People who stand in a kitchen for long periods may want to try gel kitchen mats. These floor mats are made of polyurethane, vinyl, or plastic on the outside and a gel-like material on the inside. When a person stands on the mat, it cushions his or her feet, which in turn, helps reduce fatigue. The mats come in many different colors, patterns, and sizes, so it can be easy to find one that goes well with any kitchen decor.
Kitchen gel mats may be about the size of a throw rug or very long like a carpet runner. Small floor mats may be around 2-feet-wide (.7 m) and 3-feet-long (.92 m). These are ideal for placing near kitchen furniture or in front of a sink and are normally used in small kitchens. A large kitchen design could require longer mats, and some of these might be around 2-feet-wide (.7 m) and 6-feet-long (1.84 m). One of these could be a good choice if there is more than one individual working in the kitchen.
These gel mats come in many colors, and some of the more common ones are black, red, blue, and brown. People who would like to match their kitchen decor can also find different patterns available. Basket weave designs and floral patterns are two common ones used to make these mats. Most gel kitchen mats are only one color, even when they have a design printed on them.
Gel kitchen mats are made of waterproof materials such as vinyl, polyurethane, or thin plastic, so they can easily be cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth or by mopping. The gel on the inside of these mats is usually a very thick liquid similar to that found in cushioned insoles. They are normally flat on the back and slightly raised on top, as this is where the gel is located.
One of the advantages of gel kitchen mats is that they are generally skid-proof and do not scuff most floors. They are also very durable and maintain their cushioned feel for several years after they are purchased. A disadvantage is that one of these kitchen decorations is normally very heavy, so it can be difficult to move once it has been put into place. This type of floor mat is more expensive than a traditional kitchen rug, which means it may not be practical for people who only stand for short periods.