Your beautiful hardwood floors are precious and, with the right care, will last for many years to come. One way to increase the longevity of your floor is with the use of rugs but placed badly, they may detract from the overall aesthetic of your floor. Here are a few things to consider.
Protection
Primarily, protecting your floor is the key point. Rugs are perfect for this as they provide a thin layer between the flooring and anything that might damage it. They can be easily removed for washing, and replaced if they start to wear. Opting for a style that will fit with your overall design will make sure it fits in. If you are still reluctant to use rugs, perhaps consider using them just in high-traffic areas where floor damage is most likely, for example in the hallway where people put on their shoes, under furniture, and in areas where children might play.
Design
Covering a light wood floor with a rug may affect the brightness of your room. Wood will reflect light whereas material doesn’t, so choose your design and style carefully. Make sure that corners of rugs don’t overlap as this can look messy and make your room feel cluttered.
Warmth
Placing a rug next to a bed will avoid you getting frosty toes in the morning. Opt for a deep pile for an extra luxurious feel.
Considerations
When choosing a rug, make sure it doesn’t have a rubber backing as this will stop your hardwood flooring from letting moisture in and out (essentially, breathing), and ruin the flooring underneath. Opt for natural, rather than synthetic, materials, and fix with anti-slip patches. To avoid floor fade, which can cause the floor to remain darker under the rug, make sure the floor has been finished properly before placing your rug, or avoid putting a rug down until it has reached its natural colour.