An area rug is a common addition to a hard surface floor such as hardwood, laminate, or tile. There are numerous reasons why area rugs are so popular, and yet some people may be uncertain as to whether they should cover up their beautiful floors with a rug.
Perhaps the most obvious reason to have an area rug is for the look of it. Area rugs have a unique way of bringing together all of the elements of a room. For example, they can pull together various colors used in the décor.
Noise Reduction
An area rug will significantly decrease the noise in your space. Not only is carpet quieter to walk on than a hard surface floor, but it also absorbs sound from the air. Do you notice that your room has a slight echo? That is because the hard surface floor does not absorb sound in the same way that carpet does. Lay down an area rug, and listen to the difference.
Comfort
It’s no secret that carpet is a lot softer than hardwood or tile, and most people will agree with the statement that carpet is more comfortable to stand on than a hard surface floor. Not only does the carpet feel softer to the touch on your skin, but also its softness gives it flexibility, which allows the carpet to absorb some of the impacts of your footsteps. This literally takes some of the pressure off your body.
Warmth
In addition to being softer, carpet is warmer than hard surface flooring. It has a greater insulating value, especially if it has a pad under the rug. This applies throughout the home but is particularly welcomed in basements, where the floor can be downright cold.