While in the past, carpet in the kitchen might have been considered impractical, products currently available have all but eliminated worries about stains and the expense of replacing and reinstalling carpeting where you cook. Options like stain-resistant carpeting, large throw rugs and runners and carpet tiles offer consumers the flexibility and functionality they need without sacrificing the visual appeal, warmth or comfort of carpet under your feet.

According to the New York Times, most American-made nylon carpets offer some level of stain resistance, which makes it easier to remove spots and harder to stain carpeting. While this stain resistance is advantageous in kitchens, these carpets require regular vacuuming like other carpets, and different distributors recommend different treatments for different stains. Additionally, for spaces like kitchens, carpets should ideally have a carpet performance rating of 4 or better to withstand heavy wear and tear.

Carpet tiles have been around since the 1960s and are the happy medium between traditionally installed carpeting and throw rugs. While you can use carpet tiles to achieve the look of an area rug or full-floor carpeting, stained tiles are easily removed for stain treatment or replacement in the messy kitchen environment to save the consumer from having to replace the entire carpet. Carpet tiles are easier to install than traditional carpets and don't require an underlay.