Do I Really Need a Rug Pad?

by Nick, Digital Specialist | July 28, 2021

It can be annoying to find the perfect area rug for your home and then have to spend even more money for a rug pad- but here are some reasons why it can be a good investment!

You’ve searched high and low, and you’ve finally managed to find the perfect area rug for your room. Congratulations- you’ve done the hard work! Now, there’s one thing you can’t forget before you put that rug on the floor in your home: a rug pad! Sure, it may sound like an upsell, or just another thing, but there are some really important reasons why you should consider one:

Safety: Area rugs can sometimes slip and slide, especially if they’re placed on a hardwood or tile floor. The corners can sometimes lift up and cause a tripping hazard; a non-slip rug pad can prevent this from happening. The pad will keep the rug locked into place, so you won’t have to worry about tripping over it! This is especially important if you have young children or eldery people in your home,

Longevity: Believe it or not, the cushion of a pad under an area rug can prolong the life of your area rug. This is especially true if your rug is in a high-traffic area, or if you’re placing heavy furniture on top of the rug. If you’re placing your rug on tile, it can prevent the grout marks from the tile from coming through your rug. It can help prevent indents on the rug while protecting your nice hardwood floor from damage as well.

Cleanliness: A rug pad will allow there to be a little bit of distance between the rug and the floor, preventing direct contact and reducing the amount of dust and dirt that comes into contact with the rug. In addition, it puts a small breathable layer between the floor and the rug, reducing the chance of mold and mildew under the rug.

Rug pads are generally made out of two materials: felt or rubber. Felt pads are good for anchoring your rug into place, and will provide a nice cushiony feel when you walk on the pad. Rubber pads do an even better job of keeping your rug in place but don’t have the same soft feeling when you walk on it. There are also rug pads that feature a blend of the two materials, which offer a mixture of non-slip properties and softness.

Consider where the rug is going when selecting which material is best for you. For hardwood floors, kitchens, or bathrooms, you will probably want to consider a rubber one for it’s non-slip properties, while a felt pad would be fine if you’re putting your area rug on carpet, or in an area that doesn’t get a lot of traffic. In addition, consider the thickness of the rug when selecting a pad- a thick pad under a thin rug might cause the rug to have a weird bump, or could even cause a tripping hazard on its own.

One other important thing to consider: the size. Generally speaking, area rugs come in fairly standard sizes, and rug pads will come in corresponding sizes to match. However, if you’re getting a non-standard size or a custom area rug, you’ll need to make sure the pad is the right size as well. Generally speaking, you’ll want the pad to be about an inch smaller on each side than the actual rug. So if your rug is 7’7” x 10’2”, then you’ll want a rug pad that’s 7’5” x 10’. If your rug isn’t rectangular, consider having a pad custom-cut to fit the size.

We hope you enjoy your new area rug safely and comfortably!