a long time will become more comfortable if you have a soft, non-slip mat under your feet. A small-sized product of arbitrary shape will be sufficient;
- along the working area (furniture countertop, stove). A carpet or mat is suitable here.
Not only anti-slip matting can be a way out of a situation where the carpet easily wrinkles. Synthetic rubber-backed carpets can be a great alternative.
What interior styles will the carpet fit into?
This decorative element is acceptable for many design trends. The main criterion for choosing a product for the kitchen is its compliance with the concept of the room. The exception is styles, the basic principle of which is increased practicality and functionality. This applies to such modern trends as minimalism and hi-tech.
Loft
This style does not have a rigid framework for choosing decorative elements. The main feature of the loft is the presence of surfaces that imitate brickwork. An “attic” kitchen can be decorated with a carpet with similar patterns. Also, textured products with a variety of geometric patterns would look appropriate here.
Retro
This style is characterized by the use of outdated accessories. If you need to purchase a carpet for a retro kitchen, you should pay attention to natural models with floral and geometric patterns, which were in fashion in the 80s of the last century. These range from small mats or runners to a large carpet for the dining area. Cutting-edge synthetic models should be avoided.
Country (rustic)
In rooms decorated in this style, textiles play a large role. Curtains, pillows, tablecloths, towels and carpets should be in the same color scheme. For country style, small colorful mats and smooth paths along the work area are used. It is preferable to purchase products in subdued tones with simple floral patterns, checks or stripes.
Classic
Creating such a design requires subtle taste when selecting accessories. In classic kitchens, one large rug is most often used for the dining area. Preference should be given to discreet products with elegant ornaments. Monochromatic models will also look good, the color of which goes well with the decoration of the room.
Dining room decoration
A rich rug in the dining area will add elegance and luxury to the interior. As already mentioned in our article, it should be much wider than the table for the convenience of household members and guests. This is a unique element of the interior, decorating the room and favorably emphasizing its cozy atmosphere.
When choosing colors, focus on the color palette of the room to achieve the perfect combination of all interior details.
If the carpet is not monochromatic, then let the main colors repeat the color of the walls or curtains; if there is a pattern, find its reflection on the pillow covers, for example.
Natural materials
Reasonable price, classic external design, original texture - these are the key advantages of such natural materials as matting, rope, sisal. Cotton and wool are remarkably easy to clean.
It's all about the texture of the coating. It is much easier to remove dirt from thinner and smoother weaves than from coarser and denser ones. In some cases, cleaning may be completely impossible.
Let's talk about styles
There is no style that would make a rug look out of place on a kitchen floor. If you have a kitchen in a country or Provence style, vintage carpets with a worn effect will suit you.
Scandinavian style? Throw sheepskins at the sink and on chairs for a functional and aesthetic option.
Scandinavian rugs on AliExpress >>>
Loft, high-tech or minimalism? A lint-free carpet in neutral shades is perfect for such interiors. Oriental style kitchen? The fine knitting of the carpet will become the main feature of the design.
Do you need a carpet in the kitchen?
Before buying a carpet for your kitchen, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of such a purchase. Some of them are obvious, and some you will have to face while using the carpet.
The main advantage of a carpet in the kitchen is its ability to protect your feet from hypothermia. This is especially true for kitchens where the floor is finished with fairly cool tiles or laminate. Also, if you have small children, it may be better for them to crawl on a soft carpet rather than a hard surface. And the carpet will protect them from bruises if they fall.
The carpet has a protective function, especially for children
If you choose the right carpet, it will become a real interior decoration. Some styles recommend using carpeting not only on the floor, but also on the walls - for example, shabby chic. In this case, the carpet will also act as additional sound insulation.
Shabby chic kitchen
It cannot be denied that rooms with a high-quality and stylish carpet look much more comfortable than those with a bare floor.
A carpet in the kitchen creates additional coziness
With the help of a rug, you can easily zone the room, highlighting the working and dining areas. An additional bonus will be increased safety of laminate and parquet - the carpet will prevent mechanical damage to the floor covering.
The palace allows you to zone the kitchen, separating the work area
However, it is necessary to understand that in addition to the advantages of a carpet laid in the kitchen, there are also a number of significant disadvantages:
- If the carpet is located directly in the work area, be prepared for the fact that you will have to frequently clean spilled liquids, pieces of food, etc. from it. Caring for the carpet in the kitchen is quite a difficult task. Therefore, we recommend choosing a coating that is not too fleecy and avoiding very light colors, where any stains will be visible.
- Some types of carpeting gradually develop a greasy residue. This means that you will have to use professional cleaning products, which are quite expensive, or go to a dry cleaner.
- If you decide to lay a carpet on tiles, you need to buy a rug with a rubberized bottom. It will cost more than a conventional coating, which will slide on the floor and can cause injuries.
- Most carpets absorb odors, so you will have to clean your carpets quite often. The exception is modern materials with special impregnation. But their cost is much higher.
- A carpet is not suitable for every kitchen interior - keep this in mind when designing your kitchen.
As you can see, most of the disadvantages of carpeting are directly related to their care. You can avoid them if you purchase a carpet made from modern materials, which is intended for use specifically in the kitchen - however, you will have to spend a lot of money for this.
Care Tips
Regular carpet maintenance will keep your space clean and comfortable. The carpet must be vacuumed, swept, washed by hand or in a machine, depending on the type of material from which it is made.
In stores, choose a special product to care for the product; this will allow you to remove stains without worrying about the preservation of the color.
If necessary, but at least once a year, use dry cleaning services, then the carpet will last a long time.
Primary requirements
When choosing a carpet for the kitchen, consumers need to understand what basic characteristics the product should meet:
- It is necessary to purchase a carpet made from durable materials. To simplify the care of the product, it is necessary that it be light and soft. It can be easily laid and assembled, and if the dimensions are small, then it can be washed in the washing machine.
Related article: How to easily and quickly clean wool from a carpet: proven methods and available products
- Since the kitchen belongs to the category of rooms that get dirty quite quickly, the carpet must be constantly cleaned and washed. Therefore, you need to purchase products made from materials that are resistant to household chemicals.
- In cases where the floor covering has a sliding surface, the carpet should be equipped with rubberized corners on the reverse side that can reduce the degree of slipping. This will improve your safety in the kitchen.
- If several rugs are used, for example, for the dining area and to provide a workplace, then the problem is solved simply - the products are selected in one design solution.
- If desired, you can purchase products that can provide a massage effect. Carpets with a special shock-absorbing effect are also good - they can reduce the load on housewives’ feet during long-term cooking.
Where else can you put a rug?
Let's talk about irreplaceable helpers - special-purpose rugs. What other accessories are suitable for the kitchen?
In the sink
Construction supermarkets offer a huge selection of sink mats. When washing dishes, they protect them from damage and the sink from possible scratches. They also make it more convenient to throw away vegetable peelings when cooking. Modern sink mats are dishwasher safe.
In drawers and on shelves
Anti-slip mats for drawers and shelves often have antibacterial coating. Their function is to protect the surface of shelves and drawers from scratches. They absorb sounds perfectly, are sold in rolls, and should be cut to the required size using scissors to suit the parameters of drawers and shelves. Thanks to these products, it is easy to maintain order in the drawers, because now things will not fall apart or turn over.
On the table/tabletop
Serving mats (napkins) have long found a place in the hearts of housewives. Thanks to them, the expensive countertop is protected from scratches and marks from hot dishes.
Table mats can be made of different materials: silicone, plastic, textile, vinyl. Shapes can be rectangular, round, square and oval. There are also options for children: in the form of funny animals or cupcakes. Colors for every taste.
This is a very practical and easy-to-care elegant option for keeping your home clean and beautiful. How convenient it is to place them under hot plates, without fear of leaving a mark on the surface of the dining table or crumbs scattering. Usually a set of serving napkins is purchased according to the number of seats at the table.
Advantages and disadvantages
In addition to creating coziness in a room, a carpet can perform a number of practical functions. The list of advantages of using textile coverings in food preparation rooms is as follows:
- The carpet adds warmth to the tile floor. In addition, it dampens sounds well when walking on a ceramic surface;
- Such textile products can be an original way to divide the kitchen space into working and dining areas. This technique is especially appropriate in small rooms or studio apartments;
- Since people often walk around the work area, the flooring in this area wears out and loses its original appearance faster than in the rest of the area. The carpet can act as a kind of original camouflage of scuffs;
- textiles protect the floor from scratches and impacts from falling objects;
- with the help of a carpet you can achieve a visual increase or decrease in the room;
- textile coverings become part of the design idea and complement the interior of a kitchen decorated in a particular style.
The main disadvantage of this type of decor is the additional work required to maintain its appearance in good condition. For this reason, many apartment owners prefer not to lay carpets in the kitchen. The wrong choice of shape, size or color of a textile product can negatively affect the perception of the image of the kitchen. You should purchase a carpet only after careful measurements and analysis of the interior color palette.
DIY ideas
A DIY rug is a great way to decorate your kitchen. The simplest option: crocheted from thick bulky yarn. Instead of yarn, you can take cotton knitted scraps 4–5 cm thick (for example, make them from out-of-date clothing).
Another easy option for beginners is to weave a long braid from strips of fabric (again, old clothes made from natural fabrics will do), then roll it into a spiral and sew it together. You will get cute round rugs that will decorate your home.
You can make an original patchwork-style rug from scraps; even a diligent beginner can do this. A patchwork rug can be the highlight of your interior. To make the product comfortable to use, make sure that it does not slip, add an anti-slip layer to the back side.
Pile height
For the kitchen, you should choose carpets with short pile (up to 7 mm) or no pile at all (mats). They are easy to clean and wash, and they will not accumulate dust and crumbs.
It is strictly not recommended to lay carpets and rugs with long pile in kitchen areas. Firstly, the pile will be crushed and soon lose its attractive appearance. Secondly, with long pile there is a lot of hassle in terms of care. It is generally difficult to clean such a product yourself; most often they turn to dry cleaning. And this service is not cheap, so it is better to choose products with short looped pile.
Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of short-pile carpet products. You can easily find kitchen carpets with short loop pile, as well as woven carpets without pile.
Conclusion
A correctly chosen carpet will be a successful purchase in all respects, which will make your stay in the kitchen more comfortable.
Don’t forget to buy other kitchen accessories: rugs for the sink, drawers and shelves, serving napkins for the dining table. If you like to bring your own work into the interior, then you can use one of the ideas and make an exclusive product for your beloved home. We wish you a great mood!
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Rug or rug in the kitchen: advantages and disadvantages
Another advantage of carpets is that they help protect the flooring from damage, for example, a carpet will protect well
plastic laminate from damage.
Pros of carpeting in the kitchen:
- It is necessary when there is a small child or an elderly person in the house, as it can soften a person’s fall. In these cases, a rug is especially needed if tiles are used as the floor covering.
- The rug is well suited for zoning the kitchen and living room , expanding its space. For these purposes, carpets are used for the dining area. This also emphasizes the “living” function of the kitchen, which is important for a large kitchen space.
- Of particular functional importance is a rug under your feet in the area where food is prepared. Since legs often get very tired while cooking, a shock-absorbing mat will be very convenient for home cooks.
Using a kitchen floor mat allows you to complement the look of your kitchen with interesting details, highlight its overall style, and make it unique.
Flaws:
- The rug on the kitchen floor quickly gets dirty, dust accumulates in it and under it, all this reduces the hygiene of the kitchen environment;
- caring for these things complicates home cleaning;
- Since kitchen carpets need to be cleaned or washed frequently, they wear out quickly.
