Choosing the right rug mat is essential for protecting your floors, keeping your rug in place, and adding comfort.
Why Use a Rug Mat?
A good rug mat (also known as a rug pad) serves multiple important functions for both your rug and your flooring. Primarily, it acts as a protective layer. As the reference highlights, a good rug pad should protect your floor from scratches, dents, or dining chairs moving back and forth. This is particularly crucial for preventing damage from furniture legs or the abrasive backing of the rug itself.
Beyond protection, rug mats also:
- Prevent Slipping: They provide grip, keeping the rug from sliding, which is a common safety hazard.
- Reduce Bunching: A mat helps the rug lie flat and prevents corners from curling up.
- Add Cushion: Many mats offer an extra layer of padding, making the rug feel softer underfoot.
- Improve Airflow: Some mats allow air to circulate underneath the rug, helping to prevent moisture buildup.
Key Factors When Choosing a Rug Mat
Selecting the best mat depends on your specific needs, the type of rug, and the type of flooring you have.
Floor Protection is Paramount
Protecting your floor is one of the most critical reasons to use a rug mat. The reference explicitly states that you should choose a pad that has a non-abrasive and non-staining surface, particularly if you have hardwood, laminate, or delicate flooring. Using a mat with an improper surface can cause damage, discoloration, or residue on your floor over time. Look for materials specifically labeled as safe for your flooring type.
Consider Your Rug and Floor Type
- Hard Floors (Hardwood, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl):
- You need grip to prevent sliding.
- Look for mats with a natural rubber backing (avoid synthetic adhesives or PVC that can damage finishes).
- Prioritize non-staining, non-abrasive surfaces.
- Carpeted Floors:
- Grip isn't the primary concern; you need to prevent the rug from rippling or buckling.
- Choose a felt or thicker pad that adds cushion and stability.
- Thin Rugs (e.g., Kilims, Flatweaves):
- A combination felt-and-rubber pad or a thicker felt pad can add body and prevent movement.
- Thick Rugs (e.g., Shags, High-Pile):
- A thin, dense pad is often sufficient to provide grip without adding too much height.
Material Matters
Rug mats come in various materials, each with different properties:
- Natural Rubber: Excellent grip, durable, generally safe for most hard floors (verify product specs).
- Felt: Adds cushion and insulation, good for stability on carpet, can be combined with rubber for hard floors.
- PVC/Vinyl: Can provide grip but some types may damage or discolor certain floor finishes, especially hardwood. Use with caution and check product specifications carefully.
- Jute or Natural Fibers: Often used for protective layers, but may not provide significant grip or cushion.
Sizing Your Mat
Ideally, your rug mat should be slightly smaller than your rug – typically about one inch smaller on each side (two inches total in width and length). This prevents the pad from showing under the rug edges and reduces the risk of tripping.
- If your rug is 8x10 feet, aim for a pad that is approximately 7'10" x 9'10".
- Most mats can be easily trimmed with scissors for a perfect fit.
By considering the purpose, floor type, material, and size, you can choose the right rug mat to extend the life of your rug and protect your valuable flooring.
