Why Your Kitchen Rugs Are Making The Room Look Small (And How To Quickly Fix It)

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

A well-designed kitchen is all about cohesive lines. In the same way that kitchen backsplash parameters align with existing edges formed by the upper cabinets and countertops, any rugs on the floor should serve as a continuation of the existing lines formed by the room's organic layout. This means multiple small rugs are the visual villain. Some mats measuring 2 x 4 feet might make utilitarian sense in front of the sink and the stove, and maybe there's a runner somewhere in there, too. However, polka-dotting a kitchen floor with small rugs breaks up the lines, interrupting the aesthetic flow of the room. They can even choke a space out, making a kitchen appear smaller than it actually is.

To remedy this, opt for one larger central rug. Whether this is a runner or a mid-size area rug depends on your unique space. In any room, a rug should complement and maximize the existing space. Cohesive spaces aim for unity, not division. Pro tip: Rugs with geometric patterns (e.g., thin lines and a large, not-too-busy design) naturally make a space appear larger. A bolder dark-hued geometric print might work well in modern-style kitchens, while a muted, neutral-toned striped rug could be a better fit in traditional kitchens. (We've also rounded up nearly a dozen ways to make your kitchen seem larger to help you out.)

An important factor to note here is that a physically larger rug in the kitchen is going to see some wear. It may have to endure everything from daily foot traffic during mealtime to guests moving about at dinner parties. To choose the absolute best rug for your kitchen, keep both sizing and durability in mind. This low-pile, braided, oval jute rug by Homespice is available in multiple colors and sizes to suit multiple kitchen and design schemes. Plus, its rounded edges open up the floor space for an inviting layout. Alternatively, if your kitchen is home to kiddos (and lots of accidental spills), you could opt for a machine-washable product, like this Releany area rug ($39.99 on Amazon). Knocked a little pasta sauce onto the runner? No biggie. Just spot treat it and toss it in the wash.

Don't be afraid to peruse the bathroom decor section during a kitchen remodel, either. Opting for a quick-drying bath mat over a traditional rug in the kitchen can help keep your floors dry and stylish. Where some dense fibers might trap moisture, bath mats are designed to expel water quickly — keeping your kitchen fashionable and functional so you can focus on the fun part: crafting a knockout meal.