30 of the Best Neutral Kitchen Runner Rugs
A perfect way to give your kitchen a refresh or update is by simply laying down a rug! It instantly incorporates style, color, texture and a wonderful new softness to the kitchen floor. And it adds functionality as well! Kitchen runner rugs are great for providing comfort during long hours spent cooking or baking. Plus they can keep your toes cozy while washing those after dinner dishes.
Selecting the right kitchen rug can be a tad overwhelming because there’s a huge amount of gorgeous options available. But – no worries! I have searched painstakingly through the internet to help you pick a beautiful rug to freshen up your own kitchen.
I’m sharing tips on picking the right material and how to select the best color or pattern for your decor. I’m even got some great tricks on how to keep the rug in place so it doesn’t slide all over your kitchen!
Don’t Skip This: Needing a new bedroom rug? I have a helpful guide with tips on finding the best bedroom rug size for your bed and room. It also explores common rug mistakes, standard rug sizes, and placement tips as well!
And all of my picks are neutral styles that can work for any kitchen decor, any season and any room besides just the kitchen – like entry ways or hallways too!
30 Beautiful Neutral Kitchen Runner Rugs
The kitchen is one of the most high-traffic areas in the home – if not the most. So when it comes to placing an area rug in this room, there are a few considerations to make before you buy. A top pick rug for this area must be comfortable and made of durable material as well.
What Material Is A Good Choice for A Kitchen?
Along with a ton of foot traffic, the kitchen also has a huge amount of food spills and crumbs too. So what material is best? Well, there’s several options to pick from based on your needs and wants.
- Cotton – This rug material is soft underfoot but isn’t stain resistant. It can still work though because cotton is typically machine washable.
- Nylon and Polyester – These manufactured synthetic materials are a good choice for kitchen rugs because they repel oil and dirt.
- Woven Sisal – This material is a nice tight weave which makes it extremely durable. But it can be a bit more rough of a texture to walk upon.
- Anti-Fatigue Mats – This type of material is great for quick clean ups and is very comfortable – excellent choice for in front of the sink.
My top preference when picking a rug for the kitchen is to go for an indoor or outdoor use rug – most often jute rugs. These tend to be easily washable rugs that can either be cleaned in the machine or with a simple hose.
How Do I Select The Right Color?
Kitchen runner rugs come in a wild variety of colors, styles and patterns. My first choice is always a more neutral color scheme.
Some may argue that neutral color palette won’t hide spills and stains as well – but I haven’t found that to be true. I often struggle to clean up spills after the fact because they blend in sooooo well.
A rug with a vintage or worn pattern (that can stand up to regular washings) is a good choice.
KITCHEN RUNNERS SOURCES: (top row, left to right) carlisle plaid rug | textured stripe railroad gray rug | windowpane standing mat | black runner | cream and tan check rug |
(middle row, left to right) scallop jute rug | wheatley synthetic runner | hand knotted runner rug | anna gray striped rug | loloi layla runner |
(bottom row, left to right) rika runner mat | heathered strip flatweave rug | bullock jute runner | diamond mosaic runner | ojai striped runner |
How Can I Prevent The Rug From Sliding?
No one wants a rug that makes your kitchen unsafe or a tripping hazard. So how can you prevent your new kitchen rug from sliding all over your hardwood floors? I have several suggestions!
Rug Grippers
Rug Pad
- can be cut to size
- available in variety of thicknesses
- adds comfort besides slip-resistance
- affordable and reusable
- works great under my kitchen rug!
- CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Carpet Tape
- can be cut to size for perfect fit
- works on hardwood, tile and carpet
- doesn’t damage floors
- easy to install and remove
- CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Rug Pad Gripper
- can be attached to any rug
- works like suction cup – no adhesive
- size works with variety of rug sizes
- affordable
- won’t damage floors
- fantastic reviews! (including me!)
- CLICK HERE TO SHOP
My Top 30 of the Best Kitchen Runner Rugs
BEST KITCHEN RUGS SOURCES: (top row, left to right) black and ivory stripe rug | ivory opal rug | light gray braided rug | reflected diamond rug | handwoven plaid rug |
(middle row, left to right) sisal linen runner | stripe black runner | anti-fatigue standing mat | cream and charcoal striped rug | flax stripe runner rug |
(bottom row, left to right) herringbone shale and white rug | gray performance rug | striped jute rug | washable turkish rug | geometric pattern rug |
1 | Black and Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Can never go wrong with a fun neutral striped rug. I absolutely love this rug! I’ve owned it for years – it’s been in the kitchen and by the front door. Very durable and super easy to clean. One of the best rugs I own!
2 | Gray Performance Outdoor Rug
Another great option is this fabulous 100% recycled polyester woven rug with a great neutral pattern! I love the gray chambray color but it’s also available in four other color choices.
This sisal linen rug is dressed up in delicate boucle weave. The natural fiber adds dimension and texture with exceptional durability. Plus the rug is backed in latex and 100% cotton tape – such a great way to keep the rug from sliding! Available in five different color choices with amazing reviews as well.
This washable rug is a great minimalist look of a classic Persian rug. It has a little more pattern and a tiniest touch of blue and coral color. It’s water and stain resistant and – did you catch that it’s also washable?!
5 | Reflected Diamonds Indoor / Outdoor Rug
Love the fun pattern on this durable rug. This color here is the iron choice, but it also comes in a very pretty ocean blue and platinum gray. And it’s reversible!
6 | Handwoven Indoor / Outdoor Rug
The plaid pattern on this rug makes a great addition to a kitchen. The simple black lines compliment black cabinets or even black hardware! Handwoven in India from recycled materials, it’s able to withstand high foot traffic areas yet remains as soft and beautiful as cotton.
A great durable runner rug that’s not extra thick – only .31″ so great for high traffic areas like the kitchen. Also it can be cleaned outside with a simple hose!
Do I have a thing for stripes? Yes! Why do you ask? Lovin’ the fun neutral print of this rug and that it’s made by Ruggable Rugs. They’re specifically designed to be thrown in the washing machine whenever you need!
9 | Herringbone Shale White Runner
Love the fun pattern of this rug! So much in fact that it was one of my first kitchen rugs. Dash and Albert is such a great rug company – nothing but quality! This rug is so durable and washable polypropylene make it the perfect indoor/outdoor rug for any high-traffic area like the kitchen.
This anti-fatigue is great for you if you spend long hours standing at the stove or kitchen sink. It’s a little more pricey but this specially crafted has supportive foam that contours to your feet. So you can enjoy all day comfort no matter how long you’ve been standing. And this design is one of the more easier washable kitchen rugs, just wipe and go!
11 | Cream and Charcoal Stripe Jute Rug
This cream and charcoal rug is a wonderful pick for a neutral kitchen. And it’s made from jute which helps make it very durable and long-lasting!
12 | Carlisle Plaid Indoor/Outdoor Rug
The natural style of this plaid rug creates an organic feel, while its stripes bring dimension and visual contrast. Along with being durable and versatile, the rug has a playfully casual look that will give a fun, relaxed feel to a white kitchen!
A kitchen runner rug with style – filled with a fantastic combination of neutral colors like black, gray, light beige, light gray, and taupe. Added bonus is that it’s completely washable!
This standing mats minimal grid pattern feels classic, but asymmetrical details and unexpected pops of color make it anything but a basic anti-fatigue kitchen mat. The perfect runner for the kitchen with hard floors!
Love, love this fun contrasting striped rug! It’s made from jute so it would be really durable. And how can you go wrong with stripes? Such a pretty option for a kitchen island!
Can never go wrong with this classic pattern in the kitchen. The cream and tan colors are perfect for a neutral loving kitchen decor!
This rug woven from durable polyester, is a great kitchen-friendly rug. And the neutral light stripe pattern can work with any kitchen style!
18 | Wheatley Synthetic Runner Rug
This is the natural materials rug that really steps it up! It’s hand loomed using traditional techniques but woven with innovative fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. So cool right?! Love the soft neutral colors, zigzag pattern and the fringe detailing at the end of the rug.
19 | Textured Stripe Railroad Gray
This handmade woven rug showcases a classic allover striped design with added tassels in neutral hues and a flat-pile construction that’s easy to place in the kitchen. Super affordable as well!
A little more bolder colors and print but still a very elegant neutral rug. Love the distressed style treatment to give it a more vintage look!
21 | Tattersal Black Geometric Rug
This rug is so fun! We actually own this runner and it’s currently laying in our primary bedroom closet. It’s super durable and it would instantly add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen!
This rug is made from PET yard fiber – which makes it highly durable and stair resistant. The neutral varying stripe pattern adds a touch of warmth and style that’s fantastic for any kitchen!
23 | Diamond Mosaic Runner Rug
Lovin’ the style of this spill and stain resistant rug! This busy pattern is perfect for hiding any messes that may happen in the kitchen. And if they do – no worries – just toss into the washing machine!
This vintage looking rug is made with a 100% polyester pile over a canvas backing. It has a very low profile as well, making it a great choice for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. I actually once, updated my kitchen with this very rug!
Love the playful nature of this textured jute rug. The scalloped edge offers a unique delicate look, while bleached jute fibers create a contrasting border for even more visual appeal. A show stopper for any kitchen!
Lovin’ this wide checkerboard pattern in black and light gray hues! Its simple design blends with any neutral-toned and minimalist kitchen decor. I also love that it’s reversible!
27 | Heathered Striped Flatweave Runner Rug
Simple gray stripes can still impress! Love this 100% recycled polyester flatweave runner rug. Durable with fringe ends for a touch of fun!
This modern neutral rug with it’s off-white crosses on a black background print is so fun! Very neutral but still offers a ton of style and contrast to any kitchen floor. And the extra-durable, machine-washable material is perfect for any kitchen mess.
This checkered jute rug could add some beautiful texture and style to your kitchen! Made with a blend of jute and cotton, it provides durability and softness underfoot. Just think how beautiful this rug would be under a dining table as well!Â
This fun striped runner has a touch of the costal vibe. I love this neutral gray but it also comes a bunch of fun colors including sky blue! And it’s also machine washable.
I hope these 30 different rug options gave you a ton of inspiration! Which style or color was your favorite?
More Kitchen Inspiration
If you’re looking for even more kitchen decorating idea, be sure to check out these reader favorites below: (just click on the image or the title to see the full post)
