Decorative Un-Rug kitchen mat runner is placed in front of a kitchen sink to protect floors from spills and water.
The Neighborhood Blogs

Kitchen Mats 101

Welcome back to The Neighborhood! In this edition we’re going to discuss if kitchen mats and kitchen runners are a good fit for you kitchen. So read on if you’re curious about the protection these essential kitchen tools provide, and if you want to learn even more about kitchen mats, you can read a more in  Kitchen Mats 101: The Stylish Sidekicks Your Kitchen Never Knew It Needed.

Who Are Kitchen Mats Perfect For?

Kitchen mats aren’t just for show; they’re designed with real people in mind—people who cook, clean, and live life to the fullest in the busiest room of the house. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, a parent juggling meal prep with chaos, or someone who simply loves a stylish home, kitchen mats are the perfect fit for a wide range of lifestyles. Let’s dive into who benefits most from these floor-saving heroes.

The Busy Parent: Where Every Meal Feels Like a Battle

Young woman standing on Happy Feet comfort mat placed at the base of a kitchen sink.

If you’re a parent, you know the kitchen is a testing grounds. Between making PB&Js, cleaning up spills, and stopping your toddler from “helping” with dinner, your floors are constantly under stress. Kitchen mats and runners are a game-changer for parents who spend endless hours standing at the stove or sink. Tired feet and joints? Kitchen comfort mats make long cooking sessions easier on your body, while their non-slip surfaces help keep everyone safe—because let’s be honest, the last thing you need is a slippery floor when you’ve got a toddler racing around on a sugar high.

Ideal For: Parents with young kids who cook often, have sticky hands around, and need a break (even if it’s just for their feet).

The Home Chef: Where Every Meal is a Masterpiece

Love to cook, but hate the aches and pains that start to form while crafting the perfect dish? Whether you’re experimenting with new recipes or hosting dinner parties, home chefs spend a lot of time on their feet. Anti-fatigue kitchen mats are perfect for you, offering the comfort and support you need while prepping, sautéing, and serving. No more sore feet or aching backs after whipping up a three-course meal! Plus, kitchen floor mats protect your floors from those inevitable splashes, spills, and flour explosions that come with serious cooking.

Ideal For: Aspiring chefs, food lovers, and anyone who treats their kitchen like their personal cooking show set.

The Design Enthusiast: All About Style and Function

For those who love to blend beauty with functionality, kitchen mats are the ideal fit. If you spend your weekends rearranging decor, pinning the latest design trends, and hunting for the perfect rug, a stylish kitchen mat will complete your vision. They come in a range of patterns, colors, and materials that can elevate your kitchen’s look while keeping your floors safe from everyday messes.

Ideal For: Home decor aficionados who value a beautiful space but also want practical solutions to protect their investment.

The Remodeler: Fresh Floors Deserve Protection

Just put in gorgeous new hardwood or stylish tiles? You’ve invested time and money into your dream kitchen, so the last thing you want is water damage, scratches, or stains. Kitchen mats act as a shield, preserving the pristine condition of your floors. They’re especially great for areas prone to splashes, like in front of the sink, fridge, or dishwasher, where drips are a daily occurrence.

Ideal For: New homeowners, renovators, and anyone who’s recently upgraded their kitchen and wants to keep it looking brand new.

Un-Rug low-profile kitchen mat provides protection from breakfast nook chairs and benches.

The Clean Freak: Because Mess Is Never an Option

If you’re the kind of person who reaches for the mop at the first sign of a spill, kitchen mats are your best friend. They catch messes before they hit the floor, meaning less scrubbing for you. Skid-resistant kitchen mats that feature a waterproof rubber backing keep splashes from your sink, fridge, or ice maker contained, so your floors stay spotless and dry. Plus, many kitchen mats are machine washable, making them easy to keep clean and fresh.

Ideal For: The tidy, the meticulous, and anyone who cringes at the thought of stains and watermarks.

The Multi-Tasker: Cooking, Cleaning, and Everything In Between

Life gets busy, and if you’re someone who’s always juggling multiple tasks—cooking, cleaning, answering work emails while stirring a pot—kitchen mats are a must. They provide a safe, cushioned spot to stand as you bounce from one task to the next. Plus, rubber backed kitchen mats and runners allow you to move quickly while helping reduce the risk of slipping on wet floors as you dart from sink to stove to fridge.

Ideal For: The multitasker, the busy professional, or anyone who’s always on the go, even in the kitchen.

The Empty Nester: Comfort and Safety First

Overhead image of Brisbane Plaid comfort mat in a kitchen.

For those who’ve retired the lunchbox prep and have more time to enjoy cooking for themselves, comfort and safety are key. But let’s remember, your kitchen is the hot spot for those iconic holiday meals. Kitchen comfort mats offer soft support that’s easy on aging joints, making long hours of standing more comfortable. Looking for a thinner solution? Low-profile kitchen mats provide a great aesthetic with all the protective capabilities needed in a thin and compact design to make moving around the kitchen a breeze. Plus, rubber backed mats designs provide traction and grip that help reduce the risk of slips and falls in a bustling kitchen environment.

Ideal For: Retirees, empty nesters, and anyone enjoying a slower pace of life but still spending plenty of time in the kitchen.

Conclusion: Well of Course Kitchen Mats Are for Everyone

From parents to home chefs, clean freaks to design lovers, kitchen mats are an ideal fit for anyone who spends time in the kitchen. They’re not just an accessory; they’re a tool that enhances your kitchen experience, adding comfort, safety, and style. So whether you’re whipping up a gourmet meal, cleaning up after little ones, or just enjoying a cup of coffee, a kitchen mat is the perfect addition to your home.

Image of Matterly manufacturing facility in Georgia.

A Little Info to Let You Know…

We like to give you, the reader, a little info as to who we are. At Matterly, our history is deeply rooted in matting and floor coverings; like 6 decades deep. From where we sit as we type out this article, a quick walk through one set of doors leads out to a manufacturing plant floor where thousands of floor mats are made every day. We’re making rubber, we’re extruding fibers, we’re printing on textiles, and it’s all being done right here in America.

Bobby DeBardeleben