Welcome back to The Neighborhood! In this edition we’re going to the areas of your kitchen that would benefit from a quality kitchen mat or kitchen runner. So read on if you’re interested in placement ideas for your kitchen, 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.
Why Does Kitchen Mat Placement Matter?
In the world of kitchen mats, where you place them can make all the difference between a kitchen that’s functional and one that’s both safe and stylish. Whether you're dealing with spills from the fridge, drips from the sink, or simply wanting to add a touch of elegance to your space, knowing exactly where to place your kitchen mats is essential. Let’s explore the most strategic areas in the kitchen where mats not only protect your floors but also enhance the look and feel of your space.
In Front of the Sink: The Splash Zone Protector
The kitchen sink is one of the busiest spots in the home. Whether you're washing dishes, rinsing vegetables, or simply grabbing a glass of water, water splashes and soap spills are inevitable. This high-traffic area is perfect for a kitchen anti-fatigue mat or a low-profile kitchen mat. The cushioning of an anti-fatigue mat will keep your feet comfortable as you tackle those dishes, while a low-profile kitchen mat with a rubber backing will keep water from seeping through to your floors.
Why It’s Essential:
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Floor protection from constant water splashes, which can cause water damage, especially on wood or laminate floors.
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Comfort while standing for long periods.
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Safety, thanks to the non-slip surface, which prevents slips on wet floors.
In Front of the Refrigerator: Guarding Against the Drips
You might not think of the fridge as a spot that needs protection, but think again. Whether it’s the condensation from the freezer, a dripping water dispenser, or the occasional spill as you reach for that midnight snack, the space in front of your refrigerator can get messy. A low-profile decorative kitchen mat is ideal here because it provides protection without adding bulk, making it easy to open and close the fridge door.
Why It’s Essential:
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Prevents water damage from dripping ice makers and leaking water lines.
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Adds a pop of design without blocking the refrigerator's movement.
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Slip resistance, especially useful when ice cubes decide to make a break for it and melt on your floor.
By the Stove: Safety Meets Style
The stove is the heart of the kitchen where delicious meals come to life—and where spills, grease splatters, and dropped ingredients are bound to happen. This is the perfect place for a low-profile kitchen runner. A runner will cover more ground, protecting the area where you stand the most, whether you’re boiling pasta or searing steak.
Why It’s Essential:
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Protects against grease and food splatters that can stain or damage your floors.
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Slip-resistance for safety, preventing slips while cooking.
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Adds an elegant touch, making your kitchen look more polished.
In Front of the Dishwasher: Keeping Things Dry
Dishwashers are a modern convenience, but let’s be honest: they’re also a source of floor-soaking disasters. Whether you’re loading or unloading, there’s bound to be some water splashing around. Placing a rubber-backed kitchen mat in front of the dishwasher helps keep your floors dry and helps reduce slips when the inevitable drips occur.
Why It’s Essential:
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Protects floors from water spills, which can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
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Provides extra grip for wet feet, ensuring you stay steady even when things get messy.
Underneath the Trash Can: Trash in Style
You might not have considered placing a mat under your trash can, but this area is a sneaky culprit for messes. Crumbs, drips, and sometimes even the sticky residue from a leaky bag can make their way to your floor. A decorative, washable mat placed underneath the trash can is a great way to protect the floor while still adding a bit of flair to an often-overlooked area.
Why It’s Essential:
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Prevents spills and leaks from reaching your floors.
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Easy to clean—just toss the mat in the washer.
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Adds a decorative touch to an area that’s usually, well, a bit trashy.
By the Kitchen Island: Style and Safety Combined
The kitchen island is a gathering place—whether it’s for prepping food, enjoying breakfast, or hosting guests while you cook. A runner mat or anti-fatigue mat here will not only add style but also comfort for your feet, especially if you spend long periods chopping veggies or rolling dough.
Why It’s Essential:
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Adds cushioning for long periods of standing, making food prep more comfortable.
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Protects the floor from scratches caused by bar stools or chairs.
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Enhances the aesthetic, creating a cozy, inviting vibe in your kitchen’s centerpiece.
In Front of the Ice Maker: The Inevitable Melt Catcher
If you have a built-in ice maker, you know it can get messy fast. Between dropped cubes and condensation, this is a spot where a low-profile kitchen mat is indispensable. A durable, waterproof mat will help contain the mess and prevent puddles that can become a slipping hazard.
Why It’s Essential:
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Prevents water damage from melting ice or condensation.
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Reduces the risk of slips on slick, wet floors.
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Low-profile ensures the mat doesn’t interfere with your ice maker or surrounding cabinetry.
The Butler’s Pantry: A Hidden Gem for Style and Protection
If you’re lucky enough to have a butler’s pantry, don’t neglect this space! Though it might not see as much action as the main kitchen, it’s still prone to spills, messes, and foot traffic. A decorative mat or runner can keep things elegant while protecting the floors from potential damage caused by spills or splatters.
Why It’s Essential:
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Adds a touch of style to a functional space.
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Protects your floors from scratches and spills that might otherwise go unnoticed.
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Completes the look of your kitchen by extending design and function into all spaces.
Conclusion: Placement is Everything for Kitchen Mats
When it comes to kitchen mats, placement isn’t just about convenience—it’s about maximizing the protection, safety, and style they offer. From the sink to the stove, the refrigerator to the butler’s pantry, every area of your kitchen can benefit from a well-placed mat. Whether you’re looking for floor protection from spills or just want to add a pop of color to your space, strategic mat placement makes all the difference.
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.
