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Rug suggestion for kitchen...hardwood flooring

12 years ago

Hello all!

I have hickory hardwood floors..new last year. I don't have any rugs down yet but probably should between my sink and island work area. I literally wipe it down every day...our kitchen is abused!

I'm debating between a runner or a smaller rug between the two structures and then over by my cooktop. I have no idea where to look. Style and function are hard to come by sometimes.

The flooring site mentioned not using rubber backed rugs bc of breathability/humidity.

Any rugs that you love and might suggest for this area?

Featured Answer

erinsean

12 years ago

Unless you need them for comfort, I would not put a rug down. If you are cleaning your floor every day...that same dirt is getting in/on your rug and you will be washing it often. Plus they are a tipping hazzard...my 10 year old grandson fell the other day...slipped on the rug. He thought it was funny since he didn't get hurt. Elderly people should especially be cautious....I know rugs look pretty and give the floor some color but I gave them up.

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Comments (10)

anninthedistrict
12 years ago
I wonder about comfort mats? There is a particular kind I have in mind but can't think of the name.
I think Bed, Bath and Beyond carries a small amount and then they sell online.....Antifatigue type thing.
I am not sure about whether they might damage the floor.
My only solution for a spotless floor in my kitchen is no eating or cooking in there...lol. Who the heck can afford that. So, we have no five second rule at my house. I try and keep it clean but if anything hits it only the dog can eat it.
francypants
12 years ago
I use both a runner and a smaller rug. Small goes by the stove and the runner the length of my recyclable/garbage, sink and dishwasher. I got the perfect sizes at Crate and Barrel. They're washable and you could use a rug pad underneath but I just try to be careful. Haven't slipped "yet".

Here is a link that might be useful: rugs
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There really are no rules about what colors go together, just personal preference. Some people do suggest going one or two shades apart for contrast. Have you scrolled through the Finished Kitchens Blog? You can get lots of good ideas from there. I'll link it below. We have just been clipping photos out and going to open houses to see what appeals to us. We ended up with Brazilian Teak Floors and Alder Cabinets with a medium brown stain. (both are unfinished so no photos to show you yet) I think the colors you chose sound good together but without seeing the Whiskey Glaze, I'm not sure. Do you have samples of each that you are holding up next to each other? As for the upkeep, I've had tile, travertine and wood before. All have their pros and cons but the upkeep on the wood was not a big deal at all. I used my built in vac for quick dusting and damp mopped once a week. We had plenty of spills but never any damage. Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchen Slideshow
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I would steer clear of wool, too. As hard wearing as wool is, kitchens are sloppy places so make your life easier. I have a washable cotton rug from Hook & Loom in my kitchen. It's between my stove and my sink so it gets plenty of abuse. I have washed it at least a dozen times, colors have not changed and there's not a loose thread on it anywhere.
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natal
12 years ago
Right now I'm using an indoor/outdoor rug (with pad) at the kitchen sink.
blfenton
12 years ago
I buy mine at Home Depot because they are reasonably priced, some don't have rubber backs, they have a great selection and I like to change mine out so pricing is a consideration. I have 4 sets and 3 sets I throw into the washing machine. One set is actually a bath set that I got from BB&B. I keep one mat at the sink and the other at the range.
PRO
acdesignsky
12 years ago
It took me 4 years to find a rug for the kitchen. I have a 2.5x5 between the kitchen island sink and stove. It catches the spills from the sink and the splatters from the stove. It looks like wool but is poly-something that can be washed. Savahieh makes some fun and inexpensive ones. I found mine at Homegoods for $30, but the line is carried pretty much everywhere. I bought two just in case one gets ruined, but so far it hasn't been a problem.
ajc9
Original Author
11 years ago
Ahhhh....love all of your comments and help. Thanks for the pics too...awesome!
winesnob
11 years ago
I have a hooked rug from Horchow, second one because it looks nice and is easy. I got a non slip mat for it from the oriental rug store that they cut. It is rooster motif, not sure if it will fit in your scheme but it is great rug.....
evenshade
11 years ago
A vote here for the gel mats from B,B&B. I have them and they're great on the legs and feet. They're not beautiful... but for me this is a place where form follows function.
natal
11 years ago
Evenshade, I'd probably choose gel too if I had tile floors.

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