One of the modern trends in kitchen interior design is the use of a variety of rugs and mats. Despite some people saying it’s old-fashioned, the carpet gives the room cosiness and warmth, helping to create the most favourable atmosphere. If you delve into the history of many cultures and people, you can see that this piece of decor was used quite often. Let’s take a closer look at the types of mats for the kitchen and how to choose the perfect one.
Carpet in the kitchen: pros and cons
Having weighed all the pros and cons, it will not be difficult to decide whether you need a carpet in the kitchen. The advantages of a matting or other carpet in the kitchen include:
-protecting wood or stone flooring from damage;
-comfortable sensations and warmth in the cold season, if the kitchen floor is tiled or covered with laminate;
-the ability to zone the kitchen, conventionally dividing the space into a dining room and a work area, using a walkway or carpet on the floor;
-change the space, visually expanding, lengthening the room, or vice versa – to give it intimacy;
-increase the sound insulation of the room;
-to give the interior cosiness and comfort.
Which mat to buy for the kitchen?
The main disadvantage of using a carpet in the kitchen is considered to be impractical in terms of cleaning – the carpet is more difficult to protect and clean from dirt than the floor. In order to avoid mistakes and purchase a suitable interior element, let’s take a closer look at the question of how to choose a carpet for the kitchen.
Practicality
One of the main selection criteria is practicality. A kitchen rug must be resistant to moisture and dirt and be easy and quick to clean. Therefore, before you buy a mat for the kitchen, ask about the composition and structure of the product, the presence of water and dirt-repellent impregnation and the characteristics of wear resistance.
Choosing the shape of the carpet
The shape of the room or table under which you plan to lay the carpet will help you decide on the shape of the carpet. Therefore, the carpet can be square or rectangular, and if the dining table is rounded, then oval or in the shape of a circle.
What material to give preference to
The kitchen area is a constant risk of spilling or dropping something on the floor. This is why it is important to choose a rug made from a material that is easy to dry and wet clean. Common kitchen carpet materials include wool, nylon, and polypropylene. Choose a mat with a short pile or no pile at all.
The advantages of a wool carpet are durability and temperature control. A woollen carpet can last over 20 years. In winter, such a carpet warms, and on hot summer days, it is not hot on it. But do not forget that woollen products easily absorb moisture and are difficult to clean from dirt.
High-quality synthetic materials are more practical and can be easily cleaned from dirt. Impregnated with special substances, these carpets repel moisture and dust. In addition, they are cheaper than products made from natural fabrics.
Deciding on the design
The carpet is a unique decorative element that can set the tone for the atmosphere of the room. The design of the room itself determines the appearance of the carpet. We recommend that you focus on the colour palette of the kitchen and repeat it in the details shown on the carpet.
Let the lightest mat tones reflect the colour of the walls, and the darker elements match the colours of the room details, such as pillows or flowerpots. It is advisable to opt for a mat with a small pattern – stains from dirt on it will not be so noticeable.
Browse for mats online, look for the photos. This will help you decide on a design decision.
The location determines the size of the carpet
-Near the sink – here we stand for a long time, so a comfortable, warm mat under our feet will be very useful. In this case, a small square or rectangular carpet is sufficient.
-Along the working area. Place a narrow and elongated walkway in front of the kitchen unit.
-Mat between the work area and the island or on the way to the dining table will be appropriate.
-Under the dining table. A simple way not to be mistaken in choosing the shape of the carpet is to repeat the shape of the dining table, under which the product will be located. The carpet should be larger and protrude beyond the table perimeter by at least 60 cm on each side. Then the legs of the chairs will not cling to the edge of the carpet.
What else should you consider before buying
Do not forget that it is the carpet that can become the main element of the room decor and accentuate attention in the overall picture of the interior. If the kitchen is made in oriental motives, it would be appropriate to purchase an Indian or another handmade Asian-style rug.
For minimalist and loft-style, lint-free mat products are suitable. Such a carpet will perfectly fit into the kitchen work area – it can be used by the sink or laid along the work area.
Cleaning and maintaining kitchen rugs – tips
For comfort and convenience, fix the carpet with double-sided tape, you can also use rubber bands or special Velcro. The best help in cleaning and caring for your carpet will be choosing the right carpet when you buy it.
As we said before, synthetic material should repel moisture, dust and dirt. The carpet must be vacuumed regularly, and as it gets dirty, wash it by hand or in a washing machine.
Dry cleaning is preferable for any carpet, as it is gentle. But in our case we are talking about a carpet for the kitchen, so wet cleaning is indispensable. Choose appropriate detergents for this purpose. Use dry cleaning services 1-2 times a year to thoroughly clean the product.
Conclusion
The kitchen, for most people, is not just a room for preparing food, but also a living room, a dining room, the main meeting place for all family members. This means that the space should be functional and comfortable, cosy and beautiful. The use of mat in the design adds not only originality and sophistication to the kitchen interior but also allows you to solve a number of practical problems.
