Area rugs not only make your floors look elegant but also protect them, increasing their lifespan. However, like any material, area rugs can experience wear and tear over time, which can cause them to lose their luster.
Fortunately, rug pads can help extend the life of your area rug, making it more comfortable and easier to maintain. In this blog, we’ll explore why rug pads are essential and how to choose the best rug pads for your area rug. Keep reading to learn more!
Why to Have Rug Pad Benethe your Area Rug?
1. Safety of Rug
A rug pad helps keep your area rug securely in place, preventing it from shifting or bunching up, which can cause unnecessary strain on the rug’s fibers. By holding the rug firmly in position, a rug pad helps maintain the rug’s shape, reducing the chances of wrinkling or folding that could lead to premature wear.
2. Longevity of Rug
Rug pads absorb much of the impact from foot traffic, protecting the fibers and backing of your rug from unnecessary wear. A quality rug pad can extend the rug’s life by minimizing stress on the rug’s materials and helps maintain its appearance and quality over a longer period.
3. Protection of Floors
Besides protecting the rug itself, rug pads also protect floors. High-quality Rug pads create a buffer between your rug and the floor, safeguarding your flooring from scratches, stains, and other damage. Without a pad, dirt and debris can get trapped beneath the rug and grind against the floor’s surface, leading to costly repairs over time.
4. Avoid Slipping and Sliding
One of the main benefits of rug pads is their anti-slip functionality, which helps to anchor the rug in place. This feature is especially important on hardwood or tile floors, where rugs can easily slide, causing accidents. Rug pads prevent these issues, ensuring your rug stays exactly where you want it.
5. For Extra Layer of Cushion
Rug pads add a soft layer of cushioning underfoot, making your rug more comfortable to walk on. This extra padding provides better support and can make a noticeable difference in rooms where you spend a lot of time standing, such as the kitchen or living room, enhancing overall comfort.
5 Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Rug Pad
Now, that we have understood the benefits of having rug pads beneath your area rug, let us discuss factors to consider while choosing a high-quality rug pad.
1. Thickness
The thickness of a rug pad impacts both comfort and protection. Thicker pads offer more cushioning, which is ideal for comfort underfoot and adds durability for rugs in areas with heavy traffic. However, a thinner rug pad might be better for doorways or compact spaces.
2. Grip
The grip is essential to place your rug securely and prevent unwanted movement. A rug pad with a strong non-slip grip is crucial for rugs on hardwood, tile, or other smooth surfaces. It can prevent shifting, which helps maintain the rug’s position and protects both the rug and the floor.
3. Material
Rug pads come in various materials, such as felt, rubber, and memory foam. Each has unique qualities. Felt provides cushion and insulation, rubber adds a strong grip and memory foam is exceptionally soft. You can consider the material based on your comfort needs, durability preferences, and floor type compatibility.
4. Size
Choosing the right size is important for both fit and function. A rug pad should be slightly smaller than the rug, typically one to two inches from the rug’s edge, to prevent the edges from lifting. This ensures even support and prevents visible pad edges, maintaining a clean look.
5. Type of Floor
The last one is, what type of floor you have; whether it’s tiles, wood, or any other. Different floor types require specific rug pads for optimal performance.
Hardwood floors, for instance, benefit from non-slip rubber pads to avoid scratches, while carpeted areas may need felt pads to prevent sliding. Choose a high-quality rug pad compatible with your floor type to ensure both rug and floor safety.
How Rug Pads Keep Your Rugs Protected and Clean?
- Rug pads act as a protective layer, absorbing foot traffic impact and preventing the rug fibers and backing from wearing down over time.
- Rug pads allow airflow, which helps prevent dirt and dust from accumulating and getting trapped beneath the rug.
- Some rug pads offer moisture resistance, providing a barrier against spills that could seep through the floor and damage the rug’s backing.
Choose the Best Rug Pads for your Area Rug
Choosing the best rug pad requires careful consideration of your floor type, rug style, desired comfort level, and rug size. This guide is a good foundation for selecting a reliable rug pad that enhances the protection, comfort, and lifespan of your area rug.
At SteamPro, we offer a range of high-quality rug pads designed to complement and protect your rugs. Our collection includes options suited to various floor types, providing both durability and comfort.
Find the perfect fit for your area rug with SteamPro’s expertly crafted rug pads!