How Rug Pads Add Comfort To Your Home
Let's talk about rug pads — those cushioned layers that go under your area rugs. We know, we know - they seem like one of those extra things that you don't really need, but hear us out. They actually play a major role in your home, not to mention actually have quite a few often overlooked benefits!
In fact, just about any room can benefit from the addition of warmth, style, and texture that rugs provide. They have the ability to anchor a space, offer a comfortable surface to walk on, and even contribute to improved acoustics in your home.
But, none of that matters, if even the most luxurious rug, turns into a nuisance when it does not have the necessary support.
And that’s exactly where rug pads save the day *wink*
Alright, without further ado… let’s dive in + discuss why rug pads are necessary in your home.
P.S. If you missed it, check out our guide on how an interior designer selects area rugs for your home.
What Is A Rug Pad
First, let’s knock out some of the basics to ensure we’re all on the same page.
A rug pad is simply a cushioned layer that is placed between the rug and the floor. It is designed for many reasons, which we’ll deep dive into all of them below, but they include protecting the rug, protecting the floor, and protecting anyone who is walking on the rugs in your home.
Rug Pads Protect Your Area Rugs
Without a rug pad, over time, the constant friction between the area rugs and your floor can quite easily cause damage to the rug fibers + begin to deteriorate your area rugs.
And if you think about this, it makes perfect sense. When a rug is placed directly on a hard floor, the fibers of the rug can be worn down more quickly than they would if there was a cushioned layer placed underneath it. This is because the hard surface can rub against the rug fibers. In high-traffic areas, this can cause the fibers to fray, and the rug can eventually become worn down to just the threads.
Rug Pads Protect Your Floors
Rug pads, in addition to protecting your area rugs, also help protect your floor from potential damage. The constant movement of a rug, for instance, can cause damage to hardwood floors over time. Scratches and scuffs are also a possibility with this type of flooring. Rug pads act as a buffer between the rug and the floor, thereby reducing the likelihood of the rug damaging the floor in any way.
Some rug pads also include a moisture barrier, which prevents liquids such as spills and other liquids from penetrating through to the floor underneath. This is especially helpful in moist environments, such as bathrooms and basements, where there is a lot of moisture.
In addition, rug pads assist in preventing slippage, which is a factor that can lead to the rug bunching up or moving around. When a rug slips, it has the potential to damage not only the rug but also the floor beneath it. A rug pad serves as a non-slip grip, ensuring that the rug does not move around unintentionally or by accident and maintains its position.
Ensures Safety
By firmly anchoring the rug to the floor, rug pads can reduce the risk of slips and falls. #LiteralLifeSaver
You’re probably aware of the significance of this if you have young children, elderly relatives, pets or are like Sherri and a tad bit clumsy. *wink* However, because rug pads prevent the rug from sliding around, you won't have to be concerned about anyone tripping or slipping.
Rug Pads Increase Comfort
Who doesn’t love more comfort in their living room or bedroom?!?!? Rug pads, while not the glitz or glam of design, add a layer of functional padding below foot, which results in the rug having a plusher and more opulent appearance and feel.
And this is advantageous because it makes walking on your rug feel less awkward. In fact, who doesn't enjoy the feeling of a nice, plush rug beneath their feet?
Absorbs Sound
Let’s be honest, you never thought sound absorption would be a real benefit of rug pads did you? But, after nearly a decade + a half of incorporating rug pads in client projects, sound is absolutely absorbed by rug pads. For rooms (or homes) with taller ceilings, hardwood, tile or concrete floors where noise seems to travel + maybe even amplify or echo, rug pads help to make a room less noisy overall.
And thus, not only does it help absorb sound but introducing rug pads with your area rugs helps the overall space to feel quieter.
Makes Vacuuming Easier
A rug pad makes vacuuming easier + your house cleaner is going to celebrate you for it *wink*
Seriously, have you ever tried to vacuum a dining room rug that keeps slipping around? It's the worst.
Because a rug pad is designed to keep the rug in place, the area rug doesn’t slip, slide or curl up into the vacuum. This makes it a heck of a lot easier to keep clean.
Choosing The Right Type Of Rug Pad
When choosing a rug pad, there are a few things to consider.
Getting The Rug Pad Size Correct
Getting the rug pad that is the appropriate size for your area rug is essential for a number of reasons.
The primary reason is to make certain that the rug pad is capable of effectively providing the required cushioning and protection for both your area rug and the floor beneath it.
If the rug pad is too small, it won't be able to provide full coverage, and the rug won't have the appropriate support because of it. Because of this, the rug may become wrinkled or slip, which can result in many of the things we addressed above, such as tripping and damage to your area rug or floors.
In addition to this, with rug pads that are too small — the area rug can potentially begin to curl inward which isn’t want we want *wink*
On the other hand, if the rug pad is too large, it will create a visible edge around your area rug, which makes you see the rug pad design + not the area rug :) This is something that will be especially noticeable if you have a rug that is on the smaller side. It is important that the rug pad be cut just slightly smaller than the rug itself so that it is not obvious around the rug's perimeter.
All of your rug pads should be trimmed to fit the specific contours of the rug. When looking for a rug pad, it is important to first measure the dimensions of your area rug and then select a rug pad that is just a tad smaller than the dimensions of the rug.
For instance, if your rug is 8 feet long and 10 feet wide, you should get a rug pad that is 7 feet 10 inches long and 9 feet 10 inches wide. This ensures that the rug pad will be just a little bit smaller than the rug, but will still provide sufficient coverage and support for the rug.
Getting The Rug Pad Correct
Friend, it is equally as important to select the appropriate type of rug pad for your floors as it is to get the appropriate size rug.
When looking for rug pads for our clients, we take into consideration the type of flooring and select a pad that is designed specifically for what is in their home. Below are a few helpful tips for getting the rug pad correct for your flooring :)
Felt Rug Pads
Felt pads are not only very comfortable to stand on, but they also provide an excellent level of protection for hardwood flooring, concrete flooring + tile flooring. They help to absorb shock, which reduces the amount of wear and tear that is placed on the floor as well as on your area rug.
Rubber Rug Pads
Rubber pads offer a non-slip grip, which stops the rug from sliding around on the hardwood floor, concrete floor or tile floor when it is placed on top of them. Some rug pads even come with a combination of felt and rubber which provides some flexibility for which will work best on your specific floors.
Rug Pads For Carpeted Floors
A thinner rug pad that is non-slip for floors that are carpeted is recommended. These types of pads are designed to prevent the rug from bunching up or sliding around on the carpet. They obviously, still provide a layer of padding, which makes the rug have a plusher and cozier appearance and feel.
And yes, you absolutely can put an area rug on carpet *wink*
Rug Pads For Tile or Stone Floors
For tile and stone floors, a thicker rug pad is recommended.
The surface of these hard floors is tough and unforgiving which makes it easy for the carpet fibers to wear down quicker. By helping to absorb the impact of heavy foot traffic and furniture, a rug pad that is thicker reduces the likelihood of damage occurring on the floors or in your area rug.
Not to mention, some rug pads are equipped with a moisture barrier, which is especially useful in rooms such as the bathroom and the kitchen, which are prone to the presence of liquid spills and moisture.
While certainly not all, that’s several considerations for understanding the importance of rug pads in your home.
Don’t forget, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat.
P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.