The 8 Best Rug Pads Our Editors Love

Oct 24, 2024

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Add cushion, support, and stability to your rugs and carpets.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

More than just extra cushioning, rug pads are a great way to protect your floor from damage and ensure that your rug does not move around. The number one reason to use a rug pad is for safety.

Tyler Del Vento, founder and principal designer at TDV Design, says, “A rug pad will keep the rug from shifting so people don’t slip. It will also help keep the rug flat so the corners don’t peel up and it won’t get bunched in areas that are heavy use.”

To find the best rug pads, we tested rug pads in our lab, evaluating them on material, thickness, and floor type. In addition to Del Vento, we spoke to Debbe Daley, CEO and owner of Debbe Daley Designs for more insights.

We tested 16 rug pads, evaluating them for effectiveness, cushioning, durability, odor, and floor type, among other considerations. For more about how we tested rug pads, see our testing process below.

It has a strong non-slip grip which prevents it from sliding on the floor no matter the type.

You won’t be able to make smooth, long cuts on the pad with regular scissors.

The Loloi Loloi-Grip Rug Pad was a shoo-in for the best rug pad overall because it scored high marks in for durability, quality, and value during testing. Made from recycled materials, the rug pad is designed for all types of flooring including linoleum, tile, carpet, and hardwood.

It comes in 13 sizes ranging from 2 x 4 feet to 12 x 18 feet, accommodating everything up to large area rugs. At ¼ inch thick, it’s not the plushest option, but we still felt we got a lot of cushioning out of it, plus kept the rug firmly in place.

A wool rug felt less slippery and safer to walk on with this rug pad under it. During testing, we pushed it around with our feet, and it did not move an inch. If you need to shape it to fit your rug, you can use regular scissors, but you’ll have to make small cuts rather than long, smooth ones.

We had mixed feelings when it came to vacuuming with the pad. While it made vacuuming easy by holding the rug in place, it worked best when we moved from the rug to the floor. If we went the other way around—floor to rug—it was a bit tricker, but still possible.

Product Details: Material: Polyester and polypropylene | Thickness: ¼ inch | Sizes: 13 sizes (from 2 x 4 to 12 x 18 feet) |Floor Compatibility: Carpet, vinyl, wood, linoleum, tile

At just 0.125 inches thick it it doesn't add much depth, making it a nice option for low-pile rugs near doors or in high-traffic areas.

The weight left a noticeable indent

Thinner rug pads are not for everybody, but they are the best option for flat weave and low-pile rugs that are near doors or used in high-traffic areas. The nuLoom Brody Rug Pad is just 0.125 inches thick and one of our favorites because it made our wool rug completely non-slip.

Additionally, it features a pretty pattern, which made it easy to cut in a straight line during testing. When we dropped a 35-pound weight on top of the rug, it left a noticeable indent after 10 minutes, so it might not be a good option to place under heavy furniture.

It is Green Label Plus Certified, which means it has low chemical emissions. We detected no funky smells from off-gassing at all, even up close. The rug pad comes in assorted sizes and shapes including square, round, oval, and runner options.

Our only issue was the lack of cushioning, which is a plus for ensuring door clearance of the rug, but it wouldn’t be suitable for rugs we often stand on for longer periods, like kitchen rugs. The pad is available in oval, rectangle, round, runner, and square shapes.

Product Details: Material: Recycled synthetic fibers | Thickness: 0.125 inches | Sizes: 24 sizes (2 x 4 to 12 x 15 feet) | Floor Compatibility: Hardwood, tile, laminate, linoleum, concrete, carpet

The huge range of sizes means you can use it for just about any rug or carpet (and it can be trimmed for exact measurements).

It might be too delicate for long-term durability.

The Slip-Stop Magic Stop Rug Pad comes in a huge range of sizes and can be trimmed to suit any rug. Plus it features a double-sided adhesive backing that sticks to the carpet. It’s relatively thin so it won’t raise the height and create a tripping hazard in high-traffic areas.

The rug pad is inexpensive—a big plus if you are looking to get more out of your money. It’s around $23 for a 2 x 10-foot roll, which can cover multiple small to medium-sized rugs with extra left over. It’s great for larger surface areas because of the value and customizability.

During testing, the 35-pound weight indented the rug itself but not the rug pad (perhaps because it was too thin). We noticed slight help with holding down curled rug edges, and the pad held the rug down while vacuuming it, no matter the angle we approached.

Since it’s so thin, we had our doubts about long-term durability whether it could handle being washed, and there was little information provided about care and washing machine compatibility. But it’s a nice choice for layering rugs over carpet.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Thickness: Not listed | Sizes:18 sizes (2 x 3 feet to 12 x 18 feet) | Floor Compatibility: Carpet

It adds a great deal of comfort to any rug and is available in a few thicknesses for your choice of cushioning.

The rug moved around somewhat when we pushed on it during testing.

Available in several thicknesses, the Mohawk Home Non-Slip Rug Pad Gripper offers a variety of options to make your rug feel softer underfoot. It’s made out of felt and features a simple grid pattern that helps to keep the rug pad stable, thanks to a sturdy rubber backing.

We tested the ⅜ inch version and it significantly enhanced the rug’s comfort—it would be a good option for areas that get a lot of use or where you spend a significant time standing, such as in the kitchen.

Additionally, our tests showed that it would be a good option to place under heavy furniture like sofas or dining tables, as the weights made only a tiny depression. However, we thought it could do with extra grips on the underside, as the rug was a little slippery when we pushed our foot on it.

We also had issues with the rug bunching up when we ran the vacuum over it. Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable, cushioning rug pad to stand on, we think this is one of your best bets, even though it’s not the most stable.

Product Details: Material: Felt and rubber | Thickness: ¼ inch, ⅜ inch, ½ inch | Sizes: 38 sizes (2 x 10 to 12 x 15 feet | Floor Compatibility: Carpet, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, tile

The rubber backing is dense and durable and should last for many years—it also is very stable and makes vacuuming a breeze.

It’s harder to cut with regular scissors due to the density.

Although pricey, the Durahold Plus Felt and Rubber Rug Pad is high quality and offers great grip thanks to a thick rubber backing. It’s also the best rug pad to buy if you want one that can withstand the weight of a couch or coffee table without getting damaged.

This was evidenced in testing when we placed the 35-pound weights on top for 10 minutes and saw that neither the test rug and rug pad had any sunken areas. Also, it was surprisingly odor-free, which is unusual for rug pads with rubber backings.

Keep in mind that the rubber is dense, so expect it to be harder to cut. But we were able to cut it down to size with a pair of scissors without the edges becoming frayed or damaged.

While the ¼ inch thickness made the rug feel comfortable and more stable, it would have been nice if it was a little thicker for more comfort. But, on the flip side, the rug pad did not raise the height of the rug so it can fit nicely under furniture and doors.

Additionally, the rug pad made vacuuming a breeze. You’ll pay a premium price compared to other options, but considering its durability it could easily hold up for a few years or more.

Product Details: Material: Felt and rubber | Thickness: ¼ inch | Sizes: 11 sizes (2 x 8 to 10 x 14 feet) | Floor Compatibility: Carpet and hard floors

The memory foam layer offers lots of cushion and support while completely stabilizing the rug.

It’s easily dented and might not be the best choice under heavy furniture.

The RugPadUSA Cloud Comfort Memory Foam Pad outperformed many of the rug pads we tested and was one of our top favorites. For starters, it’s extra thick at 7/16 inches and feels cushiony and supportive. There is also a ¼ inch option available, if you need a flatter option.

It’s also water-resistant, so it should protect hardwood floors from moisture if liquids spill. The rug pad completely stabilized a slippery shag rug in our testing lab. It also made vacuuming easier by anchoring the rug, which was nice as not many tested options were vacuum-friendly.

During the weight test, we noticed that the pad had slight indentations. Although they faded after 10 minutes, we wouldn’t recommend putting heavy furniture on the rug pad because it may lead to deeper grooves over time that wouldn’t resolve as easily.

Keep in mind that this rug pad is more expensive than many of our other picks. But we think it’s totally worth it if you’re looking for superb cushioning and quality. It comes in 26 sizes.

Product Details: Material: Memory foam | Thickness: 7/16 or ¼ inch | Sizes: 24 sizes (4 x 6 feet to 12 x 18 feet) | Floor Compatibility: Hardwood, polyurethane finish, stone, tile, concrete, laminate, vinyl

It is effective at stopping rug edges from curling.

It can’t be used on top of carpets.

These rug grippers from Gorilla Grip stick to both the floor and the rug, preventing the rug edges from curling on hardwood floors. In our tests, we liked that they firmly secured the rug and reduced wrinkling; we were also able to vacuum over it smoothly without any issues.

We tested how sticky the Gorilla Grips were by removing the adhesives and re-applying them on other parts of the rug after 10 minutes. While we found that the strips still adhered to the rug, we were unsure if they would still be effective with long-term use.

We also noticed that pulling the grippers off the floor took a lot more effort than we anticipated. But, the good thing was that we didn’t notice any residue or damage left on the floor. In addition, we didn’t smell any strong odors. One important note—these are for hard floors only, not carpet.

Product Details: Material: Not listed | Thickness: Not listed | Sizes: 8 x 2 inches/strip | Floor Compatibility: Hard floors

The exceptional non-slip abilities make this a good option for hallways and other high-traffic areas.

We weren't clear on why this would be more pet-friendly than other options.

The Pottery Barn Spill-Proof Pet-Friendly Rug Pad did an exceptional job of preventing slippage, especially while vacuuming, making it a fantastic option for high-traffic areas. In particular, we thought it would be a nice choice for under a hallway runner because of how well it kept the rug in place.

We found it added a little bit of cushion to the rug, though we personally would have liked even more. That said, the low profile could be desirable for well-trodden rugs since it could minimize the chance of tripping or having the rug catch on opening and closing doors.

The rug pad is made of recycled synthetic materials with a moisture-proof backing. We were unclear on the pet-friendly aspect mentioned in the name and were unable to test these claims.

Product Details: Material: Recycled synthetic fibers | Thickness: 0.2 inches | Sizes: 8 sizes (2 x 3 to 10 x 14 feet) | Floor Compatibility: All surfaces

Our top recommendation is the Loloi Loloi-Grip Rug Pad because it outperformed the other rug pads we tested, scoring top marks for durability, quality, and value. Plus it’s comfortable and offers adequate cushioning.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

First, we evaluated the rugs without the rug pads underneath for accurate comparison. We laid them out and pushed them around with our feet to see how much they shifted. Next, we walked on the rugs to assess the cushioning, support, and stability. We also vacuumed each rug.

When it was time to introduce the rug pads, we unpackaged them, checking for any strong odors, and placed them underneath the test rugs. If necessary, we cut the rug pads down to size, using regular or utility scissors, noting how difficult or easy the task was.

We repeated the steps we performed at the beginning of the test, this time with the rug pads underneath the rugs, noting our observations about the differences in feel and stability.

Finally, we placed 35-pound dumbbells on the middle of the rug pads (with the rugs on top) to simulate furniture. After 10 minutes, we removed the weight and checked both the rug and rug pad to see if they kept their original shape.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Made out of natural rubber, the RugpadUSA pad can be cut easily to size with a regular pair of scissors. The cushioning is soft, making the rug springy and nice to step on. But, while it’s non-slip, it didn’t do a great job of holding the corners down, which is a potential tripping hazard.

If you’re looking for a basic rug pad that offers a good grip, this is a good option. In testing, it worked pretty well to keep our rug in place, but wasn’t good at holding down the edges. Another downside—the rug shifted a lot when we vacuums. It also doesn’t have a lot of cushioning.

This pad features a perforated design that is easy to cut and extra thick. One of the things we liked was that there was no odor whatsoever, even up close. However, we found that the rug pad did not provide adequate traction, which caused the rug to slip while testing.

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

According to Del Vento, the best materials for rug pads are felt, rubber, or a combination of the two. Felt rug pads with rubber backings give you the best of both worlds. “The rubber will grip both the area rug and the floor, keeping the rug from moving,” she notes.

She adds that rug pads made from synthetic materials may off-gas or release potentially harmful chemicals in the air. “I recommend looking for a rug pad labeled “Low VOC” and/or made from natural materials,” Del Vento says.

For rug pads that have adhesive, she advises shoppers to make sure they are not using solvent-based glues that can damage the finish on hardwood floors.

Rug pads are usually between ¼ to ½ inch thick. The ideal thickness depends on the type of rug, where it’s placed, and personal preferences. Del Vento says there is no hard and fast rule, but notes, “Generally speaking, a low pile rug should have a rug pad on the thinner side."

When it comes to buying the right rug pad, floor type matters. For hardwood floors, tile, or stone, felt or a felt with a rubber backing is suitable for both cushioning and stability. “Make sure the rug pad does not have a solvent adhesive or coating that could react with the floor finish,” Del Vento says.

If you have vinyl flooring, you should always check the label to make sure the rug pad you are considering is compatible. For heated floors, Daley says to look for natural rubber and felt, as they will not melt or stick to the floor but will allow the heat to penetrate the surface of the rug.

For an area rug, first consider how thick the rug is. “Flatweave area rugs should use an ¼ inch rug pad as a flatweave is thin,” Daley says. “Using a thicker rug pad will only lift the height of the rug and provide a tripping hazard.”

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

Rug pads should typically be 1 to 1 1/2 inches smaller than the rug, as you want it to avoid the pad peeking out. Del Vento says that to ensure a correct fit, mark the rug pad with straight lines using a market and trim it back with a pair of heavy-duty scissors.

Daley adds, “If a rug is very thick and dense and has a high pile, the rug pad should be at least 3 inches smaller on both the length and the width of the rug to prevent tripping. Having a smaller rug pad for a high pile area rug allows for the edges of the rug to lay flat on all sides.”

Rug pads can protect your floor and rugs from damage due to wear and tear from daily use and heavy furniture. They also add extra cushioning, making rugs feel more plush and comfortable, and prevent rugs from sliding around on the floor, minimizing the likelihood of tripping.

No, rug pads don’t make the rug softer, but according to Daley, they do enhance a rug’s comfort level by adding cushion. This can make them feel significantly better on the legs and feet, especially when standing for longer periods of time.

Nor'Adila Hepburn is a freelance writer who specializes in writing in-depth buying guides for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best rug pads, Nor’Adila used lab insights and spoke to Tyler Del Vento, founder and principal designer at TDV Design, and Debbe Daley, CEO and owner of Debbe Daley Designs.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.