Since cushioned rugs provide islands of softness and comfort for durable tile flooring, it makes sense that we should deliver some sound information and resources regarding rug selection to our clients. Our area of expertise is tile, not rugs, so we consulted with Ian Saude, Creative Director of Ian Saude, Inc., regarding general information about rugs. For our clients who select natural stone or other porous tile materials, we asked Fred Hueston, Founder and President of Stone Forensics, if there were any rug pitfalls to avoid.
Practical Reasons to Add Rugs to Your Tiled Spaces
From comfort to aesthetic appeal to functionality, there are plenty of good reasons to add rugs to your tiled spaces.
Stop Dirt at the Door
Dirt and grit are deposited more heavily in foyers than in other areas of the home, so tile flooring is essential. If you plan to place a rug in this area, choose a rug that is durable and stain resistant. Keep in mind that unless you choose an indoor-outdoor rug, which can be taken outside and hosed down, you will either need to periodically enlist the services of a professional rug cleaner or select a rug that is machine washable.
Regardless of what type of rug you choose, vacuuming regularly can help reduce the amount of abrasive contaminants that cause premature wear.
Tile and Rugs: A Great Combo for Kids and Pets
Low porosity, high-quality tile floors, especially porcelain tile floors, are the most elegant and practical flooring material for households with kids and pets, withstanding roller skates, dropped and dragged toys, crayons and markers, muddy shoes, spills, pet accidents, and the like.
Since kids tend to spend a lot of time on the floor, it’s a good idea to add a rug with padding to provide a soft play area.
- Foam or rubber play mats are easiest to clean, but aesthetically, they tend to leave something to be desired.
- Plush or shag rugs with padding are cozy and inviting, but unfortunately, they tend to trap dust, dirt, and debris. Vacuum often, but turn off the beater brush, which can damage longer carpet fibers.
- Low pile rugs with padding are easier to keep clean because they can be vacuumed with a beater brush.
Incorporate pet-friendly area rugs with padding throughout the home to give pets a soft, comfortable place to rest.
Use Tile and a Rug to Create a Focal Point
When people enter a room, their eyes tend to be drawn toward areas such as a fireplace or large window. This is called the focal point of the room. Your tile installer should understand this as they plan the layout of your new tile design.
If your room has no focal point, the creative placement of tile and rugs can serve as the focal point. For example, if you do not have a fireplace, pairing a rug with a tile accent wall can create a similar affect. Finish the space with artwork or shelves and well-placed furniture.
Rugs Cut the Glare of Reflective Tile Finishes
Glare from highly reflective flooring can be problematic, particularly for people with visual impairments. If you dream of new tile floors with a glossy, glass-like reflection then low or non-glare options, such as tile with a honed or matte finish, likely will not appeal to you. No worries! A few well-placed rugs can help resolve glare problems. Go ahead. Have your cake and eat it, too.
Cover Signs of Wear or Damage
If existing tile is in great shape and you are satisfied with the way it looks, then there’s no use replacing it. When signs of wear and damage appear, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is time to rip out the floors and start over. Many types of tile can be restored to like-new condition using methods like deep cleaning, chip and crack repair, honing, polishing, and color-enhancing sealers or grout color sealers.
Sometimes even the most skilled restoration contractor cannot resolve certain problems, especially if you have high-gloss, glazed ceramic tiles. If only one small area of your tile is affected, use a rug to cover signs of wear or damage until you are ready to replace your entire tile installation.
Skip the Rug: Radiant Heated Tile Floors
Cold floors and cold feet are no fun during chilly weather. People who prefer tile floors often use throw rugs and space heaters to resolve this problem. Another option, especially for minimalists who prefer open spaces, is heated tiles. With warmth and comfort provided by radiant heated tile floors, you can put those space heaters away. You may even opt to skip rugs, too. To learn more about this affordable tile installation upgrade, read our article, The Benefits of Radiant Heated Tile Floors.
Rugs and Safety
Keep area rugs and throw rugs out of hallways and walkways to avoid trip and fall accidents. If comfort is a concern, consider having an electric radiant heated tile flooring system installed with your new tile.
From Ian Saude, Inc.: Rug Recommendations
Located in San Luis Obispo’s Design District, the Ian Saude Showroom is where Saude works with architects, designers, contractors, builders, and contractors like Copher Tile and Stone to find just what they need to complete their next project.
We asked Saude whether the type of tile under rugs matters for rug selection. Saude said that in general, if you have “flat tile and minimal grout lines, you can use almost any kind of rug.” He does warn consumers to be mindful about rug thickness if the rug will be placed over Saltillo tile or tile with texture, saying, “Make sure the rug is not too thin or use a thicker pad underneath, so you don’t feel undulation through carpet, it lays properly on the floor, and it looks good.”
At Ian Saude, their rugs are made to order in any color, fiber, pile, size, and shape. Hand knotted or hand loomed to order, there are fewer limitations with Ian Saude rugs than if a person were to go out and purchase a rug.
Saude recommends a heavier rug pad for sense of comfort, and he said rugs are an excellent way to “frame a space for seating arrangements in a big room” or a home with an open floor plan. He notes that large format tiles are nice combination with rugs.
From Fred Hueston, Stone Forensics: Pitfalls to Avoid
Stone Forensics provides consulting services in natural and engineered stone, tile, concrete, masonry, and related surfaces. Fred Hueston is a stone and tile inspector, expert witness, and historic preservation specialist. On his inspections and consultations, he’s seen for himself how natural stone tiles and other porous tiles can react with certain rug, rug backing, or rug padding components.
Hueston says, “Rubber, latex, and PVC backing on some carpets will trap moisture, and that can cause the rubber to bleed into the stone. What’s important with carpeting is to avoid moisture being trapped under carpet. Periodically remove the carpet so that the area underneath can dry out.”
He adds, “Natural fibers like jute, etc. can actually stain if they get wet.”
More Helpful Info…
To avoid problems, be sure to do your homework during your rug selection process. For general instructions on cleaning and care, download the free Carpet and Interior Textiles Care Guide and the Stone and Tile Care Guide by Surface Care Pros. Default to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning and care methods and products for your type of tile or rug.
For guidance on rug size, shape, and placement contact Michelle Pelech, Owner and Principal Designer of Michelle Pelech Interiors.
by Alice Dean
Copher Tile & Stone proudly stays up to date on tile installation with ongoing education with Mapei Technical Institute, Ardex Academy, the National Tile Contractors Association, Laticrete, and Schluter. Copher is a Certified Tile Installer (#1644).
