Why You Shouldn’t Skip The Rug Pad

You guys know I’m a big fan of hardwood floors and rugs (specifically vintage rugs). The two go hand-in-hand, and I’m here to preach the benefits of using a rug pad in today’s post, because believe it or not- they’re necessary. We talk a lot about rugs, home decor, and furnishings, but rarely talk about the maintenance and items that accompany them. It makes zero sense to spend time & money making your home functional and beautiful, only to see things deteriorate. Click through to learn why you shouldn’t ever skip the rug pad (even when layering on carpet or tile)!

#1 // Rugs Can Be a Tripping Hazzard

This one seems obvious, but a rug pad helps to anchor a rug to your floor. Most rug pads help to grip & flatten the rug, keeping it in place. A rug shouldn’t shift when you walk on it. I’ve watched too many people (and pets) slip, slide, and fall on rugs that aren’t flat or “stuck” to the floor.

#2 // Your Floor is Worth Protecting

No matter what type of floor is beneath your rug, it needs to be protected. Rug backings are often rough and abrasive, which causes scratches on hardwood or other types of flooring. Even if your rug is on carpet, you still need a rug pad. I’ve seen the dye transfer from the rug to the carpet, leaving a stain. Rugs are also notorious for trapping debris, which could be dangerous for your floor… having a pad acts as a protective barrier from surface damage as the rug shifts with foot traffic and weight.

#3 // Your Rug Will Be Cleaner

A rug pad also acts as a barrier for mildew, odors, and mold. It helps prevent these things by allowing better air circulation, as well as the build-up of dirt or debris under your rug.

#4 // It Helps To Soundproof Your Home

The thicker your rug pad is, the better your home acoustics will be. Sure, it’s a marginal difference, but a dense rug pad acts as a sound barrier. It’s great if you have a multi-level home… the padding makes a real difference!

#5 // It Feels Better Underfoot

A rug pad also adds cushion and padding, making your rug more comfortable to stand and walk on. I’m all about a soft, dense rug pad. I got an extra thick one for the vintage rug in front of our kitchen sink. It makes standing there to do dishes much more comfortable.

#6 // Your Rug Will Look Better

If you want your rug to lie flat and wear evenly, a rug pad is a must. Crinkled or wavy rugs look messy, and rug pads help to keep it looking nice.

#7 // It Protects & Extends The Life of Your Rug

Rugs are a textile composed of fibers… the more we walk and stand on them, the more those fibers compress. This causes a rug to look old, worn, and the pile height decreases over time. A rug pad slows this natural process by adding support and absorbing the weight & stress. It really prolongs the lifespan of your rug and acts as a buffer between the floor and rug. Rugs without pads show signs of wear and tear much sooner than ones placed on a pad.

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Q&A

How do I choose a rug pad?

You’ll need to know the size of your rug and determine what type of pad best fits your family or the foot traffic in your home. For example, I used a thick, premium pad for our kitchen rug since I stand on it multiple times a day to do dishes.

Which type of rug pad is best?

I prefer this rug pad from Mohawk. It’s budget friendly, comfortable (pretty plush underfoot), and can be cut to size easily. It’s my go-to rug pad that I keep on my “frequently purchased” Wayfair wishlist. It’s really the best one I’ve found.

Where do you buy rug pads?

I’ve always purchased rug pads online, but if you shop for rugs in person- any rug retailer also carries pads.

Do I still need a rug pad with a rug that has a built-in pad or non-slip backing?

This is totally up to you! Depending on what type of backing the rug has, it still might be a good idea to double up with a pad. Cost might also come into play?

Whew! I know that was a LOT of info about rugs pads… which might be boring to some of you, but I promise it’s really a necessary item that most people forego. Give it a try and let me know if you notice a difference! Questions? Comments? You know I love them! Feel free to share below…