Vinyl floors are some of the most durable, easy to maintain, and versatile types of floors. However, like most hard floor surfaces like hardwood floors, laminate floors, tile floors, marble floors, and others, vinyl flooring is quite smooth and therefore slippery. For this reason, a lot of homeowners often prefer purchasing non slip rugs for vinyl floors.
Before I go one, take a look at 5 of the best non slip rugs for vinyl floors on Amazon right now;
Why Rubber-Backed Area Rugs are Not Safe for Vinyl Floors and What to Do About it
Sadly, most of these homeowners have absolutely no idea that most non slip rugs have rubber or latex backings that may discolor their beautiful vinyl floors.
Other area rugs have synthetic backings that are too rough and therefore tend to leave scratches and marks on their floors.
Although most non-slip rugs in the market have rubber backing, it doesn’t mean you should never purchase them. There is actually a very effective way in which you can safely place a rubber backed or latex backed area rug on your vinyl floors without risking any discoloration or scratches.
I am talking about placing a high-quality non-slip rug pad like the RUGPADUSA – Basics – 5′ Square – 1/2″ Thick – 100% Felt – Protective Cushioning Rug Pad between the vinyl floor and area rug.
This rug pad is made of 100% felt- it does not contain any rubber, latex, or any other material that may end up harming your beautiful floors.
I totally recommend this rug pad over other pads that have rubber.
NB: This rug pad is not intended to stop area rugs from slipping especially in high traffic areas. It’s designed for heavy rugs that stay in place on their own or larger rugs that can be anchored with heavy furniture. And since the 5 non slip rugs I have recommended are quite heavy, it’s all good. I also recommend purchasing a bigger rug so you can anchor it down with heavy furniture like couches or beds. This will prevent it from slipping.
That said, right below is a comprehensive review of 5 of the best non slip rugs for vinyl floors.
Best Non Slip Rugs for Vinyl Floors (Our Top 5 Picks)
1. nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug
The nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug is currently one of the best area rugs for vinyl floors.
Unlike most rugs, the Blythe rug does not have a rubber backing, making it completely safe for your vinyl floors.
However, the fact that it doesn’t have a rubber or latex backing makes it prone to slipping.
Unless you intend to anchor such a rug with heavy furniture, I recommend placing a high-quality and dense rug pad like the RUGPADUSA 100% Protective Cushioning Rug Pad.
That said, here is a list of more advantages you’ll get with the nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe Accent Rug;
- It’s stylish, versatile, and really beautiful- just what you need to enhance your home décor. The rug boasts of a Moroccan-Inspired design that looks amazing in a wide range of home styles including traditional, contemporary, bohemia, mid-century modern, and more
- It’s a stain-resistant area rug, which means that stains don’t actually set in. Stains are easy and quick to remove. The manufacturer recommends spot cleaning for mild stains with a carpet cleaner and dry cleaning for major stains.
- It’s easy to clean and maintain- regular vacuuming is recommended
- It’s made with 100% polypropylene material, a durable and sturdy material that will stand against everyday wear and tear, even in high-traffic areas. This makes it perfect for high traffic areas, kids, and even pets
- It does not shed- the rug is machine woven with incredibly durable fiber that won’t shed even when your pets scratch on on it
- Its available in a wide range of colors that look amazing in just any setting
- It comes in a range of sizes for different room sizes- for smaller rooms, the manufacturer recommends choosing a rug measuring 5’ x 8’ or 6’ x 9’. For a larger room, rugs measuring between 6’ x 9’ and 8’ x 10’ are an ideal choice. For bigger rugs for placing furniture at the centre of the room, the manufacturer recommends large sized rugs measuring up to 9’ x 12’ or large. Of course, it’s important that you take the measurements of your room to ensure you only purchase the exact rug size
- As a low-pile rug with a 0.37” pile height, this rug can be placed underneath furniture, in entryways, and even near doors as the low pile will not obstruct doorways
- It’s really durable, affordable, and a great value for your hard-earned money
2.Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Modern Plush
Our second best rug for vinyl floor is the Unique Loom Solo Solid Shag Collection Modern Plush.
It comes in a wide variety of colors, is really stylish, comes in different sizes, and most importantly, it’s built to last.
However, one little disadvantage with this rug is that it actually slips especially since it does not have a rubber or latex backing.
Like I discussed earlier, rugs that have rubber or latex backing are not safe for your vinyl floors as they can leave some serious stain marks that may be really hard to remove.
Since it slips, the manufacturer recommends placing a rug pad underneath it to prevent slipping and sliding.
The RUGPADUSA 100% Felt Protective Cushioning Pad is one of the best rug pads for vinyl and all other types of floors.
NB: Since this rug is constructed with polypropylene, it will expel some smell as the rug off-gases. The smell will eventually subside and should not really be a cause for concern. You can hasten the off-gassing process by leaving it outdoors on a sunny day to maximize aeration.
Overall, the Unique Loom is a budget-friendly area rug that will match nicely with your home décor. Make sure you place a rug pad underneath it to protect your vinyl flooring from discoloration.
3. Safavieh California Premium Shag Collection SG151-1313 2-inch Thick Area Rug
The Safavieh California Premium Shag Collection Area Rug is yet another high-quality rug that is suitable for your vinyl floor.
Before I discuss its many benefits, I would like to inform you that this rug slips since it does not have a rubber or latex backing to help it stay in place.
For this reason, you’ll need to place a rug pad between the rug and vinyl floor in order to prevent slipping and sliding.
For this rug, I am also going to recommend the RUGPADUSA 100% Felt Protective Cushioning Rug Pad.
However, since it slips as well, I recommend getting a bigger rug so you can anchor it down with couches and other heavy furniture.
Here is a list of all the things you’ll love about the Safavieh California Premium Shag Collection.
- It’s a thick rug with 1 2-inch pile height that gives it a plush texture for luxurious comfort
- It’s quite heavy and when used together with a dense rug pad, it won’t slip or slide easily on your vinyl floor
- It doesn’t shed easily thanks to the strong, durable fibres its constructed with
- Its built to last as its constructed with high-density polypropylene yarn to ensure durability and longevity
- It comes in a wide range of colors, with some neutral colors that allow for endless furnishing options
- It comes in a range of sizes
- It’s ideal for living room, bedroom, home office, kids’ room, and dining room
- It’s a budget-friendly area rug
4.Safavieh Madison Collection MAD611F Bohemian Chic Vintage Distressed Area Rug
The Safavieh Madison Collection MAD611F Bohemian Chic Vintage Area Rug is one of the most stylish area rugs in the market.
Boasting of a Bohemian Chic Design, this rug gives your room a classic, elegant look and a distressed appearance for understated elegance.
Like most rugs I’ve recommended, the Safavieh MAD611F does not have a rubber or latex backing and this causes it to slip.
Although placing a felt rug pad like the RUGPADUSA may not fully solve the slipping problem, purchasing a larger rug that can be anchored down with heavy furniture will make the rug pad completely non-slip.
All the same, this is a really stylish and versatile rug that will match perfectly with your home décor.
It’s thick enough to provide luxurious comfort, not to mention its 0.37-inc pile height allows it to be placed on doorways without causing any obstruction.
The rug is built to last and is constructed with non-shedding high-quality polypropylene fibers for durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance.
Overall, the Safavieh MAD611F area rug is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something stylish and elegant, yet safe for your sensitive vinyl floors.
5. Unique Loom Sofia Traditional Area Rug
And last but not least, we have the Unique Loom Sofia Traditional Area Rug.
The rug is really stylish and is made with polypropylene, a really durable material that will ensure its durability and longevity.
It has a strong jute backing which makes it even more long-lasting.
I know you desperately need a rubber-backed area rug for its non-slip benefits. However, the jute backing is really slippery so I am still going to recommend placing a thick rug pad like the RUGPADUSA 100% Felt Protective Cushioning Pad between the rug and vinyl floor.
Overall, this is one of the best area rugs for vinyl floors. And since it does not have a rubber backing, you can actually purchase a larger rug and anchor it down with the couches and tables.
Still, you’ll need to place some rug grippers like the best-selling Home Techpro Non Slip Rug Grippers. These will help prevent the rug from slipping and curling at the edges.
Buyer’s Guide
There are a couple of things that you should keep in mind before you go out and purchase your next non-slip rug. Let’s take a look at some of the most important items.
Where you’ll use the rug
The first and perhaps most important thing to consider when you are on the hunt for a non-slip rug is your planned placement of the rug. Different rugs are designed to be used in different areas, depending on the working environment.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the type of non-slip rug you should use based on the environment:
Dry areas – The most common kind of working environment. But remember, dry does not mean slip-proof. Condensation can build up, spills can happen, and floors can become slippery. If you’re operating in a generally dry workspace, then a basic non-slip rug can ensure that your working environment is always safe.
Wet areas – This area is generally found in workspaces that use liquids. For instance, aerospace and mining industries frequently use waterjet cutting to fabricate machine parts. When water is part of your daily process, you could easily slip and fall, so you’ll need a non-slip rug in this scenario.
Slick areas – Non-food oils are often found in industries that frequently use oils, like auto repair and machine shops. Oil on any working floor poses a major slipping hazard for patrons and employees alike. A nitrile, non-slip rubber rug made for oily environments will help make sure that everyone is safe and not at risk of slipping.
Thinking about materials
Another extremely important factor to consider when shopping for a rug is the material that the rug is made from. Rugs can be made using synthetic or natural fibers, with several options available for each category.
Ultimately, the material that your rug is made of will affect its price, feel, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
Let’s take a look at natural fiber options first.
- Sisal – These rugs have a beachy, boho look but are also quite durable. They work well for high-traffic areas since they are slightly more robust and can resist wear. Their only major downside is that they’re highly absorbent, which means they’re prone to staining when a liquid is spilled. Be sure to keep this in mind when considering the placement of your sisal rug.
- Wool – Wool is a favorite natural material for designers, not just because it’s extremely comfortable and cozy, but because it’s durable and has scales on the fiber that hide dirt. This makes it easy to clean. Wool is also fire-retardant and it contains lanolin which naturally repels stains. Thanks to these benefits, you can place a wool rug anywhere.
- Cotton – These rugs make for a lovely, soft option that is affordable and easy to clean. So, if you are on the hunt for an economical fiber that can handle some stains, cotton may be your best bet. The only issue is that cotton does not hold up the best, so you’ll likely see more wear over time than with other natural materials.
- Silk – If it’s luxury you’re after, silk will be your best friend. It’s shiny and soft, making it perfect for detailed designs. Silk is also the strongest natural material but can be challenging to clean.
As we mentioned earlier, there are also synthetic options available. Below, we consider the most common synthetic choices you have.
- Polypropelene – The most durable synthetic option, these rugs make great choices for busy homes with kids and pets. They are affordable and make good outdoor mugs thanks to their resistance to mildew, UV, and stains.
- Polyester – Polyester is affordable, feels soft to the touch, and wears well, especially if you purchase a polyester rug with a thicker pile. They are resistant to abrasion, stains, and moisture and keep their color well over the years.
- Viscose – Viscose rugs are glamorous and feel soft under the feet but are better suited for rooms that aren’t as busy. This is because they don’t handle exposure to moisture very well.
Shape and size
Finding a rug that suits your home in terms of size is essential. You’ll want a rug that fits; something that isn’t too big or too small. Generally speaking, try to get a rug that is able to contain the major element of your room or that can serve as a buffer between built-ins.
Here’s a brief rug guide for each room in your home.
Dining room – Use the size of your dining table as a reference point. Whether your rug is round or rectangular, it should extend at least 24 inches on each side so that even a chair that has been pushed back can fit on the rug.
Living room – If your couch is up against one wall, try to ensure that the front legs and the front legs of the armchairs are on the rug. If you have a larger room and a floating sitting arrangement, you will want your rug to contain all of the furniture, including both back and front legs, keeping space all around.
Kitchen – It’s best to use a smaller rug or a narrow runner for the kitchen and your home’s entryway.
Bedroom – If you have a more spacious room, choose a bigger rug that will fit beneath the whole bed and your bedside tables. There should be some excess width on the sides as well. If your room is slightly smaller, your rug should contain about a third of the base of your bed. You could also try small rugs on the sides of your bed for a unique look.
Style & materials
The list of words to describe a rug’s aesthetic classification seems to have no end. However, the material that the rug is made from will often also inform its style.
Natural fibers, such as cotton, silk, wool, sisal, and jute, are long-lasting and durable. Wool rugs are especially good at hiding stains and dirt and are fairly easy to clean. The main drawback to natural rugs is that they are generally more expensive and must be cleaned professionally. Furthermore, silks rugs that have been dyed can bleed ink if they get wet.
Synthetic materials, like polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene, are easily cleaned, affordable, and resist stains quite well. However, it’s much easier for them to develop bacteria and mildew from pets and repeated spills. You also may have to replace them sooner than you would a rug made from natural fibers.
As for artificial silk, like bamboo, viscose, and banana silk, these rugs make for affordable options that often come with busy patterns that are good at concealing dirt. Unfortunately, viscose is highly absorbent and attracts moisture, so it can be ruined by a simple water spill.
Pile
A rug’s pile is a measurement of the piece’s thickness or density. Coarser rugs always have a greater pile than intricate, fine rugs.
High-pile rugs have looser, taller fibers, which makes them fluffier and perform well in living rooms and bedrooms. Shag and Moroccan rugs are some common high-pile pieces.
Low-pile rugs have shorter loops and fibers, which makes them great for rooms that experience a lot of traffic, like the kitchen. Flatweaves are some of the most popular low-pile rugs.
Maintenance
Eventually, no matter what style you opt for, your rug will get dirty. So, you will want to consider maintenance and cleaning before you make a purchase.
Interestingly, vintage or older pieces are generally more durable than their modern counterparts since the budget-friendly rugs of today often don’t share the same durability.
Wool – Use natural oils to prevent spills from getting into the fibers of your wool rug. You can blot stains to absorb residue, then use water and dish soap with a toothbrush to brush it out. Try not to scrub, though, or you may weaken the fibers.
Silk & cotton – You’ll want to get professional help to avoid exacerbating stains by trapping them in the fibers of these rugs.
Synthetics – Vacuum, steam-clean, or spot-clean synthetic rugs.
FAQs
What style of rug should I get?
Ultimately, the style of rug you get should depend on your taste, style preference, what you want from your rug, and your budget.
How big should a rug be?
A good rule of thumb is to purchase a large enough rug that all of the main pieces of furniture in a room fit on it. For example, a dining room rug should be big enough to put the entire dining table and all dining chairs on it.
Can you put a rug outdoors?
Special rugs are designed to be used outdoors and are great for adding some life to your outdoor entertainment area. They are often more durable than indoor rugs to resist wear and tear.
Should I buy a custom rug?
Purchasing a custom rug will allow you to tailor its appearance to your personal taste and decor style. If you want to ensure that your rug perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic, you should consider purchasing a custom rug.
What is an outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs are, as the name suggests, rugs that are made to be put outdoors! They are great for sprucing up your patio or yard, especially if you spend a lot of time hosting dinner parties or entertaining guests.
Should I get a rug pad for my non-slip rug?
Rug pads are meant to be placed under rugs that would otherwise move around on slippery floors. If you are using a non-slip rug, purchasing a rug pad is unnecessary.
Best Non Slip Rugs for Vinyl Floors- Bottom Line
The rugs I’ve recommended do not have rubber or latex backings and will therefore slip on your smooth vinyl floor.
But this is actually a good thing since these kinds of rugs tend to discolor vinyl floors.
The good news is that you can protect your vinyl flooring from staining and slipping at the same time by placing a high-quality rug pad between the rug and the vinyl floor.
Go ahead and take a pick from this comprehensive list of the best non slip rug for vinyl floors.
