Area Rug or Runner Rug: Which is Best for Kitchen Décor?

One might think the decision between an area rug and a runner rug would be simple, but consider this: you need to determine how much floorspace you actually want to cover. Cover too much and the room could suddenly appear small and squished. Cover too little and your runner will look like a doormat.

So how do you decide what’s best for kitchen decor, area rug or runner?

In this guide, we’ll look at 3 criteria to help you make this decision.

Size

Choosing the right size rug for a kitchen means measuring out narrow spaces, as often the area between an island and the wall is quite slim. Here, you’d want to choose a runner rather than an area rug. However, if you’re looking to place a rug in a breakfast nook or eat-in kitchen with a small table, an area rug is ideal. 

Large area rugs can add warmth to a room while brightening up what may be a more austere palette. Keep in mind though, many interior designers recommend keeping a six inch frame of flooring around the rug to the wall and cabinets to make the rug expand the room rather than look oversized.

For instance, this Beverly Collection 6495 Cream Oriental Area Rug in 2 x 7 could fit a space between the island and sink and bring a timeless look to the room while warming it up. Or, if abstract is more your style, this Euston Collection 7681 Blue Abstract Area Rug brings a pop of color that would blend seamlessly into a bustling kitchen space. 

Color and Design

The beauty of selecting the color and design of a rug for a kitchen is that it can embellish your color palette or even draw the eye away from a space in your kitchen you don’t like. And they can go in any direction you want.

Say you want to elongate a small space. Consider stripes. Stripes on a long runner can make a kitchen feel bigger, as with this Luxe Weavers Towerhill Collection 7501 Blue Striped Area Rug.

Have a monochrome kitchen that needs perking up? Go bold on your floor with a brightly colored rug that brightens up the space. This could be done with something like this wild Luxe Weavers Victoria Collection Multi 5x7 Oriental Area Rug, which brings a pop art feel to a traditional design.

Or if you have a kitchen that’s very formal — think vintage range, hanging copper pots, and an old farmhouse sink — keep with the theme by incorporating an Oriental rug that’s as timeless as your home. Here, a big area rug can make a wood space feel toasty and inviting. The Hampstead Collection 8027 Red Oriental Area Rug is one such option. As stunning as it is durable, this gorgeous rug can stand up to boisterous dinner parties, busy afternoons making cookies, and lots of little feet while still looking as classic as any antique rug.

Construction

Let’s talk about construction. Traditionally—and by traditionally we mean for the past, oh, 2,000 years—rugs were made by hand or on a loom and from materials such as wool and silk. You can still buy those today, and they can be beautiful investment pieces. Or, you can buy modern rugs that use the latest weaving technology and synthetic fibers to craft rugs that can stand the test of time.

You can see this in choices like the beautiful Multi-Colored Modern Bohemian Distressed Area Rug or Gray Anthracite Modern Area Rug. Whether its a trendy modern design you’re looking for or something that speaks to classic Persian looks, Luxe Weavers endeavours to deliver the highest quality for the best price.

That means making cosmopolitan rugs for every room, including the kitchen. As the center of most homes, the place where you eat, cook, and share priceless family memories should be as warm and inviting as the rest of your home. To see more styles, visit luxeweavers.com.