What Is a Throw Rug?

Flexible Throw Rugs

• Many readily available throw rugs are made of thin and flexible yarns and backings, which allows the rug to be laundered easily and folded for storage. This type of rug is more durable than simple fabric but often it will not have a nap. A flexible throw rug works well in small areas that need a small rug, such as in front of a kitchen or bathroom sink. This style of rug may slip on harder finished floors and be a trip hazard when they bunch up.

Rubber-backed Rugs

• Rubber backed rugs are often sold for bathroom applications. The idea of this rug is to provide comfort underfoot in moist bathroom conditions. The rug canvas is sprayed with a thick rubber backing that gains traction on linoleum, tile or hardwood floors. Issues with rubber backing include laundering the rug. Some rubber applications do not hold up well to washing, and the rubber will decay and litter the floor and the laundry. Rugs that are not laundered frequently may begin to smell of urine and mildew when they are used in the bathroom, which causes homeowners to change or buy new rugs more frequently.

Cut-down Rugs

• Larger rugs that become worn out or stained are often cut into smaller pieces to retain use of the good parts. When these cut-down rugs are done well they will have professionally sewn edges and some will have fringe like the original rug. These often make good throw rugs because the backing is thicker and the rug is already trained to lay flat. This type of rug is usually of a much higher quality and can hold up to heavier foot traffic, such as at an entry doorway.

Hand-made Rugs

• Many homeowners choose to make their own rugs to personalize their home and because they love to craft. Good home-made rug designs are latch-hook rugs, loom rugs and braided rugs. When a durable backing fabric is sewn to the back of the rug and the edges are bound well, this type of throw rug can look good and hold up well over time. Hand-made rugs more than a hundred years old are still found in good and usable condition.