Since we spend so much time in our kitchen, it’s important that it’s always looking its best. And what better way to add some personality and style than with a great kitchen runner rug? But there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the perfect kitchen runner. Do you want something that is going to keep your feet warm, or do you need something that is going to be easy to clean? Or is the style more important? Whatever your needs are, there are plenty of options out there. And believe me, I’ve spent a lot of time looking! In this article, I’m sharing all of my favorite kitchen runner rugs.
But before we look at all of them, let’s answer some of the most popular questions we get asked about kitchen runners.
What Size Is a Kitchen Runner?
A kitchen runner is a narrow and long rug designed to fit in the tighter spaces of a kitchen, such as between islands and counters or along galley-style kitchens. The typical size of a kitchen runner varies, but they generally range from 2 to 3 feet in width (24 to 36 inches) and from 6 to 14 feet in length (72 to 168 inches). The most common sizes you’ll find are 2’x8′, 2’x10′, and 2’x12′, accommodating various kitchen layouts and sizes.
When selecting a kitchen runner, it’s important to measure the space where you plan to place it, ensuring there’s enough room for doors to open and close and for people to move comfortably around the kitchen area. A well-chosen kitchen runner can add warmth, color, and comfort underfoot while protecting the floor in this high-traffic area.
How Long Should a Kitchen Runner Be?
If you’re shopping for a kitchen runner, then chances are you have an island or a galley kitchen. Either way, a runner is a great way to cover the narrow floor space created by these setups. But what is the right length? Whenever I’m shopping for a new runner I try to find a length that is no longer than the length of my island. So, if you’re island is 8ft long, choose a runner that is less than 8ft.
How Do You Keep a Kitchen Runner from Sliding?
There are a couple of different ways to keep a rug from sliding on hardwood floors. One is to use rug pads. These are basically thin pieces of material that you place under your rug to provide extra grip. You can find them in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, so it’s just a matter of finding one that fits your needs. Another option is to use double-sided rug tape. You can place a few pieces on the bottom of the runner, and it should hold it in place. If you decide to go this route, be sure to test the tape on a small area of your floor first to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How to Wash Kitchen Rugs
Washing kitchen rugs is essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in one of the most used areas of the home. To ensure your kitchen rugs stay in top condition, start by shaking them out or vacuuming them to remove loose dirt and debris. Check the care label for washing instructions; many kitchen rugs can be machine-washed in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach as it can damage the fibers and fade the colors. If the rug is small enough, you can also hand wash it in a large basin or bathtub using a gentle soap.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water—avoid wringing, as this can distort the rug’s shape. Hang the rug to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent shrinking and fading. For rugs that cannot be washed in water, consider spot cleaning with a suitable upholstery cleaner and a damp cloth, or use a dry-cleaning kit designed for home use. Regular washing will not only keep your kitchen rugs looking fresh but also prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.
Jute Kitchen Runners
I’ve always been a big fan of the natural-looking texture that a jute rug brings to a room. One of my favorite jute runners is the Rice Jute Runner from Boutique Rugs. This rug is hand woven and made from natural fibers incorporating cream, light gray, and tan giving it a subtle dimension.
A couple more jute favorites are the Birch Lane Cummington Handmade Jute/Sisal Natural Rug and the Chunky Wool/Jute Rug from Pottery Barn.
The Pottery Barn rug is hand-loomed and designed for high-traffic areas and the wool fibers are bouclé-woven over a jute base to create a cozy texture underfoot. The runner sizes for this rug are 3×5′ and 2.5’x9′. It also comes in five colors.
Vintage Inspired Kitchen Runners
Vintage-inspired rugs tend to be a little more expensive, but I’ve found a couple that will not break your pocketbook. One of my favorites is the Nicolette Hand-Knotted Wool Runner from Pottery Barn. This vintage-inspired rug is available in five different color options.
Another one I’m loving is the Aurelia Hand-Knotted Wool Runner also from Pottery Barn. The Aurelia is also available in several color options and sizes. Both of these vintage-inspired runners are a little more pricey than a normal kitchen runner, but about half the price of an actual vintage runner.
Washable Kitchen Runner Rugs
Many people prefer washable kitchen runners and I can understand why. A kitchen is a high-traffic area. So naturally, any rug in this room is going to have a lot of feet on it, not to mention the occasional food spill. The convenience of being able to throw them in the washing machine at home is a time and money saver. This is especially a good idea if you have smaller children, host lots of people, and cook lots in your kitchen. Here are a few of our favorite washable kitchen runners.
Boutique Rugs has an entire line of washable rugs. I currently have one of these rugs and I highly recommend this company. They have a wide variety of colors and designs, but I will mention a couple of my top choices. If you are looking for something a little more neutral, the Rudo Cream Runner is beautiful.
If you want a rug with a little darker and more color, you may like the Rust Elki Vintage Medallion Runner.
And if you are looking for a runner with a touch of subtle blue, you may want to check out the Arias Cream and Blue Runner.
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