Should You Use a Rug Pad? Complete Guide for Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan rugs are known for their softness, beauty, and the fact they’re made by hand with love from the iconic Beni Ourain to the colorful Boujad and Beni Mguild. Because they are woven of natural wool, these rugs lie much flatter on the floor than machine-made rugs. With the support and stability your rug needs, a rug pad is also a must for protecting your floors. a rug pad helps preserve its form, protect against wear and keep it in the best possible condition for generations.

Prevents Slipping

Light rugs like  Kilim or Azilal can easily slip away on gloss floors. A rug pad will keep the rug in place, prevent the corners of the rug from curling and minimize slipping and accidents making it perfect for high-traffic rooms.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Protects Your Floors from Damage

Natural wool rugs may move when you walk on them, causing friction that can damage your floors in the long run. A rug pad provides a layer of protection to keep the rug looking its best underneath; preventing scratches, dents, colour transfer and scuff marks. For hardwood floors in particular, this buffer is crucial in order to protect the finish and prevent permanent damage.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Extends The Life Of Your Moroccan Rug

A rug pad acts similarly to a cushion, absorbing weight from daily foot traffic and preventing the knots and fibers in rugs from directly rubbing against a floor. This minimizes wear, gives shape to the rug and extends its lifespan particularly for vintage or collectible pieces. A minimal investment in the form of a rug pad can add many years to the life or beauty of your Moroccan rug.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Adds Extra Cushion and Comfort

Moroccan rugs are soft by nature, but a rug pad provides an additional layer of cushion that fills the feeling of bouncing on an area rug. This design is very comfortable in bedrooms, nurseries, meditation corners, living rooms and any room where bare feet typically roam. a cushy rug pad will only up the comfort quotient.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Improves Cleanliness and Airflow

A rug pad raises your Moroccan rug ever so slightly off the floor, allowing airflow and reducing the likelihood of moisture accumulation. It eliminates dust, makes vacuuming simpler and keeps the rug fresh longer.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Choosing the Right Rug Pad

The type of rug pad matters, as not all are suitable for Moroccan rugs. For most types of rugs, the best all-around option is a felt + rubber pad which provides sufficient cushioning and a very strong non-slip grip. They’re thin and highly gripping, so they perform well with lightweight Kilim rugs. For very big, heavy rugs that shouldn’t move much as you walk on them, the additional investment in a 100 percent felt pad will provide softness and floor protection. Don't get PVC pads, which can stain floors, degrade with heat and cause long-term damage.

Final Thoughts

It may sound like a minor consideration, but the right kind of rug pad makes all the difference when it comes to the comfort on your feet, safety and longevity of your beautiful Moroccan rug. No matter if your rug is light & flat-woven or a thick & plump pile, you will need a pad underneath to keep it in place and looking great over time. For further counsel, read more of our expert home styling advice at Architectural Digest.