Whether it’s traditional, casual, contemporary or country; whether it’s hand-knotted or machine made; and whether it’s a small accent rug, a runner or a large area rug—all area rugs have one thing in common: they need a rug pad. While the need for a rug pad is decided, there are several varieties that provide different benefits and levels of comfort, and the right rug for each situation depends on factors such as where the rug will be located.

Area rug pads work on two fronts. They can protect your hardwood floors from dirt and rocks that get trapped under your rug, as well as damage caused by the rug itself. Some area rug pads will also help protect your floors from discoloration that is caused by fluids and liquids that are trapped in rugs as a result of accidents and spills. These liquids can cause colors to bleed through if the rug isn’t cleaned properly and promptly. Rug pads also protect the area rug itself and can make it last longer by limiting movement and friction between the back of the rug and the floor.

If that’s not enough, area rugs can amplify your comfort and even safety. Particularly crucial for high-traffic areas, such as a living room, entryway or hallway, they provide extra cushion for walking on and lend extra grip to your rug to protect your family and guests from slips and slides.

Types of Area Rug Pads

Now that you know the reasons for purchasing an area rug pad, it’s important to know what type of rug pad is best for your rug, home and budget. First, make sure to get the right size. Rug pads are available in all standard area rug sizes, ranging from 2 x 3 feet up to 12 x 15 feet. They also come in a range of materials and offer different features and protection, as well as price points. Some things to keep in mind when selecting an area rug pad are the carpet protection they provide, reversibility and the cushioning they offer.

Here are three types of rug pads, as well as the ideal use for each type.

• All-In-One Rug Pads – like the name implies, our best-selling rug pads are very common and recommended for a wide variety of situations. These all-purpose rug pads suit any type of area rug. They can be used on all hard surface floors—hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate—and are reversible to be used on carpet. These pads provide both cushioning and protection, from pebbles and other debris. Plus, they are even safe for heated floors, making them a great fit for homes in colder climates. (Pads that are not approved for heated floors will damage floors and possibly the rug backing.)

• Luxehold Rug Pads – These top-quality rug pads offer the same premium features and characteristics as the All-In-One pad, with the added advantage of a thicker pad. The extra padding is ideal for walking on, giving you a soft and luxurious feel, as well as lying on the rug to hangout and watch movies. This thicker pad is also a good fit for spots where you stand for prolonged periods, such as in front of a kitchen sink.

• Comfort Grip Rug Pads – A medium priced and performance product, these are the ideal rug pad for medium traffic areas in your home, such as a family room or den. They provide grip to keep your rug (and the people walking on it) from slipping and, like all rug pads, act as a barrier to help prevent dust from migrating onto your flooring. However, these waffle-style pads may allow dust to migrate through the rug over time, which can be ground into the floor as you walk on the rug, causing damage to the floor. The pad and floor should be washed once a year to help minimize this damage.