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.
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.
Opt for a lint-free or short-pile carpet
Because spills and spills are inevitable, and the ability to move chairs around is important, lint-free or low-pile rugs are a very practical choice for a dining room. Leave shaggy, fleecy, soft Moroccan, and generally any carpets with long soft pile for the living room, where they will require much less care and cleaning.
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.
How to choose a carpet for the kitchen
In the dining room, a textile covering is usually placed near the sink, along the work area or under the dining table. The appropriateness of one or another option is dictated by the size and style of the kitchen. It is also imperative to take into account the layout of the room and the configuration of furniture sets.
Size
In a modest room, a large rug will look out of place. Small kitchens should be decorated with mats or paths, while spacious kitchens should be laid with wide textile coverings or used for decoration using several products united by a common style. If you plan to place the carpet in the dining area, you should correctly calculate its size. The width and length of the product should exceed the same parameters of the dining table by 60-70 cm on each side. This reserve is necessary for the free movement of chairs or stools. In order not to make a mistake with the dimensions, before going to the store you should draw a marking on the floor for the future carpet and measure it with a tape measure. You can mark the contours of this decorative element using tape.
Form
When choosing this option for a carpet in the kitchen, you should take into account the configuration of the dining table and the room as a whole. For rooms with walls of the same length, square and round products are suitable. Rectangular and oval carpets look good in oblong rooms. Exactly the same principle should be followed when choosing a textile product directly for the dining area.
Material
Carpets differ in their composition. They can be of natural or synthetic origin. Models made from the following materials are considered most suitable for the kitchen:
- wool - carpets made from it are durable, hygienic and have good soundproofing qualities;
- cotton, jute, linen - natural materials, products from which are easy to wash;
- polyester – high-quality synthetics with dirt-repellent properties;
- polypropylene is an artificial hypoallergenic material, products from which tolerate cleaning and washing well, maintaining their original appearance;
- acrylic - a fiber that imitates natural wool, while possessing dirt-repellent properties;
- combined products - in the manufacture of such carpets, various materials are used, which improves their performance.
Texture
For the kitchen, you should choose models with short pile or without it at all. These options are much easier to clean and wash. It is possible to tidy products with long pile only with professional help. It is better to leave such carpets for living rooms and bedrooms. Also, when choosing textiles for the kitchen, you should opt for products with a dense and smooth texture. They are much easier to wash compared to embossed models.
Color
When choosing a kitchen carpet tone, consider the following tips:
- light shades are very impractical. Against such a background, the smallest spots will be clearly visible. If desired, you can purchase a carpet made from modern materials that are easy to wash and do not lose shape from frequent hygiene procedures;
- The best option for the kitchen is a variegated color model. Such a carpet will successfully hide defects that arise during use in a food preparation room;
- the tone of the textiles should echo the color scheme of other decorative elements;
- for a bright kitchen, you should choose more restrained carpets, with the help of which you can slightly mute the provocative saturation of the main color;
- a discreet room in neutral tones can be “revived” with the help of bright models with original, intricate patterns.
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.
The most suitable carpet material for the kitchen
When making a choice in a carpet store, pay attention to the material. Remember that synthetic carpets absorb any dirt that is difficult to remove. Natural materials will be more appropriate. Cotton and wool carpets are especially easy to clean. Matting, sisal, jute and other natural materials are more difficult to clean.
Another parameter is the thickness of the fabric. Thin is easy to clean and can be quickly wetted. Thick fibers hold onto substances that fall on them more tightly, which makes cleaning the carpet almost impossible.
There is no need for long pile in the kitchen. The fibers hold crumbs and small spilled food, but do not allow them to be quickly removed. It is better to choose woven or wicker products.
The best fabrics used to make a kitchen carpet are:
- Wool.
The most traditional material. Such carpets have the ability to retain heat, are easy to clean and provide a pleasant tactile sensation. This carpet will last 20-50 years. The main thing is to monitor the presence of moths in the house. - Nylon.
In all respects it is similar to wool. Its disadvantage is the rapid loss of brightness of colors when constantly exposed to direct sunlight. - Polypropylene.
Inexpensive material, resistant to water absorption, easy to clean, but short-lived. The service life does not exceed 5-7 years. A high-quality carpet has a dense pile, which allows it not to wrinkle.
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.
Where to put the carpet
There are several options for placing a carpet on the kitchen floor. For example, you can place a small rug near the sink. This is justified from a health point of view - you spend a lot of time here, in addition, sometimes water gets on the floor and you are forced to stand on a wet surface.
A narrow oblong rug will look good along the work area. The important thing here is to make sure that the carpet is easy to clean - you will have to be very careful about keeping it clean.
The carpet in the work area should be easy to clean
In the dining area, the carpet can be almost anything - round, oval, square, rectangular. Also choose colors and materials according to your taste and taking into account the design of the kitchen.
A stylized carpet will highlight the dignity of the interior
It is important to choose the size of the carpet - make sure that you can easily move chairs in and out without touching the edges of the carpet. In this case, it will quickly lose its appearance.
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.
how to choose the color and pattern of the carpet for the dining room interior
In this section we will look at several guidelines. Let's start with the obvious and closest element - how to match the rug with the chairs around the dining table.
The carpet matches the upholstery of the chairs.
A win-win elegant move if the chairs have plain textile or leather upholstery plus contrasting wooden legs. The carpet shade is similar to the upholstery, but differs in the subtle pattern and texture (photo left).
It is much more difficult to choose a carpet if the upholstery has a multi-color pattern. There is a solution: find a carpet similar in background + with the presence of one or two of the most saturated shades that are on the upholstery of the chairs (photo on the right).
The upholstery of the chairs matches the color of the carpet.
Did you like (or happen to get) a spectacular carpet for the dining room that looks like a black sheep?
Perhaps you decide to make it the starting point of the decor (read paragraph 17 about this). But there is a simpler solution - using old chairs. It is enough to order upholstery of soft seats or sew suitable covers. And now a harmonious ensemble is ready, where two elements (carpet and chairs) support each other.
The pattern of the carpet is in the shape of the chairs.
A particularly sophisticated technique from the decorators’ arsenal. If chairs (armchairs) with smooth back lines are chosen for the dining room, support their graceful shapes with a carpet pattern (complex geometry or vignettes).
Two excellent examples of the implementation of this idea are in front of you.
In addition to chairs, there are other interior elements , a harmonious combination with which will provide an expressive look to your dining room.
Single ensemble.
If the dining room color palette is already in place and the rug is intended to be the finishing touch, create a “color board” to help you decide on the shades of the rug.
If the interior has one fairly bright base color, look for a rug that also has it, complemented by neutral tones (example in the photo on the left).
If the dining room's palette is built not on one color, but on a combination of two (one of them can be neutral), find a rug that also clearly contains this combination (photo on the right).
Carpet as a starting point for decor.
If the previous technique seems too complicated for you, do the opposite: first select the carpet, and only then the rest of the textiles and perhaps even wallpaper.
On the one hand, you definitely can’t go wrong with the palette. On the other hand, the range of carpets is not as wide as fabrics, wallpapers and paints. But it is carpets that can look like real masterpieces that raise the level of the interior.
What to do when the carpet is chosen? Decorators advise using the lightest of its shades as a tone for the walls, and repeating the brightest one in accents.
A touch of exoticism.
Are you a convinced fan of a neutral palette, and is this the kind of interior you chose for your dining room - laconic, noble, time-tested? At the same time, don’t like pathos and excessive severity?
Pay attention to carpets with animal prints in beige and brown tones. They add variety to a restrained interior, adding an exotic touch of colonial style.
Carpet as the main color accent.
If you're tired of the neutral palette in your dining room, add a new bright tone (or a combination of similar shades). You will be surprised how radically your interior will change in just one step.
In the kitchen-dining room.
The optimal shape is rectangular. When choosing a color scheme, you can focus on the kitchen palette (photo on the left) or, like the previous technique, create an original accent.
The second option looks especially impressive if you add decor in the same colors as the carpet to the nearest wall or table (a very good example is in the photo on the right).
Focus shift.
If it is not possible to place the table exactly in the middle of the carpet, choose a pattern without a clear center. For example, a rhythmic pattern, no clear edges or medallions in the center. As a result, such an “imperfect” relative arrangement of interior elements looks like a well-thought-out design move.
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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.
Carpet in the kitchen interior
In addition to the functional features of carpeting, it is important to choose a carpet that will fit into the interior of your kitchen. It all depends on many factors: the chosen design style, color scheme, varied decor.
The palace should fit organically into the interior
We recommend taking all these characteristics into account if you want the carpet to look harmonious.
Classic style
It is better to choose a carpet in a classic kitchen from natural materials, in soft colors. As for the decor, focus on subtle patterns, geometric designs, and graceful landscapes. A patterned rug can become a real decoration for your kitchen if you choose the right image.
For a kitchen in a classic style, it is better to use soft colors
Give preference to beige and brown carpets. A white carpet can be a bold solution for a kitchen in a classic style.
A light carpet in the kitchen requires very careful care
However, keep in mind that caring for it is quite difficult - all the dirt will be visible.
Provence
For a Provence style kitchen, choose a light carpet - blue, gray. Experiment with shades of blue and green.
Carpet in Provence style
For patterns, give preference to abstraction or landscapes. Please note that for Provence, the carpet can become a key design element - in this case, it is better for you to limit the use of decor.
Country
For a country style, you can use wooden mats or wicker rugs. Choose checkered or striped patterns; various floral patterns are acceptable. The same recommendations apply to the American style of kitchen design.
Country style
It is very important that the design of the carpet is combined with the overall style of the room. Maintain uniform motifs in patterns and colors.
A very effective technique is the use of carpet colors in the decoration of the kitchen.
For example, the walls may reflect the lightest tone, while the floor may reflect the darkest. Choose accessories that fit into the palette.
High tech
For a high-tech kitchen, plain carpets are more suitable. You can choose a bright coating of the most extreme color, if it matches the overall tone. We recommend purchasing such rugs for dark monochromatic kitchens - they look very modern.
High-tech style
One of the latest trends is vinyl carpets. Of course, their heat-saving functions are questionable, but for high-tech or modern styles, due to their smooth glossy texture, they are ideal. Plus, they are very easy to care for.
In general, we recommend avoiding carpets that are too light. No matter how impressive they look, caring for them is not the easiest task. Most likely, you will have to spend more than one hour washing away the contaminants that inevitably arise during the cooking process.
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: Rubber-based entrance mats: features and benefits of use
- 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.
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.
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.
Related article: How to clean carpet from stains, chewing gum, mercury or hair (effective methods)
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.
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.
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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Advantages and disadvantages of carpet in kitchen design
Of course, when choosing a carpet for the kitchen, you need to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution. The positive features include the following:
- if the cooking process at the stove is prolonged, it will still be comfortable, just like being in the kitchen in general;
- if there are small children in the house, then you don’t have to worry about their safety, because if they fall, the soft covering will significantly soften the blow;
- with the help of a rug you can delimit different zones in the room, making the space seem more spacious;
- a kitchen rug will take the impact of dirt and falls of various kitchen utensils, thereby preserving and extending the life of the floor covering;
- the design of the space will look more stylish.
But at the same time, there are several disadvantages that are also worth considering:
- Dust and dirt particles quickly accumulate between the fibers;
- Caring for a kitchen carpet is not an easy task, and it also requires regularity;
- In the kitchen space, such coatings wear out quite quickly, since there is always someone there, and wet cleaning is done very often.
A carpet can be considered an “immortal” accessory. No matter how capricious fashion is, they can change the structure of the material, color, shape and purpose, but they will never disappear completely
Don't be afraid to use the rug as a key feature in your kitchen.
Everyone needs to weigh for themselves all the pros and cons of such a decision, and choose what is more important to them: coziness and comfort or the absence of the need for constant thorough cleaning.
To prevent the mat from slipping, it must be secured with double-sided tape.