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Rug Size Guides
Since hardwood floors are so prominent in today’s homes, it’s common practice to have these floors and use area rugs to add a soft, plush surface. However, as you shop for that perfect living room rug, you may be wondering what rugs are safe for hardwood floors and if any rugs could possibly damage the floor beneath them. Fortunately, most rugs are safe for hardwood floors. We’ve provided a full breakdown to give you more in depth information and confidence.
Natural fibers rugs like jute, sisal, and seagrass are all safe for hardwood floors. Contrary to popular belief, these materials can be used to create some very soft and comfortable area rugs. That gentle texture along with the breathable nature of the materials make them a perfect fit for hardwood floors. If you are concerned about the texture of these rugs, then a rug pad can help ease your concerns. The rug pad will act as a natural barrier between your rug and the floor, and at the same time it will provide extra grip, comfort, and support.
Cotton rugs are some of the most popular options for hardwood floor rugs. Cotton is a natural material that is known for its lightweight nature, softness, and versatility. Aside from their natural comfort, cotton rugs are also easy to maintain, affordable, and available in a wide array of patterns. Machine washable cotton rugs are just one option when it comes to cotton hardwood floor rugs.
Wool rugs are some of the highest quality rugs available. This all natural material is known for its luxurious comfort, longevity, and transcendent styles. Wool is a a naturally durable material that is also more plush and supportive, which means that it acts as a protective shield for the floor beneath it. These resilient, long lasting rugs are ideal for protecting your wood floor from scratches, spills, and other types of damage.
Microfiber area rugs are popular in today’s homes thanks to their very soft, plush texture. These rugs are synethetic in nature, and they tend to be made of polyester or a polyester blend. The rugs use tiny strands of thread to create a very plush, soft surface. That softness comes across in all areas of rug and makes it a great option for rooms with hardwood floors. As an added bonus, microfiber rugs often feature their own non-slip backing for extra security, comfort, and grip.
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Low pile and flat weave rugs are well suited for hardwood floors. Since these rugs have less of a pile (or no pile at all) they trap less dirt in their fibers. That also makes these rugs easier to clean and maintain. Flatweave rugs in particular are typically reversible, which means that a soft surface will always be in contact with the hardwood floor. However, that does come with a drawback: instead of having a heavier backing or natural grip, flat weave rugs tend to slip and slide on hardwood floors. That is why we strongly recommend you use a rug pad, rug tape, or some sort of grounding to keep the rug safe for you and all who walk on the rug.
Rug pads are especially important with lightweight rugs like flatweave rugs, cotton rugs, or other smaller rugs. However, rug pads are typically recommended for any rug that doesn’t have its own non-slip backing. A rug pad can act as an extra barrier between your rug and the floor. The extra grip from the rug pad will prevent your rug from slipping and sliding around, and at the same time it will protect your floor from scratches, spills, and other types of damage.
There are various types of rug pads to consider, such as rubber rug pads, felt rug pads, combination rug pads, and others. We invite you to read our full guide on different types of rug pads to help you choose the best rug pad for hardwood floors.
Some rugs already have their own non-slip backs built into the rug. Microfibers rugs are one example of this, but they are far from the only rugs with a built-in backing. Vinyl area rugs also tend to have a non-slip grip that makes them ideal for hardwood or tile floors. If you are looking for a softer rug with a non-slip backing, look at some polyester or polypropylene options.
As you can see, most popular rugs are compatible with hardwood floors. The general principle when choosing a rug for a room with hardwood flooring is to avoid any rug that has a rough or abrasive backing. That backing can scratch the hardwood floors if it slips and slides around, or even if it just moves at the wrong angle. If you have your heart set on a rug with a rough backing, then it’s imperative to purchase a very supportive rug pad to shield the hardwood floor from that coarse surface.
No matter what type of floor your rug is on, it’s vital to care for the rug with regular cleaning and maintenance. If the rug isn’t properly cared for, then stains, dirt, and debris may damage the rug and even the area beneath it. Fortunately, regular care often consists of vacuuming, shaking out debris, and spot cleaning any stains as they occur. These simple cleanings and light maintenance will improve the longevity of your rug and also keep your hardwood floor clean and beautiful.
Different types of rugs do require different types of care. For example, plush wool rugs aren’t typically cleaned with a vacuum beater brush, since the brush can tangle the rug’s fibers and create a mess. While it’s wise to be well-versed on how to care for your rug, you can also look at the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for how to clean the rug and to double check that the rug is safe for hardwood floors.
It’s easy to find a rug that is safe for hardwood floors. Natural materials like jute, sisal, seaglass, cotton, and wool are ideal options for adding a quality rug to your space. Similarly, synthetic options are also approved for your hardwood floor unless they have an abrasive backing or specific guidelines from the manufacturer saying otherwise. With all that, you can now confidently choose a rug that protects your hardwood floor, shows off your style, and adds comfort to your home.
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