Choosing a kitchen rug can be a daunting task, especially if your kitchen has hardwood floors. This is a high-traffic area prone to spills and drops, and hardwood floors need to be protected from scratches, dirt, and buildup. Fortunately, the best kitchen rugs for hardwood floors are easy to clean and provide protection for your floors while providing a little cushioning for your feet while cooking. Many designs stay in place despite slippery floors.
When purchasing a kitchen rug, you need to consider washability and non-slip backing. Ideally, the rug is machine washable in case of large spills, but a lower-pile rug that is easier to vacuum will also suffice. To keep your rug from slipping and protect your floor from scratches, choose a rug with a non-slip backing or add a rug pad (sold separately). As for the material of the backing, if it's within your budget, try to stay away from lower-cost PVC backings as they may degrade the floor's finish over time, and instead opt for rubber, latex or felt materials.
Since you may need to stand for long periods of time while washing dishes, preparing food, or cooking, you may want a kitchen rug with extra padding for added comfort. Ultimately, the size and appearance of the rug that's best for you will ultimately depend on your kitchen layout and aesthetic, so before buying, consider taking measurements to make sure the rug you choose will fit perfectly. To make this even easier, most of the options below are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Scroll to find the best kitchen rugs for hardwood floors so you can find one that meets your needs and looks great while you're at it.
1. This woven indoor/outdoor rug comes in a variety of shapes and colors
Made from waterproof woven polypropylene, this indoor/outdoor rug has the durability you need in busy areas like the kitchen. When cleaning, manufacturers recommend hosing and using carpet cleaner to spot-treat stains. It also vacuums easily. This rug does not have a built-in backing, but rubber rug pads can be purchased to prevent slipping and provide extra protection for the floor. It comes in eight colors and 37 size and shape combinations, including circles, ovals, rectangles and squares.
One reviewer wrote: "This rug handles spills brilliantly and cleans up so easily! Bought for use in the kitchen and I was shocked how stains were mostly eliminated with a little soap and water."
2. Easy-to-vacuum floral rug
If you want a patterned rug that can stand up to kitchen traffic, this floral rug might be for you. It's made from durable nylon, and while it's not machine washable, it has a short pile that makes it easy to vacuum. Spot cleaning can also be done with a mild cleanser. Featuring a full rubber backing to prevent slipping and damaging floors, the rug is available in three colors and nine sizes, including strip, oval and rectangular.
One reviewer wrote: "We just had our hardwood floors refinished and I purchased rugs to protect the kitchen floor from water etc. They arrived quickly and they grip the floor well and won't Moves around and is comfortable to wear.”Hold on. "
3. A pair of basic non-slip floor mats in a neutral color
If you're looking for carpet coverage in multiple areas, this two-pack of kitchen mats might be a good choice. They're made from absorbent polypropylene twill with a short pile that's easy to vacuum and are machine washable. Both mats have a full rubber backing that prevents them from slipping or damaging your hardwood floors. Although they only come in one size, they are available in two neutral colors to match almost any kitchen décor.
One reviewer wrote: "Looks perfect in my kitchen! The non-slip backing keeps me securely in place and the color matches my cherry red hardwood floors. The rug is great quality!"
4. This machine washable rug set
For a shaggy rug that's still easy to clean, consider this set of absorbent microfiber shag rugs for the kitchen. The thicker the nap on them, the harder it will be to vacuum, but not impossible, and they're machine washable. They are fully backed with latex rubber to prevent slipping and provide more protection for your floors. The set features a plaid pattern and is available in two sizes and six colors. If you prefer a buffalo check pattern suit, that's also an option.
One reviewer wrote: "Awesome. I really love these. They've gone through multiple washes (maybe 7-10 years) without any change in [softness] or appearance. Plush, but not fuzzy Too thick and makes me feel like I'm walking on 70's shag. They feel great on my tired feet in the bathroom too. I would definitely buy again! ”
5. Machine washable cotton rugs
This modern patterned rug is made of cotton and is machine washable. Its low lint also easily absorbs crumbs and other spills. This rug has no backing but can be used with rug pads (sold separately) to prevent slipping and further protect your hardwood floors. It's available as a strip rug in one color and as an area rug in two colors, and could be a good choice if you have an open plan kitchen that requires a lot of floor covering.
One reviewer writes: "This rug is simple and beautiful. I love that it's machine washable. The pattern is great - the soft beige and white keep it from looking too garish or bold."
6. These absorbent and easy-to-clean rugs
This set of two short-pile rugs is easy to vacuum and machine washable. They are made of absorbent non-woven fabric and feature a wide border to provide a more aesthetically pleasing look to even basic floor mats. They also come with rubber points to help prevent slipping. Available in two neutral colors, these rugs will match almost any kitchen style.
One reviewer wrote: “Purchased these rugs for my kitchen and it works great. It helps keep the floor grease-free. I love that it is washable so it can be reused. The neutral color and texture are great Easy to match.”
Also great: Cushioned floor mats with non-slip bottoms
This memory foam pad is stain-resistant and has a non-slip bottom, making it a comfortable addition to the sink, kitchen island, or in front of the stove. Thick, supportive foam helps reduce fatigue on feet, legs and back when standing. It comes in 3 sizes and 13 colors and has a near-perfect 4.8-star overall rating after more than 21,000 reviews.
One reviewer wrote: "This is well worth it. My feet go great in the kitchen. I'm glad I don't have to stand on a hardwood floor for hours cooking."
