Hardwood floors add a dash of elegance to your interior; that’s no secret.
However, to make a cozy surrounding, you will still need a rug. Otherwise, there will always be something missing from your perfect picture!
Furthermore, you can protect the floors from scratches and dents with the help of a high-quality carpet.
But every rug you see out there won’t be suitable for your expensive hardwood base. And if you pick the wrong one, you may end up damaging the entire thing!
So, what kinds of rugs are safe for hardwood floors? Are they super expensive or affordable? Let’s get all the secrets to taking our home décor to a whole new level!
Types of Rugs That Are Safe for Hardwood Floors
Well, hardwood floors are the height of sophistication, but they are vulnerable to scratches and spots. This material can easily lose its prime condition, which is a bummer!
When you want your flooring to last longer and look stylish all the time, you need to choose the rug cautiously. Don’t worry; we will help you with the mission.
So, what type of rug is best for hardwood floors, you ask? Here are your answers!
Wool Rugs
When you are trying to set up a comfy environment, woolen rugs are one of the most fantastic choices you have. Additionally, this blend is exceptionally soft, which will protect the floors from getting scraped.
You can either get a flat weave or a tufted one, whichever goes with the décor. This variety of rugs is available in different styles and vibrant colors to make your place more stunning than ever!
Natural-Fiber Rugs
Well, the natural-fiber rugs aren’t the most suitable choice for any formal interior. However, you can use these mats in your modern or Asian-styled houses without any trouble.
The natural-fiber rugs are made from threads such as jute, coir, and sisal. They are tightly woven, and the most incredible part is, that you can reverse them if one side gets a bit dirty. So, when it’s about low maintenance, you can definitely rely on these carpets.
However, it would be best always to make sure that there is no latex layer under these rugs. Otherwise, it will stick to your luxurious hardwood floor and ruin the whole thing in no time!
Cotton Rugs
You must be thinking why we didn’t list the cotton rugs under the natural fiber section. Let’s clear up the confusion!
Cotton rugs are versatile and can be used on any wooden floor. As the material is amazingly breathable, you don’t have to worry about your floor’s condition anymore. Moreover, these rugs don’t need much maintenance, which is a relief.
Furthermore, you will find different styles and colors that will help you change your house’s look. From contemporary to rustic, you can use these mats for any interior.
Silk Rugs
Some of us want the best for our house! And these silk rugs are for those high-flying people out there! When you are ready to spend some bulky checks, you can consider these rugs to make your hardwood floors more exclusive!
If you cannot afford silk rugs, there are also silk-wool or silk-cotton blends available. However, it doesn’t really matter how much you are spending on these high-end rugs; they won’t last long.
Silk is pretty vulnerable to abrasion, so that would be a bad investment if you expect durability.
Synthetic Rugs
The most incredible fact about synthetic rugs is that they will last a lifetime. They are basically made of materials such as viscose, rayon, nylon, and polypropylene.
You will get different designs, colors, and patterns to decorate your rooms. And most importantly, your floors will be in safe hands!
Why Do We Need Rug Pads?
Sometimes the rugs keep slipping, or dust can easily go through them and damage your hardwood flooring. Therefore, you will need protective padding to prevent abrasion.
Additionally, this padding will protect the moisture from getting inside the mats. Hence, there will be no water spots anymore.
You should pick a rug pad according to the density of your mat. If it is a braided cotton mat, you can get thin padding, and your job is done.
On the other hand, when using a woolen mat, you have to get heavy padding to ensure better protection against abrasion.
Furthermore, silk and natural-fiber rugs will also need some heavy pads underneath. Otherwise, silk mats will get faded pretty soon. And the natural fiber ones will not give enough protection against dust and moisture.
Therefore, when you want to ensure enhanced protection for your hardwood floors, you need top-notch rug pads! There is no alternative to that accessory!
How Can Rugs Damage Your Hardwood Floor?
If you ask for our opinion, on rugs on hardwood floors, we would definitely suggest you get them. It is the best way to protect your floors and increase their longevity to a great extent.
However, everything in this universe comes with its perks and cons, and so are rugs. They can also damage the beautiful flooring if you make some wrong choices.
Here are some ways that can destroy the charm of your striking hardwood base.
Carpet Tape
Some of us use carpet tape to keep the rugs fixed on their spot. Well, when you try to rip the tape off, you will surely damage the floor, and you don’t want that!
Instead, you can use rug pads to keep them set in their place, and there will be no harm to your flooring.
Low-Quality Rug Pads
Yes, getting rug pads is necessary, but when you get a low-quality product, it will end up defeating its purpose! The low grade once comes with a PVC composition that will react with the floor, and it will cause discoloration.
So, while buying a rug pad, make sure you’re investing in something high-end. Otherwise, you will have to pay a higher price!
Not Moving the Rugs
If your room gets plenty of sunlight, you should keep rotating the rugs frequently. Otherwise, one spot will be faded more than the other, which isn’t acceptable at all!
Clean the Spillages
Whenever you drop something on the floor, make sure you are cleaning it immediately. If not, the mat will absorb the whole thing, and then the floor will have to hit. And that’s how you will end up destroying perfect hardwood flooring!
The Bottom Line
What kinds of rugs are safe for hardwood floors; hopefully, we have solved this dilemma! The task isn’t easy, to be honest, but when you’ve got something expensive, you should do everything to ensure a greater value!
Well, after reading this article, you won’t have any problem purchasing a rug for your hardwood floor. So go on and give a makeover to your house today!