So you find the perfect rug for your home. At ring-up, the salesperson asks if you want to add a rug pad. Your knee-jerk reaction is probably “no”.
However, rug pads are incredibly important for area rugs and can make your rugs last longer. They also prevent slipping and protect the floor or carpeting underneath.
Slip Prevention
A rug that easily slips or bunches up is a safety hazard for both yourself and your guests, especially if someone trips. Rug pads keep rugs locked into place, reducing slipping and bunching and minimizing the risk of injury.
A pad also reduces wrinkling and bunching that prematurely wears down your rug. This is because it helps distribute the weight of your rug evenly across the floor.
Plus, it makes vacuuming easier by allowing air to circulate so bacteria such as mold and mildew don’t grow under the rug. This keeps your flooring cleaner, healthier, and looking better. It also extends the life of your area rug. The pads act as a buffer between your hardwood or tile floors and your rugs, preventing them from crushing the fibers underneath.
Longevity
Rug pads prevent the backs of rugs from scraping against floors and causing wear over time. They also allow the pile to flex instead of crushing, making the fibers last longer and providing a more buoyant feeling underfoot.
Rugs without a pad can trap moisture, which leads to mildew, mold, and bacteria. Rug pads, however, promote airflow, which keeps your rugs clean and healthy.
A quality pad will also protect the foundation of hand-woven natural fiber rugs by stopping them from stretching and puncturing furniture legs. It will even help flat woven rugs such as needlepoints and tapestries stay flatter on the floor. Lastly, rug pads are a cost-effective way to ensure your rugs remain attractive and functional for as long as possible.
Protection
Rugs are a big investment, especially if they’re made of fine materials. A pad can protect your floors from damage caused by furniture legs and abrasive rug fibers, and it can also prevent spills or accidents from seeping into the carpet and staining the floor underneath.
Without a rug pad, friction between the rug and floor can wear away at the rug’s backing or cause tufts to loosen or crush. A rug pad can prevent this by promoting airflow and keeping the rug from shifting.
A rug pad can also add insulation and soundproofing to a room. The denser rug fibers in the pad can help keep acoustics down and reduce noise from traffic or footsteps. It’s important to choose a rug pad that’s the same size or slightly smaller than your rug for maximum effectiveness.
Comfort
Rugs without pads can bunch up and slip, creating a trip or fall hazard. A pad provides a bit of extra cushioning, keeping the tiny fibers from getting crushed and resulting in that old and wilted look that can happen in just months.
Especially with thin rugs, the right rug pad can prevent buckling and wrinkling. This is also a great way to keep the rugs in place, reducing vacuuming effort.
The best rug pads are made with natural materials. This includes recycled felt and natural rubber that will not damage the floors beneath your rugs. Wool pads are also a good option, providing stability and preventing the buildup of mold and mildew under the rug. These eco-friendly rug pads are free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and are a green choice for the planet as well.
Sound Absorption
Rug pads help reduce the transference of sound from the floor beneath to the rugs above. They also make your rugs quieter to walk or sit on.
Rugs with pads promote airflow, which keeps the rugs from trapping moisture, dander, and dust that can lead to mold, mildew, and odor. Proper airflow through the rug and pad also minimizes the friction that can cause grittiness on hardwood floors.
Rug pads are available in a variety of styles and materials. For durability, look for natural ones made of recycled felt or 100 percent natural rubber. Some are even water-resistant, which is helpful if you have kids and pets at home and need to clean up accidents or potty training mishaps immediately. Many are trimmable to fit your rug perfectly.
