The Best Area Rugs to Lay Over Ceramic Tile

Padded Rugs

• Regardless of design style, a padded area rug is the best choice for a ceramic tile floor. A padded rug solves several functional problems. Padding will prevent the area rug from slipping, and it provides instant cushioning and insulation between the rug and the cold ceramic tile.

  Ready-made padded area rugs are available in many styles, patterns and colors, but if you find carpet on the roll that fits your room's decor better, carpet stores can cut a piece to your specifications and bind padding to it (if it does not already have a padded backing). Simply select your carpet piece from a roll, give the salesman your desired measurements and request to have padding bounded to your new area rug.

Plush

• The soft appearance of a plush carpet contrasts the hard surface of ceramic tile. Unlike low-pile rugs, the long carpet fibers of a plush carpet add warmth and dimension to the room. Incorporating a plush carpet into your room design adds visual interest and texture to the flooring, transforming it into a welcoming, defined living space that is ideal for entertaining or just relaxing.

Woven Rugs

• For an area rug solution that is easy to sweep off or pick up and shake outside, a woven rug is the answer. Woven rugs, such as sisal and braided rugs, work in dining and living areas with ceramic tile flooring. They add texture and color to the floor, but do not expect the cushioning that comes with a plush rug.

  Sisal rugs are made of natural fibers, and country-style woven area rugs are composed of fabric strips that introduce an array of colors into the room. Place a nonslip mat under the rug to prevent it from slipping or shifting on the ceramic tile.

Considerations

• You may not be able to combine all of these elements into the one best rug for your space, but try to select a rug that has more than one of these features. The best area rug to lay over a ceramic tile floor is one that has the style, function and insulating characteristics that make it work well in the space.