Do You Really Need a Rug Pad? Experts Weigh In

Picking out an area rug is hard—after all, rugs really set the tone for a room. But, once you’ve found your winning jute, wool, or washable wonder, there’s always one question left: would you like to purchase a rug pad to go with it? Rachel Fasciani, brand marketing specialist at STARK Carpet, says the answer is unequivocally yes. “Rug pads serve several important purposes in your home, offering both functional and protective benefits,” she explains.

We spoke to Fasciani about what exactly these magical little pads do, why we need them, and what to look for when you’re purchasing one. She also provided care instructions so that you can keep your rug pad (and therefore rug) looking good for longer.

What Does a Rug Pad Do?

That tiny little layer actually packs a whole lot of use. “They are a simple and effective way to protect your home’s floors, enhance comfort, and preserve the look and function of your rugs by preventing slipping, protecting your floors, extending your rug’s life, and enhancing comfort.” So they’re important for safety reasons (avoiding slipping) and the longevity of both your rug and your floors by keeping the rug still and preventing scratches and scuffs. It also serves as a dust-catcher, gathering dirt and debris that could harm your rug and floors.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Rug Pad?

Material

Rubber: Fasciani says rubber is best for any hard flooring since it’s durable and extremely non-slip. They’re also often thinner so your rug lies flatter than it would with other materials.

Felt: “Felt is best for hardwood, tile, and carpeted floors because they offer thick cushioning,” says Fasciani. They enhance the comfort of your rug by providing a little extra cushioning, and they can also help with sound insulation.

Combination (Rubber + Felt): These rug pads work for all floor types and combine the best features of each material. They have the handy non-slip properties of rubber and the comfort of felt.

Memory Foam: These are good to use on hard floors where you want extra cushion, Fasciani says. People often use these in kitchens for the added comfort underfoot.

Size

Your rug pad should match the size of your rug, or be one to two inches short on each side so that it’s not visible around the edges. If you buy a rug pad and discover that it is showing, you can simply trim it with scissors.

How Do You Care for a Rug Pad?

If you want your rug pad to last a while (and why wouldn’t you?) you have to take the time to care for it, just as you would a rug. Fasciani says this means you should be vacuuming it on gentle every few months, and spot clean it with soap and water if anything spills. “Additionally, rotating your rug and pad every three to six months will prevent areas from becoming worn down,” she says. Over time, rug pads will lose their grip or softness, so they’ll need to be replaced in order to protect yourself and your floors. Check on yours each time you vacuum or deep-clean your rug to see if it’s ready for retirement.