Best Area Rugs for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are fascinating and are sometimes regarded as the height of home aesthetics and sophistication. Besides making your home more appealing, hardwood floors can make it feel warmer and more spacious. Some home homeowners see them as long-term investments and points of bargains when trying to resell properties.
Nonetheless, hardwood floors are not without their cons and vulnerabilities. Moving heavy objects and walking in high-heeled or strong-soled shoes on a hardwood floor will leave it looking dull, scratched, and damaged. Hence, the need to add a layer of protection on your hardwood floors with an area rug.
The contrasting textures of a soft rug's fibers and a wooden floor combine to create a stunning view. And if you must use the best rugs for hardwood floors, here are some tips to help you narrow down your options.
What Kind of Rugs Are Safe for Hardwood Floors?
After investing in an attractive and well-engineered hardwood floor, you don’t want to mess it up with a poor rug choice. Rugs come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics, but here’s a list of the best and most common rugs for hardwood floors:
- Wool Rugs
Wool rugs are the most common and are often regarded as the best choice for hardwood floors. Wool rugs are admired not only for their adorable appearance, but also for being breathable, durable, soft, comfortable, and easy to clean. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, and designs to accommodate any type of hardwood.
If you'd like to add a layer of protection to your hardwood floor while also beautifying your space, polypropylene rugs get the job done. They are flexible, durable, affordable, and user-friendly. You can't go wrong with a polypropylene rug. However, make sure to go for those with a jute backing as polypropylene rugs with plastic backings can scratch your hardwood.
- Cotton Rugs
Pieces of cotton such as wool are common natural fabrics with soft and durable textures that are perfect for hardwood floors. Cotton rugs are available in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns to give your room a casual look.
- Natural Fabric Rugs
If you’re looking to keep your hardwood floors clean without sacrificing a modern look in your home, consider natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, coir, or seagrass. They're long-lasting, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
Rugs on Hardwood Floors, Yes or No?
Rugs especially come in handy when trying to prevent water damage on your hardwood floors. Install natural fiber rugs or wool rugs in water-prone areas to absorb water that would otherwise damage your floor. Keeping rugs at your sink's base, pets' water bowls, refrigerators, and other similar areas help your hardwood floor remain intact for many years.
Here are some other benefits of Area Rugs on hardwood floors:
- An area rug can help to bring the elements of a room together.
- Area rugs add warmth to any room.
- Area rugs provide comfort and soft cushioning for your feet.
- Area rugs can shield your hardwood floors from scratches and stains.
- Area rugs are very appealing and can enhance the appearance of your room.
- Area rugs help to reduce the noise.
Rugs for Hardwood Floors in Living Room
Installing a rug on your hardwood floor in the living room serves two purposes. Visually, the rug creates a focal point, defines a space, and improves the overall appearance. Functionally, they absorb noise typically caused by hardwood floors and provide extra cushioning. Consider buying an area rug that complements your current living room theme. Place it under your coffee table and partially beneath your chairs and sofas to help define the seating area.
Best Rugs for Hardwood Floors in Kitchen
Kitchens are high-traffic areas prone to spills, drops, and stains, which means the hardwood floors are constantly exposed to dirt and scratches. As a result, we recommend installing a rug in your kitchen to prevent your hardwood floor from deteriorating. Rugs for hardwood floors in kitchens will also create a soothing ambiance and provide a cushion for your feet. Make sure to buy easy-to-clean and jute-backed rugs so you don't have to worry about maintenance. Avoid cheap PVC, latex, and plastic backings.
Hardwood Floors and Rug Pads
Rug pads offer comfort and stability for your rugs or carpets, but most importantly, they protect your hardwood floors against dings, stains, scratches, and damage.
When choosing a rug pad, consider the two most important qualities: performance (rug and floor protection) and safety (resistance to slipping). Natural rubber and felt rug pads are the safest options for hardwood floors. Some rug pad manufacturers combine felt and natural rubber to maximize their combined qualities.
However, avoid latex rug pads. They are not breathable and will trap air and moisture that can damage your hardwood floor. Other types of rug pads to avoid are plastic and cheap PVC.
Natural rubber rug pad for hardwood floors
Natural rubber rug pads are arguably the best choice for hardwood floors as they combine great performance with safety and eco-friendly qualities. They are excellent for holding rugs in place while also protecting the hardwood floor from damage. Although lacking slightly in cushioning, natural rubber pads make up for it in strength and stability.
Tips for Protecting Hardwood Floor with Area Rugs
- Clean the Area Before Placing the Rug
Dirt, oil, and other sorts of waste can stain and damage your hardwood floors. And if you choose to place an area rug on a dirty floor, visible markings will remain after it is removed. You can avoid this by sweeping, mopping, drying the surface, and filling visible scratches with filler.
- Use Runners in High-traffic Areas
High traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and living rooms are prone to dirt and wear and tear. Area rug in such areas will help to preserve the integrity of your hardwood floor.
- Use Waterproof Rugs in Moisture-Prone Areas
Water seeping into a hardwood floor can cause it to swell, get stained, or become waterlogged. The best rugs for hardwood floors are natural wool or synthetic fiber rugs as they are waterproof and colorfast.
- Use Oversized Rugs in Large Rooms
An oversized rug anchored by furniture is appropriate for a living or dining area but use with caution. Oftentimes, hardwood floors underneath large rugs will keep their colors longer than the uncovered ones around them. Lastly, try to reduce the amount of direct sunlight your hardwood floor is exposed to prevent discoloration.
Bottom Line
Get a suitable rug pad and fabric furniture pads to prevent scratches and scuffed finishes. Rugs on hardwood floors can improve the visual appeal of the room while also serving as a practical item for protection. Buy an affordable premium area rug for your floor now and pay $0 in shipping fees.