Throw Rug Definition

Floor Protection

• Throw rugs are often used as floor protection. They protect floors from scratches and stains caused by shoes, pets, toys, dirt and debris. Throw rugs are used in entryways to collect mud and dirt from outdoor shoes before the soil has a chance to get tracked into the rest of the house, where it may damage and stain floors. Rugs placed in high-traffic areas can prevent excessive wear and tear on expensive carpets, hardwood floors and other floor surfaces.

Decorative Accents

• Throw rugs are used as decorative accents in homes. A beautiful, colorful throw rug can be the focal point in a room. A throw rug, known as an accent rug in this instance, can set the color and design scheme, as well as give the homeowner ideas for decorative touches throughout the rest of the room. Pillows, borders and curtains can all be carefully coordinated with the accent rug to create a unified, pulled-together look.

Insulate Floors and Walls

• Throw rugs are used as insulation for both floors and walls. Rugs can be placed over cold spots on floors, especially those areas that are over unheated, attached garages or basements, to help the home retain heat in the winter months. Throw rugs can be used over existing carpeting for extra warmth. Thick carpet pads, cut to fit under a throw rug, will further add to the insulating properties of an area rug. Some people hang decorative throw rugs on walls to retain heat in the winter months and keep out extra heat in the summer months.

Absorb Sounds

• Throw rugs provide a layer of protection against excessive noise. Thicker throw rugs are better at minimizing noise than thin rugs. Throw rugs can be used against sound in much the same way they are used to insulate against temperatures. A rug can absorb noises coming from adjacent rooms and apartments. Decorative throw rugs hung on walls can absorb sound from bedrooms and noisy, children's play rooms. Rugs may also minimize sounds coming through thin walls facing busy streets.

Stable Walking Surface

• Throw rugs can help create a stable, non-slippery walking surface. Floors that are slippery when exposed to water or those that are highly varnished and slick are good candidates for throw rugs. Most people use a throw rug in the bathroom to prevent slipping on wet floors after a bath or shower. Kitchen floors are also likely to need a floor rug near the sink to protect against slips and falls. Some businesses may need temporary throw rugs on rainy days when customers track water onto a lobby floor, creating a slick surface.