12 Rugs for Your Kitchen Floor That You’ll Want to Add to Cart ASAP

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It wasn't that long ago that a rug in the kitchen might have seemed nonsensical, but thanks to the much-loved "open floor plan" trend, culinary spaces have evolved into much more than just a room designated for cooking. Also known as the heart of the home, kitchens are where many of us spend our time entertaining, meal prepping, savoring our morning coffee, or even catching up on work. With so many hours logged in this one room, it's no wonder we love to find ways to make it feel even more integrated with the rest of our home. Enter: the kitchen rug. Adding soft texture to cold tile or simple hardwoods immediately lends warmth and coziness to what could easily be overlooked as a purely utilitarian space.

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So what should you keep in mind when selecting a rug for your culinary headquarters? While many kitchens are best accommodated by a runner, feel free to choose a larger size or alternate shape depending on the layout of your space. Of course, for practical reasons, you'll want to make sure that it's made from durable materials, such as sisal, jute, or an indoor/outdoor option. That being said, if you're set on having something soft underfoot, make sure you opt for a color or pattern that can easily conceal stains in between cleanings.

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Ready to be inspired? Keep scrolling for 12 rugs for the kitchen floor that will have you clicking "Add to Cart" in no time flat.

1. Add vintage charm with a kilim rug.

This vintage runner from Lulu & Georgia immediately adds soul to this modern black and white kitchen. The lighter wood floors in a herringbone (swoon!) pattern allow the rust-colored tones in the rug to pop and make a big impact, while the black cabinets keep the overall kitchen design sleek and current.

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Get the look: Frances Loom Heritage 0055, $2,300

2. Opt for a round style.

This round jute rug is the perfect way to soften the harsh angles of this lakeside bungalow kitchen belonging to The Stella Blue Gallery. To recreate this boho look, pair this circular Moroccan beauty with an abundance of indoor plants, and art styled on open shelving for a relaxed, care-free vibe.

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Get the look: Surya Sundaze Moroccan Circle Area Rug, $175 - $1,200

3. Inject subtle pattern with a classic stripe.

This navy and brass kitchen by Studio McGee remains family-friendly and casual thanks to the addition of a striped rug that's perfect for the kitchen floor. PSA: Anchor it in front of the sink to ease the aches and pains of standing on unforgiving tile or hardwood while washing dishes.

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Get the look: McGee & Co. Jute Ticking Indigo Rug, $254

4. Tie everything together.

Designer Jaclyn Peters opted for a vintage-style rug for the kitchen floor in this green space. The Turkish pattern adds an eclectic layer, while also managing to seamlessly tie in the black accents throughout. In an open layout, select a square or rectangular shape instead of a traditional runner to ensure the scale of your rug is proportionate to the size of the room.

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Get the look: TurkishArtRugs Vintage Runner, $529

5. Distract from dated linoleum.

A faux cowhide rug is the perfect addition to this compact eat-in nook designed by The Everygirl co-founder and editor Alaina Kaczmarski. Not only is it incredibly durable and easy to clean, but it also adds a cozy layer that distracts from the less-than-desirable linoleum in this Chicago rental. We recommend using this option as a rug for kitchen floors in awkwardly sized rooms, since the dynamic shape can work effortlessly in a variety of circumstances.

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Get the look: Brighton Faux Cowhide Rug, $159

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6. Inject color into a traditional white kitchen.

This all-white kitchen from Peony Interior Designs gets a dose of feminine personality thanks to a navy and pink tasseled runner. To recreate this look, include blue and white accessories throughout to tie into the colors and pattern of your statement-making kitchen flooring idea. Bonus points when you throw in cane barstools for added texture.

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Get the look: Caitlin Wilson Design Kismet Rug in Navy, $225 - $3,250

7. Add a rustic touch with a jute rug.

No one does rustic design quite like Mustard Seed Interiors, and this braided jute rug for the kitchen floor in her white setup is no exception. To bring this look into your own home, pair white cabinets with a marble subway tile backsplash — the perfect juxtaposition to your casual jute runner.

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Get the look: World Market Natural Chunky Braided Jute Flynn Area Rug, $89.99 - $399.99

8. Create balance with muted colors.

The muted tones in this vintage style runner create balance and harmony when paired with eye-catching blue cabinetry and brass hardware. To create a similar vibe in your own space, follow the lead of this modern eclectic kitchen from Erin Conway and utilize soft pastels and white appliances in place of stainless to soften a bold color palette.

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Get the look: Magnolia Evie Ivory Spice Rug, $199

9. Make a statement in a small kitchen.

Liz Adam's cozy cook space is a perfect example of using a full-size rug for the kitchen floor. Not only does the square shape fit seamlessly, but the color and pattern will easily hide any spills or stains. To recreate the look, style a vibrant Turkish rug with orange and pink tones against a modern charcoal tile for dreamy contrast.

Get the look: TurQualityRugs Turkish Rug, $270

10. Black, white, and wood all over.

When has IKEA ever steered us wrong? A striking black and white rug for the kitchen floor will stand the test of time and evolve with your home through every renovation, thanks to its timeless pattern and palette. It's no secret that we're huge fans of black, white, and wood kitchens, which is why we recommend styling this one with wood cabinets — the perfect dose of warmth.

Get the look: IKEA Stockholm Rug, $299

11. Break up busy floor tile.

This gorgeous runner from Amethyst Home breaks up a busy vintage tile while also adding balance to tone-on-tone black cabinets, hardware, and countertops. To recreate this kitchen flooring idea, layer an eclectic, multicolored rug on top of a classic black and white mosaic tile for a timeless result.

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Get the look: Amethyst Home Loren Brick/Multi Rug, $262

12. Add interest to a neutral kitchen.

Sometimes simple is best, and the Taza rug from Lulu & Georgia proves that time and time again. When neutral is the name of the game, simply adding a black and white rug to the kitchen floor (with a tassel or two because life is short) ups the cozy factor without distracting from your stunning Spanish tile.

Get the look: Lulu & Georgia Taza Rug, $198

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