The kitchen can be a messy place. Even for those of us low mess cooks, accidents happen, kids drop things, husbands drip marinara sauce. So does it make sense to put a runner in your kitchen? Indeed it does!
We have about 9 feet of runway between our cooktop and sink. While I considered a cushy rug for just in front of the sink, I wanted something to run through the space. There are several options to withstand high traffic dangers of the kitchen. Here are some to consider and some to avoid, and tips to make your rug even more resistant to stains.
We have more ideas on our Liketoknow.it page. Check them out here: Loloi Rugs Emory EB-15 Indoor Area … curated on LTK (liketoknow.it)
Tips To Get Even More from Your Runner
Our first Pottery Barn runner held up perfectly, with some light pilling after age. But no stains or snags in the weave. I think part of the reason the rugs have done so well against our messes is because we:
- Use this to protect from stains: Click here for some options
- Use this type of rug pad to keep it from sliding and banging into things: Click here for some options
- Steam clean them when we need to – we have this that has gotten ANY stain out of ANY carpet: Click here for some options
Recommended Runners for High Traffic Areas
- Pottery Barn Indoor/Outdoor Rug
I’ve had a lot of luck with Pottery Barn Indoor/Outdoor runners in my kitchen. It comes down to the weave and pile. I’ve purchased woven runners that have not snagged or stained. Those with looser weaves tend to snag on things and are more difficult to wipe clean.
Our first kitchen runner was from Pottery Barn. It was the Grey and White Basic Diamond Recycled Yarn Indoor/Outdoor Rug. It’s no longer sold, but it stood up for 3 years in our kitchen with no snagging or staining.
This Oden Eco-Friendly runner was a really pretty option we went with next, to bring some color to our kitchen, but it’s an example of a looser weave that can be difficult to clean:
- Pottery Barn Easy Care Rug
Pottery Barn carries a full line of Easy Care rugs. While no longer sold, we got this one in 2019. This rug had no signs of wear, stains or snagging after about 16 months of having this in our kitchen. And this has been during COVID, where we make SO many meals, SO many messes and SO much cleanup. These rugs are definitely worth the splurge for high-traffic areas. We would still have it if I hadn’t found the next one.
- Loloi Runners
I found a STEAL of a deal at TJMaxx on this Loloi runner. I had been looking for a new lighter runner for my kitchen (which we will soon have brightened with new counters), and today I found the one.
Loloi has been making rugs for over 15 years, but has taken Instagram by force with high-profile collaborations, low prices and high quality rugs. These rugs can be found online on Amazon, Rugsdirect or in retail stores like Marshalls, Home Goods and TJMaxx. I found our new bedroom rug at Home Goods, which is a Loloi that I saved 50% on in store.
This one is light with a flat weave. It’s shorter than other runners I’ve had (this one is 2×7), but it still works great.
For a very inexpensive option (ahem, if you want to be messy and not worry!), here is another find. At writing time, this Turkish style vintage rug is only $42!! Check out this link for details: Rug link.
And on Overstock, similar to Loloi are the Alexander rugs. Here are some deals for under $75:
And another option:
Ones to Avoid in Messy Kitchens
Rugs that I would avoid in the kitchen (though they may work well for others) include jute or chunky natural fiber, wool or thick weave rugs. Food can go underneath the fibers and stain, and rubbing can damage the texture of these types of rugs. I’ve found that synthetic flatweave runners work best.
Have ideas on runners that work well for you? Drop us a comment!
