How do rugs help to keep your home warm in winter?
- 26 June 2021
- 5 Min Read
- By Jaipur Rugs
Rugs are mostly appreciated and bought for their aesthetic value, something that undeniably is the raison d'être of rugs. They create a center of attention for the room and anchor the many decor elements, provide texture, color, and pattern to an otherwise dull space, and are no less than pieces of art.
However, what we often miss about wool rugs is that they are also excellent insulators. In regions where winters are extreme and/or last for a long time, rugs are one of the most trusted ways to keep the room warm, besides beautifying the space. You can place an area rug for your home if your floor always feels cold or even if you want to feel extra warmth under your feet all the time. Not only is it expensive to add insulation under the floor, with wool rugs as an option, but it is also impractical. You can insulate the top of the floor by choosing the right area rug. You will, however, have to also prevent heat loss in the room with additional weatherization practices, as a rug alone will not help raise the room's temperature dramatically.
Choose the Right Rug
If you are looking for an area rug for your home to keep it warm and snug, the material and thickness of it should be your top two considerations. Naturally, thick rugs provide better insulation than thin rugs, as there’s more space between your feet and the floor. But what you might not be aware of is that the material also matters; it should have enough tiny air pockets between the fibers to provide the best insulating effect. Not all rugs provide maximum insulation and can protect your feet from the winter chill. It is a natural fiber rug made with a plush foam underneath that is more durable and a delight to walk on. A wool rug is the best option for you if you are looking for the best insulation a rug can offer. Their beauty is uncontested, and the soft and luscious feeling they offer underfoot is one of the biggest reasons why wool is one of the most favored materials for rugs. So turn down your thermostat, draw your thick curtains, and place a wool rug, and you will notice the difference it makes to the temperature in the room.
Surface area covered matters
The Carpet Institute reports that uncovered floors can account for 10 to 20% of heat loss and is proportional to the area carpeted. This means the larger the carpeted area, the less heat you lose; the warmer your room will be. Since the overall size of the area rug also influences the room's temperature, use the largest area rug possible. You can also experiment with the room's look and place several smaller rugs throughout the main footpaths in your home so that your feet are always warm whenever you’re walking around. If you have difficulty choosing the right area rug per your size and design requirements, you can also commission a custom rug for your living room with us at Jaipur Rugs. This way, not only do you get to customize the size down to the T, but you also get to have a say in the design and color of your rug.
Use an insulated rug pad
If you don’t have a wool rug and don’t want to invest in a new one, there is a way to make your present area rug work for you. Placing an insulated rug pad under it provides extra warmth and cushion. You can also opt for a non-skid backing to add the dual advantage of the rug staying in place without sliding, wrinkling, or buckling, along with warming the room up.
When shopping for insulated rug pads, you will find that they come in different materials and varying thicknesses. While the thin ones ensure no increase in the rug height, the thick ones are specifically made to solve insulation problems, given that they are made of a thick layer of wool or memory foam. However, always ensure the pad is smaller than the area rug so it remains out of sight.
Or, opt for a heated or thermal rug mat
Did you know you can turn your rug into an even more active secondary heat source? That’s right. Placing a heated or thermal rug mat beneath your rug will have similar effects to an electric blanket. You only have to lay them between your rug and pad and plug it in. Some even have timers that switch off after a certain period to avoid overheating. Turn your passive rug into an active secondary heat source by placing a heated or thermal rug mat underneath it. These thin mats work like an electric blanket or heating pad: they lay flat between the pad and the rug and then plug into the wall. But remember that you will need a good-quality rug pad to not cause damage to your hardwood or vinyl floor.
Don’t let your cold floors make your home less hospitable and welcoming during the winter. You can bring your beautiful Indian handmade rug to use by making it a secondary heat source and insulating your room for warmth.
FAQ's
Do rugs help in winter?
Rugs help in winter because they keep your feet warm and dry, preventing uncomfortable cold or wet feet. These types of carpets also protect fragile surfaces from excessively cold temperatures. Rugs are essential for wintertime because they can make the outdoors feel cozier and warmer, keeping your surroundings well during the colder months.
What is the warmest type of rug?
The warmest type of rug is the shaggy rug. This type of rug has a lot of texture, meaning it's not as smooth as other rugs, which can be suitable for people in colder climates. But it doesn't have to just be used in cooler climates; if you set up your living room with beautiful shaggy rugs, you'll find they're just as warm and inviting in the summertime.
Which carpet is suitable for the winter season?
Wool carpets are our go-to carpet choice in the colder months because they're durable, natural, and resilient. The best thing about wool is that it's naturally fire-retardant and resistant to mold, mildew, and mites. It can also resist some harmful chemicals that other types and keep out allergens such as dust mites, snow, pollen, and other particles. Best part? Wool carpets are softening to the touch while you vacuum! So, if you're looking for a way to stay cozy indoors, a wool carpet is your best option!
Do rugs make the house warmer?
Since they insulate the floor and stop heat loss, rugs increase the temperature of a space. Rugs and carpets are also significantly cozier than hardwood and tile flooring. Large-area rugs offer higher insulation and better heat loss reduction than smaller ones.
Pic Credits
Jaipur rugs / Abil Dase
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