Do You Put A Pad Under An Area Rug

A pad underneath an area rug is well worth the investment for both safety purposes and to help that rug stay exactly where you want it.
Do you put a pad under an area rug. The right rug pad will protect your floors from scratches spills and stains while protecting your rug from furniture indentations stabilizing it to facilitate vacuuming providing a buffer to minimize wear and tear and increasing air flow to keep it cleaner every day. So if you have an area rug that is 8 x 10 you would want it to be 7 10 x 9 10 which is 2 less on each dimension or 1 inch less on each side. An area rug is a great way to add a little warmth under foot atop a cool hardwood floor. A good rule of thumb is one inch less on each dimension.
An area rug pad lies underneath the area rug between the bottom of the rug and the floor s surface. Placing a pad under a rug not only prevents the rug from slipping on your hardwood floor it also makes the rug more comfortable for walking. An area rug on its own slips easily when stepped upon especially on smooth floors such as hardwood or laminates. All area rugs no matter type thickness or size need rug pads to protect them and the floors they lie on.
I am enjoying not having to vacuum carpet under the bed. The pad not only protects the surface of your floor but also helps keep the rug from sliding around on the floor which can prevent. A pad under the rug prevents scratches and dye transfer to your floor or carpet below. It helps hold the rug in place and prevents slips.
A lighter weight area rug next to the bed might need a non slip mat. Generally you want the area rug pad to be slightly smaller than the area rug itself so it doesn t show. Because the rug pad acts as a buffer and prevents fibers from being crushed it extends the life of your rug. Mine are high quality wall to wall carpet cut to size with bound edges.
They don t slip because of their weight. Not just any pad will do though. If you plan to put an area rug down on a flat floor such as hardwood or tile you should use an area rug pad.