It’s simple to choose an “out of sight, out of mind” reasoning with the rug pads. Indeed, the pad is located below the rug, so you will never really see or feel it. It may be easy to consider rug pads as a worthless add-on or an upsell.
However, the rug pads are an essential part of any rug placement, no matter what style or shape. Below, we will list the main 5 benefits of having a rug pad.
1. Rug pad prevents the rug from slipping, wrinkling, and buckling
The main benefit is that it will always keep your rug fixed in the same place. In case you have ever jumped on the rug or stepped on it too fast, you already understand how dangerous a moving rug can be.
2. Longer life for your rug
Yes, a good product extends the life of your rug!
Movement and friction can destroy the rug’s lining and lead to a loosening pile. If you keep the rug firm, you’ll be capable of preventing that from happening. Moreover, the extra support provided by the pad will keep the rug pile from crushing.
3. Floor protection
An extra visible advantage of having a rug pad placed is the extra layer of protection it establishes between the rug and the floor.
As you know, many rugs have a pretty sharp lining. Even when your rug is slightly sliding on the floor, this can seriously ruin your floor over time. Buying a rug pad, you can always ensure your rug never moves. Even if it does, the delicate texture will preserve your floor.
4. It absorbs the noises and provides extra comfort
Rug pads give an extra level of support and noise absorption that you simply can’t achieve with just a rug. The benefit you can expect will depend on the type of rug pad you get.
The usual, or so-called “waffle” pads are directed at keeping your rug in position. They will simply provide a minimum result of extra buffer and sound absorption. These pads are a good choice for plush rugs which don’t require extra comfort.
However, if you choose thicker pads, they provide the ultimate comfort, noise elimination, and isolation from the floor under the rug. Thick pads are an excellent solution for the low-pile and flatweave rugs.
5. It gets easier to vacuum clean
Rug pads increase the airflow through the rug. It has a couple of great benefits when it comes to vacuum cleaning your rug.
Firstly, the airflow minimizes the friction, and secondly, the airflow keeps the bad-smelling bacteria from growing.
How to Choose the Rug Pad Size?
The general rule is that your rug pad size should be about 1 inch smaller than your rug on each side. You can refer to the chart below:
| Rug Size | Recommended Rug Pad Size |
|---|---|
| 3′ x 5′ | 2’10” x 4’10” |
| 4′ x 6′ | 3’10” x 5’10” |
| 5′ x 8′ | 4’10” x 7’10” |
| 6′ x 9′ | 5’10” x 8’10” |
| 8′ x 10′ | 7’10” x 9’10” |
| 9′ x 12′ | 8’10” x 11’10” |
| 10′ x 14′ | 9’10” x 13’10” |
| 12′ x 15′ | 11’10” x 14’10” |
| 12′ x 18′ | 11’10” x 17’10” |
It’s essential to have the pad just a bit smaller compared to the rug, to keep it invisible. After all, it’s the rug you want everyone to see, not the pad.