A good rule of thumb is one inch less on each dimension.
Do you put a pad under an area rug.
Like the cushion under a wall to wall carpet a good rug pad helps to protect the area rug from wear and tear by absorbing the majority of the impact from foot traffic the pad is designed to compress and bounce back even a firm pad will do this slightly which takes the strain off of the rug fibers.
I prefer 4x6 area rugs or a bed runner rug on either side of the bed.
The right rug pad will protect your floors from scratches spills and stains while protecting your rug from furniture indentations stabilizing it to facilitate vacuuming providing a buffer to minimize wear and tear and increasing air flow to keep it cleaner every day.
A pad underneath an area rug is well worth the investment for both safety purposes and to help that rug stay exactly where you want it.
Mine are high quality wall to wall carpet cut to size with bound edges.
So if you have an area rug that is 8 x 10 you would want it to be 7 10 x 9 10 which is 2 less on each dimension or 1 inch less on each side.
If you plan to put an area rug down on a flat floor such as hardwood or tile you should use an area rug pad.
The pad not only protects the surface of your floor but also helps keep the rug from sliding around on the floor which can prevent.
It helps hold the rug in place and prevents slips.
All area rugs no matter type thickness or size need rug pads to protect them and the floors they lie on.
Generally you want the area rug pad to be slightly smaller than the area rug itself so it doesn t show.
An area rug pad lies underneath the area rug between the bottom of the rug and the floor s surface.
I am enjoying not having to vacuum carpet under the bed.
A lighter weight area rug next to the bed might need a non slip mat.
Because the rug pad acts as a buffer and prevents fibers from being crushed it extends the life of your rug.
They don t slip because of their weight.
Not just any pad will do though.
A rug pad adds softness to any rug and dampens noise.
A pad under the rug prevents scratches and dye transfer to your floor or carpet below.