Your kitchen table is an important part of your home, and you want to make sure it looks good. That’s why you might be considering adding a rug under the kitchen table for extra protection against spills and messes or for a better look. A rug under the kitchen table can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks.
But which type of rug should you be considering? Read on to learn more about the different types of rugs that work well under your kitchen table, as well as what design experts say about adding a rug underneath your kitchen table.
Good Idea or Bad Idea?
Too often people put rugs in their kitchens because they think it’s something they should do.
It’s nice to have rugs under your kitchen table. It can help keep your floor clean, your furniture from getting dirty and it adds a layer of comfort to your kitchen. And, there are times when rugs are actually a necessity to keep the floor safe. But while rugs can help, they can, at times also become an inconvenience.
Advantages of rugs under kitchen table
Comfort: One advantage of having a rug under your kitchen table is that it can provide a comfortable surface to stand and walk on. This is especially nice if your kitchen flooring is tile or another hard material.
Protection: Additionally, a rug can act as a barrier between the hard floor and your chair legs, helping to protect your floor from scratches and marks.
Disadvantages of rugs under the kitchen table
Difficulty in cleaning: A rug underneath your kitchen table can be hard to clean. This is especially true if you have kids or pets. You need to take it out of the house and wash it with the help of a vacuum cleaner or use a brush to remove the dirt.
Expensive: While rugs can be a good investment, they can also be an expensive item. For this reason, you may not want to put a rug in danger by exposing it to chair usage (sliding of chairs can potentially cause snags or unraveling), food items, and the potential and likelihood of liquid spills.
Factors to Consider
- Kids and Pets: If you have children and pets, you should think about the durability of your rug. A rug that is too soft or that will not hold up against the weight of children and pets may not be the best choice for you. You may want to consider a more durable rug that will stand up to kids and pets. If you are concerned about spills in your kitchen, you may want to consider a rug that can withstand spills. Rugs that are made from materials such as wool, which can absorb a lot of spills, are ideal for this purpose.
- Comfort: You should consider the comfort level of your rug before buying one for underneath your kitchen table. A rug that is too hard will make it difficult to walk on and will take away from the warmth that you would otherwise feel from a rug.
- Size: It is important to consider the size of your rug and the size of your kitchen table. If you have a large rug under the kitchen table, it may be difficult to move around and may make your kitchen feel too cramped. On the other hand, if you have a small rug under the kitchen table, it may be difficult to keep it clean and may not add much to the aesthetics of the kitchen.
- Decoration: You should also consider the style of your rug and the style, design and colors of your kitchen and table. For example, if you are looking for a modern look, you may want to avoid a traditional Persian rug.
- Warranty: Many rugs often come with warranties. A warranty is a guarantee that the manufacturer gives to the consumer that their product will work as they intended. This is something you will want to check before buying.
Design Expert Opinions
It's totally an aesthetics vs. practicality thing. Aesthetically/visually, a rug anchors the table. Practicality-wise, a bare floor can be easier to keep clean, and easier for chairs to slide on especially if you use little felt glides on your chair legs.
Renee
Interior Designer
The answer is really it depends on the situation, taking into account messy toddlers, space available, and style of furnishings. The one thing we can probably all agree on is, if you have a rug, make sure it is large enough that the chairs do not get caught on the edge when sliding them in and out.
Bonnie
Interior Decorator
We find that at times, outdoor rugs work great in kitchens and dining rooms for underneath tables since they are so sturdy and resist staining. Some floors are more scratch-prone, so a run underneath the table can aid in that type of situation. It all really depends on the situation, space, and design/style preference.
Thomas
Kitchen Designer
What are the best rugs for under the kitchen table?
The best types of rugs for under a kitchen table are rugs that are durable, easy to clean, and safe for kids.
Sisal, Jute, and Wool rugs are great “natural” rug options for under kitchen tables due to their low pile character. Not only will low-pile rugs make sliding chairs easier, these styles and materials also tend to be hardwearing and easy to clean.
Sisal rugs are great for underneath a kitchen table because they can be wiped clean with a sponge, and they add a beautiful touch to the room. Furthermore, Sisal rugs are naturally flame resistant, which means they don’t require any additional treatment to keep them safe.
Sisal Rugs

Jute Rugs
Jute rugs are another good choice for an under kitchen table rug. They come in a variety of colors and textures, making them a versatile option. If you have kids, a rug under the kitchen table that is durable and has a low pile height will make the room more comfortable for everyone.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are another good option for under a kitchen table. They are durable, and they are stain-resistant. Because they are stain resistant, they can absorb a lot of spills, making them ideal for this purpose. Wool is a natural stain fighter. All fibers have a degree of stain resistance, but wool does a great job of repelling liquid stains. It also does a great job of hiding soil stains and repelling oil stains. Oils are commonly tracked in from asphalt, garages, cooking agents (some even become airborne with heat or spray bottles), and they are even on our skin.
Bamboo rugs are a great option for underneath a table because they don’t take up much space and add to the look of the room. The most common type of bamboo rug is a hand-loomed one, but there are also machine-made rugs that are less expensive. If you are looking for a rug that is more substantial than a throw rug, then consider using a runner.

What should I do if I want a rug under kitchen table?
- You need to consider your space and how much traffic the area will see. If you have kids running around the kitchen all the time, you’ll want a rug that’s durable. But if you’re the only one who uses the kitchen, you might not care so much about the rug being tough.
- Consider the material. There are also different types of rugs, including some that are made from natural materials. This is great for people who want to be environmentally friendly. But you also need to take into account the type of flooring you have. If it is tile, hardwood floor, or concrete, you could go with a machine-made rug. However, if you have carpeting, you will want to go with a handmade rug. This is because machine-made rugs can be slippery, and not grip the floor.
- Choose a rug that fits your design and style preference. You can use a wide range of rugs to create a unique look in your kitchen or dining room, from traditional to contemporary to even modern styles. If you have a unique style or vision, you may want to create your own custom rug. Custom-made rugs are made specifically for you. That means the color, pattern, and size all match your needs and tastes perfect.
How do I decide between a round or square rug for the kitchen?
Round rugs are great for kitchens with large areas because they look more visually appealing than a straight line of flooring.
On the other hand, a square rug will cover a smaller area and can be more practical for a small space.
The last thing you should do is generate some inspiration. You’ll find loads of inspiration for kitchen rugs in our Kitchen Rug Inspiration section.