Pros:

• Natural look
• Non-slip
• Four sizes
• Good value

Cons:

• Difficult to fully clean
• Limited color options
• Not anti-fatigue

The testing team loved this bamboo rug by Anji Mountain, available through Home Depot. The surface is made of smooth, high-gloss bamboo slats that repel water and spills, and an exceptionally non-stick rubbery bottom. Since the top is slated, this rug can be folded up and stored when not in use.

Like bamboo flooring, there are some downsides to a bamboo kitchen rug. While the slats themselves are easily cleaned with warm water and a rag, spills sink into the cracks between the slats and get stuck. It was difficult for the testing team to completely remove debris from between the slats, but did note that any residual dirt, dust or spills weren’t noticeable when the rug was lying flat.

Pros:

• Natural, sustainable materials
• More durable than similar rugs
• Many size and shape options

Cons:

• Difficult to clean
• Likely to stain
• May harbor bacteria

Of the natural kitchen rugs tested, NuLoom’s rug was by far the best. The rug is made of sustainable woven seagrass that resists water and is sturdy enough to withstand biweekly vacuuming without fraying. It’s available in five colors and 23 sizes, including rectangle, square and round options.

However, cleaning a jute rug can be incredibly tedious. During testing, our team found that the deep groves of this woven rug tend to trap dirt, debris and stains, making it difficult to clean and sanitize. Because of that, we’d recommend utilizing this rug in doorways or walkways instead of under countertops, cooktops and sinks.

What to Look for When Buying a Kitchen Rug

There are many things to consider when buying a rug online. From size to material to style, here’s what to keep in mind when shopping for a kitchen rug:

Size

Whether a rug sits at the base of the sink, spans the length of the galley or sits underneath the dining table, size matters. Be sure to measure the space where the rug will be before you start shopping, just like you would for an area rug in another part of your home.

Material

Do you prefer natural fibers such as jute or bamboo, or easy-care, synthetic fabrics that you can wash? The type of rug you choose will depend on where you plan on using the rug and how much effort you want to put into cleaning it. Indoor/outdoor rugs are a great option for kitchen entrances or attached mudrooms. While PVC and polyurethane rugs are best suited for under the sink since they’re waterproof.

Ease of Cleaning

Many of today’s rugs are lightweight and made of fabrics you can toss right into the washing machine. Unless they have a non-slip rubber backing (see below), most are also dryer-safe. If you’re not planning on investing in a washable rug, make sure you know how to clean a rug the right way.

Safety

The best kitchen rugs will have a non-slip, gripping backing. After all, there are few things worse than tripping over a rug when you have a hot pot or knife in your hand. In fact, a non-slip rug is one of the best kitchen safety items you can own.

Comfort

Cushioned rugs will save your aching feet and back. They also make a nice spot for your pet to nap. If you find your rug flattening over time, try our hack to make any rug comfortable.

Color

You don’t want your rug to clash with the rest of your kitchen color scheme, and you also don’t want it to be so light that it shows every single (inevitable) stain. Pick a rug in a fun accent color to brighten up the space or a soft neutral if you don’t want it to stand out too much.

Style

The selection of kitchen rug colors and patterns is nearly endless. From simple to traditional to wild, go ahead and express yourself.

Why You Should Trust Us

Family Handyman is a building and design haven for professionals and DIYers alike. For over 70 years we’ve inspired our readers with detailed project plans, design inspiration, home improvement guidance and troubleshooting and tested shopping guides.

Kitchen mats are nothing new to us. Not only do our editors and contributors have them in their own homes, but our sister brand Taste of Home’s Test Kitchen team uses them all day, every day.

How We Found the Best Kitchen Rugs

Finding the best kitchen rugs was no small feat. Our in-house testing team scoured the internet for the best-reviewed kitchen mats from top brands and retailers in a variety of materials, sizes and features.

Ultimately, we tested 15 products and tracked nearly 600 data points, including the packing and shipping, absorbency and care needs, material, feel, style and size options and price. We splattered the rugs with common kitchen liquids and foods to test for staining and ease-of-cleaning, measured each side and pile to ensure the retailer’s measurements were correct, stood on the mats for hours to feel the anti-fatigue benefits (or lack thereof) and much more. In all, we spent close to 24 hours testing each of these rugs.

Each category was scored out of 5, then added up for the total performance score. Only the top-scoring kitchen rugs were included in this list.

FAQs

What is the best type of rug for a kitchen?

The best type of rug for your kitchen usually depends on your specific needs and desires, but there are some standouts. Washable fabrics like cotton, PVC and polypropylene (also known as olefin) are easy to clean, which makes them a great option for the kitchen. Natural materials, like jute, bamboo and cork would also work well in the kitchen, depending on the rug’s construction and durability.

On the flip side, avoid silk, hide and faux fur rugs. These materials are much too delicate and difficult to clean for a kitchen setting. We’d also recommend avoiding any rugs that shed, are slippery, or have high sides or curling edges, as they can be a tripping hazard.

Are rugs in the kitchen a good idea?

Kitchen rugs are a wonderful way to update your space and stave off aches and pains. Like almost anything in the kitchen, there are some potential safety hazards. To minimize them, ensure the rug you’re using is non-slip on the top and bottom. Beveled edges and a low-profile or low-pile will also minimize the risk of tripping on the side of the rug.

Should you put a rug in front of the kitchen sink?

You can certainly put a rug in front of a kitchen sink, especially if you tend to spend a lot of time washing dishes. An anti-fatigue kitchen rug can prevent sore feet, hips and lower back. Just make sure you wipe up any drips or spills to prevent slipping. You’ll also want to regularly clean and disinfect your kitchen rug, just as you would clean your kitchen floor.

Toni DeBella, freelance writer and product reviewer, contributed to this review.