Kitchen Comfort Mat - Worth It and Ideal Design?

last year

last modified: last year

Respectfully, please don’t ignore my question to suggest radical, expensive changes or tell me how we should have done things differently.

I think my wife would appreciate a kitchen comfort mat as one of her xmas gifts and she forgot she asked for it in the past. So i’m looking for feedback on if they really help make a difference and what design would look best in our home/kitchen?

Our home is MCM-ish/modern, prefer natural, minimalist vibes.

Also, i’m thinking i’ll get a long one for in front of the prep/cook area/island/stove and a smaller one in front of the cleanup sink… or just go with one for now?

Photos below include furniture we plan to eventually replace (not in scope for this post), we also lowered our pendant lights and please excuse the mess.

Featured Answer

rebunky

last year

last modified: last year

I was thinking about your question some more and I think I would rather get a normal kitchen runner that fits better with your homes mcm style.

I only saw one of those anti fatique mats that didn’t look like an ugly restaurant mat, but it was over $200. Yikes!

Instead, you could get your wife a pair of Oofos slippers. They are the most cushy comfy shoes I have ever worn in my life! I have several styles, and it is all I wear in the house.

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Comments (38)

rebunky
last year
Hey Zach!

I remember helping on your kitchen design thread.

I really love how it all turned out! Looks very functional and of course beautiful. Look at that awesome huge window wall! I am so happy for you. This just made my day. I am so glad I happened to click on this thread.

A comfy kitchen runner would be a great gift for your wife. I would get both the runner length and short one together so they match.

I think you are on the right track. Maybe look for something that has a little bit of the caramel cabinet color, a soft black to bring in the hardware, on a lighter natural background. It could even have a little sage green in there to tie in the green plants.
Zach thanked rebunky
houssaon
last year
I agree. It sounds like a nice present. Kitchen looks great.
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rainyseason
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Mat idea— go to a local restaurant supply store. We bought a mat in a long roll, about 3 feet wide, and cut it to fit, mitering the corners, but they’ll also have individual mats in different sizes too. More economical than other mat sources if you don’t mind the look.
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JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
Honestly, most of the comfort mats, due to the padded effect, and yes DESPITE they have beveled edges.....are major trip hazards. I nearly killed myself on one in a clients kitchen.

Better? A great decorative kilim flat weave .....a flat indoor /outdoor rug easy to clean....... very comfy/springy SHOES.

PS? You better put a diamond "something" somewhere in that mat , if you do do it.: ) It's right up there with getting a vacuum cleaner in my book.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I agree about the trip hazard for sure. I bought one and we have 3 huge dogs very hairy . The mat acted like a hair magnet and was horrible I gave it to a bakery for their staff.
Kendrah
last year
Kitchen comfort mats have made a tremendous difference on my bad back. Yes, I wear comfort sole shoes (Hokas) all the time in my house, but having the mat makes a huge difference. Good ones are a serious investment. Cheap ones aren't worthwhile. I'd get one that is as close in color as possible to your floor color. Some places make them custom. Start with one and then see if you want another. I have not found mine to be a tripping hazard nor a hair magnet and my dog is a profound shedder.

Does your wife need the surprise factor of a gift - do you need to purchase it to give her, or as a gift can you wrap up a little note telling her this is what you want to get her and she can help pick out one that she likes?

If I had the choice between my fantastic Miele vacuum and a diamond, I'd take a vacuum gift any day!
beesneeds
last year
I have two in my kitchen- one in front of the sink, and the other in front of the stove and counter next to it. They are Dr. Scholl's, not too bad on the price at the time. And absolutely worth it. I've got some old injuries, and the mats do help with it. They havent' really been trip hazards or hair magnets (cats here), but they are getting worn enough that cleaning the tops of them isn't as easy. I'd be happy to get a new set for the holidays- and even nicer if it's a surprise because I'd forgotten I wanted them :)

I do wear good shoes too. But the mats help even more. I also have less pretty machine shop comfort mats for standing areas at work benches around the property.

If you can get nice ones that match in different sizes, I'd get two at the same time. My only real complaint about my mats is that they are the same size, and next set I will get a longer one for in front of the stove and counter next to it. The current one isn't quite long enough.
mxk3 z5b_MI
last year
I ordered comfort mats for my kitchen and sent them back -- I found them too easy to trip over because of the elevation of them, so I don't recommend them for that reason.
Helen
last year
I prefer nothing in a kitchen because it is easier to keep clean and your kitchen really has a lovely minimal but very warm look to it.

Why not first start with really comfortable cushy shoes that are easy to put on and take off - backless. It is a good idea to wear shoes in the kitchen anyway for safety reasons,

They make some really fun or fashionable styles - depends on your wife's taste.

You can always elevate to a comfort mat if these don't solve the problem. I used to have tile in my kitchen but when I remodeled had all wood throughout including kitchen and the floors are much more comfortable.
Zach
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
@rebunky - thank you so much for your help with our last min kitchen design, it’s perfect and we think it looks great!

Great suggestion on the slippers, I was kind of thinking something like that may be a good alternative.

One thing to note is that we don’t wear shoes in our house and so the mat could benefit others who are helping cook a big meal, assuming they don’t trip. Then again, that rarely happens.

If I do buy mats, i’m okay with spending more than $200, similar to a rug, I think it’s okay to invest in things that will be a semi-perm addition to a space, and impact the look/function.

I was kind of thinking a terrazzo type design would maybe look good too, and give the MCM type vibe… i also like the idea of going with sage, it’s a good nature green.
rebunky
last year
So here is the website to the ones I found that look nice.

https://www.thehouseofnoa.com/collections/standing-mats/products/comfy-kitchen-bundle?variant=40615105822767&al_pg_id=6c76fc43-ea18-4566-94dd-c14ba57f603a

Actually they have a sale going on this weekend. He are a just a couple that I though would look good, but they had a few more too.

$250 is actually not that bad for the bundle because I had mistakingly thought just the small one was $200.

So maybe you could add the oofos slippers to the gift too? 🥰
ptreckel
last year
How sweet of you to recall what your wife expressed she would like to have. The House of Noa mats look great. But rather than the oofos slippers, I would “add” a diamond! (Just a suggestion! ;>)
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
LOL!!! Hysterical.

I loooove to clean. But honestly? I'd take the diamond over any darn vacuum.

Second secret? These suck the nails from the floor vacuums wreak havoc on wool rugs. Don't laugh - my very fine custom broadloom source uses nothing but "el cheaperooo" Hoover. Yup. The one with the bag.

Back to diamonds and vacuums........maybe you're not getting out enough?? :) : )

Actually ? Good call above....but better you put the diamond in the toe of the Ooofas. Now THAT is thinking inside! the box!
Ally De
last year
Very bad back. A gelpro mat with the beveled edge is my savior for comfort. Had it for 10 years, never once tripped. Also have 2 dogs and no issues with fur sticking. Spills wipe up with a damp cloth. Absolutely love mine. Maybe some of the complaints have the cheaper kind, or maybe they are just fussier than me. 😄🤷‍♀️
WestCoast Hopeful
last year
For sure go with slippers over a mat. Means her feet will always be comfy not just in kitchen. Also I can tell you have a least one little and you don’t want them tripping :)
Anne Duke
last year
I had two GelPro mats very briefly. Tripped more than once. Sold them for a huge loss.
User
last year
I say pretty runner, and some oofos. I wear my oofos flip flops every second I am home. I keep them by the door. My dad gave them to me as a gift and I am obsessed.
rebunky
last year
last modified: last year
This should make you laugh Jan!

My husband and I just had our 30 year anniversary.

He could have gotten me diamonds, a vacation trip, pretty much whatever I wanted. But he’s learned over the years that while surprises are fun, I prefer to pick out the present for him to ”surprise” me with. Lol!

Soooo, what did I tell him I wanted for our 30th?

A new Roomba! The lastest one with the self cleaning docking base that sucks up all the dirt into a bag that lasts a couple months before you need to replace it. No more having to empty the bin every time.

Her name is ”Frenchie”. All I have to say is, ”Hey siri, clean main house”

Then she says “Just a sec…. Ok, done!” And away she goes.

I love Frenchie so much more then a diamond! I have too much jewelry anyways from when I worked at a fine jewelry store where I got 70% off as an employee. 😂

Zach, It would be adorable though if you put a little wrapped gift hidden inside the slipper. What about a dainty cz ”diamond” toe ring? Or maybe a gift certificate for a pedicure? Or a hand written gift certificate from you for 10 foot massages?

Have fun with it being all about how you care so much about her precious feet being pampered! 🥰
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
@reBunky

You know what I do when I install a client and see Siri sitting there on the counter?

I. UN. PLUG. HER.

For the obvious reason I will be muttering to myself.... will open a drawer to find a scissors or a pencil left behind, and say aloud "Good LORD woman, wth and wth do ya think you'll have enough cocktail napkins, or these awful candles with the horrendous cheapo scents from the Yankee joint??!!"

uhhhhh yeah. I'm paranoid. See ya Siri.: )
beeboo22
last year
If your wife clearly said “I want a comfort mat,” get her one (or two). Otherwise, go with the slippers. I have flip flops (Sanuk, so squishy) I only use indoors and they work great for this purpose.
Zach thanked beeboo22
jaja06
last year
I’m feeling the need to chime in, not to be contrary, but just to confirm that people like me exist… I would be utterly disappointed if my husband bought me jewelry for Christmas, and I would be thrilled to have a self-empty dock for my robot vacuum/mop. I think he knows this about me though ;)
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
last modified: last year
I'd be more thrilled with the guy who set up the Roomba, unloaded it when full, anywhere in a trash can in the darn garage and then told me to soak in the tub, handed me a glass of vino, left me alone for an hour and ?? Said: Meet me at the front door to go out for dinner, then gave me a little wrapped something at dinner while he gazed into my eyes.................................

Can you tell this has yet to happen to virtually any woman you know? You are correct. ! That is because...............

The only guys who actually do this are already married to someone else and they do not do it for HER. lol Sad .Truth. Indeed : )😂
jaja06
last year
Lol Jan, I had to read that last part twice. Uh oh 😬 Is this the answer for those of you who want diamonds??
PRO
JAN MOYER
last year
Gee. I have no clue : ) I would hope not? I'm really, really decent at the design thing........I'll stay in my lane , infer as you like? 😱
denkyem
last year
I'm also in a no-shoes house and live in an area where no-one wears shoes in the house. If my spouse got me cushy slippers like that I don't think I'd be able to break my habit of being mostly barefoot/stocking-footed in the house to wear them. We have one of these mats (just a simple black one) in front of our sink and really love it. bonus, it offers the hardwood some protection in one of the splashiest messiest places in the kitchen (looks like you have a toddler who presumably sometimes washes their hands at the sink.. us too. oof.)

I think the mat is a good idea. Why not start with a small one for the space in front of the sink? Wrap that up for Christmas and then tell her you were thinking of getting both that and a long one but wanted to try the short one out and decide together if it's working for your space and if you're both happy with the aesthetics before making the bigger commitment... promise her you'll order the long one if it does work out, and then follow through a couple weeks later asking her if she wants it and placing the order.

That's how I'd want my spouse to handle this!
Zach thanked denkyem
mcarroll16
last year
You know, some women would like diamonds, some would like a Roomba, some of us want a Dremel. But just about every woman would appreciate that bath/wine/dinner combo that Jan described. Do that, and you are good, whatever is inside the wrapped box.
PRO
Makeatea
last year
last modified: last year
Get your wife a comfort mat if she explicitly stated that she wanted one (or two). If not, wear the slippers. I only wear flip flops inside, and my indoor-only Sanuk flip flops are perfect for this.
Kate
last year
I have the pro grade about 4’ in front of my sink in black (I have really dark stained floor) and love it! My floors were pre finished and everything slides on the floors no matter what pad I use, so I opted for the longer mat and though heavy it still moves around over time, nevertheless I spend a lot of time at my kitchen sink and couldn’t live without it.
Zach thanked Kate
Zach
Original Author
last year
Thanks for all of the advice. My wife isn’t into jewlery, so a diamond isn’t something she’d want me giving her. We also don’t need a vacuum and so she wouldn’t appreciate that. This is also not the only gift she’s getting, it will be a mix of experience and thoughtful things, because that’s what she will like most.

I was really trying to determine if the comfort mats are good and get feed back on the mat design with our kitchen - although, thanks for the other advice.

That said, @rebunky I waited too long and the first option you posted is sold out. I wasnt as big of a fan of the other design.

What do you think of one mat in this design?

https://www.gelpro.com/Designer-Comfort-Mat-Sunflowers?quantity=1&size=4&color=274

I do like the idea of possibly going one mat for now to see how it goes, then getting more later - IF, the cost is going to be closer to $300. If it’s under $300, great design/quality and two mats, that’s also a consideration. Upon 2nd thought re: slippers, she has some now and doesn’t wear them much, so unsure that’s a great investment, unless those other ones are extra extra super slippers and her current pair are meh.
rebunky
last year
I love that! I actually think it‘s perfect. I am sure your wife will love it. Great find Zach!
Zach thanked rebunky
rebunky
last year
last modified: last year
I don’t have the slipper ones yet, but just thought something to slide on and wear around the house. Here are the two styles I have in several different colors.

Btw, we are a “leave your slippah’s at the door” house too, but walking bare foot kills me after a while because of my high arches. Once I discovered these, I am now obsessed lol!
Zach thanked rebunky
partim
last year
I'm just curious as to what the wooden item is, sitting on the floor between the island and the sink.
mcarroll16
last year
last modified: last year
Partim, that's a step stool for toddlers. It helps them stay upright, not falling off. And it keeps them where you've parked them, not jumping off a normal step stool and running over to touch things they shouldn't. I think that particular model is a Learning Tower, but it's been a lot of years now since I've been in the market for toddler gadgets.
User
last year
My oofos are indoors only
beesneeds
last year
Very nice mat Zach! I like the pattern.

If she does not wear the slippers much, I would skip on slippers. Or other shoes unless you really know her shoe prefrences. Like some folks like to wear flip flops or open toe indoor shoes, others slippers, others closed toe shoes, or even kitchen shoes.
User
last year
last modified: last year
I don't like those thick rubber mats.

We use a flat weave rug that has a non-skid backing. It's thin enough to not be a trip hazard and the rubber backing keeps it from sliding around. The busy pattern hides a little messiness until I have time to get to it, and it's easy to clean.

My husband and I both determined that -- along with good slippers -- the rug gives enough extra cushion. (We have sore feet and wear slippers or flip flops most of the time anyway.)

I found it at Kohls:Sonoma Goods For Life Covington Area & Washable Throw Rug -- the color is called "charcoal stripe". Seriously I love it so much, I'm thinking of getting another as a backup when this one dies (but we've had it five years and it still looks great). They come in a ton of different sizes. These ones have some ok patterns too.
PRO
KTSoft
last year
We use a rug with a flat weave and a non-skid backing. It's not too thick to provide a trip risk, and the rubber backing prevents it from moving. The busy design is simple to clean and conceals any little messes until I have time to deal with them.