How and Where to Use Area Rugs on Hardwood Floor – 5 Expert Tips

Do you have hardwood flooring in your home? If the answer is yes, you may believe that rugs are out of the question. This could be further from the truth. In reality, an area rug can very well be your best friend. It offers a wealth of benefits for homes with hardwood floors that exude luxury and comfort but aren’t very inviting.

So, how and where should you use them? You’ll find out in this comprehensive guide.

How to Get Started?

It goes without saying, hardwood floors are a big investment and it is the most luxurious type of flooring to have. But, they tend to be pretty fragile, developing scratches and blemishes really easily. The rugs serve two purposes here. They hide blemishes and simultaneously keep the hardwood floors protected.

However, contrary to general belief, area rugs are not only meant to hide stains and color offsets in hardwood floors, but they can be used to compliment them. Below, we’ve put together a list of five expert tips to help you choose the best locations to place area rugs and enhance the appeal of your hardwood flooring.

Choosing the Best Area Rug

Before you nail down the best places to lay rugs, let’s figure out how to choose one. Generally, a rug is placed under furniture such as a dining table, bed, or lounge suite. The rule of thumb is to measure the seating area and take home the rug of the closest size.

You can dupe the general rule for a modern look and pick rug size that fits the front of the furniture legs or fills the entire room leaving two-three feet of floor space along the parameter of the rug to show the hardwood floor.

Even best of area rugs can slip around on the smooth surface of the hardwood flooring, so a good way to keep them properly positioned and to prevent them from slipping is to use rug pads under them. Choosing a fine rug pad is as important as choosing a good rug itself. Inferior rug pads can scratch up floors and worn down finishes, whereas decent quality pads can reduce wear and tear on the rug, make vacuuming smooth and protect hardwood flooring from being scratched by the back of the rug.

How and Where To Use Area Rug

Now, it is time to find out where to use this type of rug. Generally, a rug is placed under furniture or alongside it, but in reality, the possibilities are endless. As long as you have the right rug and you’re willing to use your imagination, you’ll easily find a place to use it.

1. Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas

Keep your hardwood floor in great condition by placing area rugs in high-traffic areas of your home. Entryways, hallways, living rooms are high-traffic zones where flooring is tested the most. Using rugs in these areas guards the integrity of the hardwood floor while maintaining the grace and style.

2. Place them seamlessly under Tables, Sofas, and Chairs

It’s a good idea to place rugs underneath table, sofas, couches, and chairs in the living room, dining room or elsewhere, where you have a seating arrangement. Adding a rug will create a gorgeous scene and it will protect your hardwood floor. You should place the rug under coffee tables, side tables, and even kitchen tables. Just remember, placing one under a kitchen table will make things a tad difficult to clean. Nevertheless, it’ll look great and it’ll prevent the table legs from scratching the floor.

3. Use Rugs Under Other Furniture Items

While you’re at it, you’ll want to think about placing your rug underneath the other furniture items too. Keeping the floors bare can leave them vulnerable to scratches and other blemishes. However, if you place the rug underneath, you will be able to protect the floors. This is also going to make things look much better and tidier.

4. Use Area Rugs to Create Warmth in the Bedroom

We love hardwood flooring in the bedroom, but you cannot choose to differ when I say, the bare floor looks slightly incomplete without a runner or maybe an area rug in the center of the bedroom. A wall-to-wall carpet is waste of money considering the fact that most of it would be covered by bedroom furniture, therefore opt for a large area rug in the center of the room and it’ll make the room look warmer. You can still have the hardwood peaking out from the sides, it’ll add to the room’s class.

5. Use Area Rugs to Define Spaces

 In addition to using area rugs to enhance the space, you can also use them to divide a larger room into two sections. For example, the entryway from the living room and the hallway from the dining space. Use of area rug will make the room cozier and will anchor the furniture. To define a space, always select rug in colors that either match or create a positive contrast with the layout and style of your room.

Also Read: How To Maintain Hardwood Flooring for Years

Quick Tips for Using an Area Rug on Hardwood Floors

• Carefully clean the area before laying down the rug. Sweep and mop the entire area first to prepare the floor
• Clean/vacuum the rug regularly
• Pick the right size rug – an oversized rug ruins the aesthetics
• Always use good quality non-slip rug pad below the rug
• Create harmony with the color and design of your room. Match the rug color with the tone of the hardwood floor and existing furniture and furnishing

CAUTION: Placing a rug anchored by furniture is ideal for a living, bedroom or dining room but the hardwood floor covered by a rug will maintain its color and sheen better than the uncovered floor around it. To prevent the discoloration, it is advised to limit direct sunlight on the exposed floor area.