How To Choose the Right Area Rug Pad for Your Area Rugs

Area rugs work wonders to tie a room’s decor together. While they aren’t visible, rug pads are just as essential. Not only do they keep your rugs looking sharp, but they protect your floors as well. Here’s how to choose the right area rug pad for your area rugs.
What Are Rug Pads?

Rug pads are pieces of material that lie between your rug and your floor. There are many different styles, but most are made of a fabric or rubbery material. Rug pads have a few different purposes.

The Purpose of Rug Pads

Rug pads keep your rugs looking their best and keep them in place. Here’s how.

Prevent Movement and Bunched Corners

Rugs tend to slide around when they are simply laid over your regular flooring. Hardwood and tile floors have no grip, so rugs can slide over them very easily. This is where rug pads come in.

Rug pads provide resistance and grip so that your area rugs stay right where you want them. For large rugs, this prevents bunched corners or shifts in the rug’s position. For small rugs, this could even make the rug safer.

Small area rugs can be dangerous when placed without a rug pad. If a small rug doesn’t have a rubber material on the back, such as a bathmat, it needs a rug pad. This is because small area rugs move easily, making them easy to slip on. One can slide right out from under a poorly placed foot, resulting in a fall.

This is especially true in households with children. If running kids step on an unpadded area rug, it can slip right out from under them, causing a tumble. Because of this, it’s best to invest in a rug pad for all your area rugs to mitigate the risk.

Protect Your Floors and Rug

Over time, the rug’s fibers can wear or scratch your floor’s finish. A rug pad protects your floors.

In addition, rug pads extend the life span of your rug. Since large area rugs are an expensive purchase, this is essential. They keep your area rug lying flat, making it easier to vacuum and reducing the chances of loosened threads. Area rug pads also increase the airflow, making it more difficult for mold or mildew to grow.

Different Rug Pad Features

When selecting a rug pad for your home, there are a few different features you must keep in mind.

Non-Slip

Non-slip rug pads do exactly what the name implies—they prevent the rug from sliding. These are often made with rubber; material options include natural rubber and a rubber-and-felt mix.

Non-slip rug pads are the best options for small area rugs to prevent family members from slipping or falling because of them.

Extra Cushion

Rug pads also add cushion beneath your existing area rugs. If you’re looking for an extra-comfortable rug, choose a higher thickness when selecting your rug pad. They are manufactured from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in thickness.

However, it is important to remember that a thick rug pad will raise your rug off the floor a bit. This can affect door clearance if the rug is situated by an entrance or result in guests kicking the edge of the rug. Because of this, it is best to place extra cushioned rugs like these away from doorways and high-traffic areas.

Quality

As with anything, higher-quality materials usually demand a higher price tag. A high-quality rug pad will last for years to come. However, if you aren’t looking for anything fancy, a lower-quality rug pad might work just fine for your home.

Sizing Your Area Rug Pad

When deciding what size rug pad to buy, you will need to know what size your area rug is first. This is because your area rug pad should be slightly smaller than your area rug itself.

Use a measuring tape to find the dimensions of your rug. You will need to know both the length and width. Do not include any tassels or other decorative details in your measurements, only the main body of the rug.

For most rugs, you should subtract two inches from the length and width of the area rug to get the dimensions for your area rug pad. However, if your rug is a thicker style, it’s best to subtract three inches to find your rug pad size.

For example, an area rug that is six by nine feet will need an area rug measuring five by eight feet. Your rug pad should be the next size down from your area rug. This will ensure maximum protection for your floor, minimal slippage, and no unsightly overhang from the rug pad.

Resizing a Rug Pad

If you already own a rug pad you’d like to repurpose or bought the wrong size, it is possible to resize it. First, you’ll need to lay out your rug pad on a flat surface. Place your area rug over the top, and carefully trace around the edges with a marker.

Use your measuring tape to mark two or three inches inside of your first outline. This will be the new size of your rug pad. Carefully trim your rug pad to the inside line you’ve traced. Scissors or a box cutter will work best. If using a box cutter, be sure to put down a cutting mat first.

Now you’ve got a perfectly sized area rug! If you don’t want to do all that work, you can order custom-sized rugs or area rug pads to ensure you get the perfect fit every time.

Koeckritz Rugs is a custom carpet company that creates high-quality rugs in all different sizes. We can create custom rugs to fit most dimensions so that you can always find the perfect size rug for your room or space. Custom rugs give you more options—you won’t need to settle for a standard size that doesn’t fit your vision.

Let us help you choose the right area rug pad for your area rugs. Our customer support specialists can answer any questions you may have.