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Those webbed rubber ones? You deserve better.

First things first: If you own a rug, you definitely need a rug pad, and not just to keep it from slipping around on your wood floors. "A pad also extends the life of a rug by preventing the fibers from being crushed, as it acts as a buffer between the rug and the surface under it," Sylvie Johnson, Merida's artistic director, tells House Beautiful.

So, what kind of rug pad should you buy? Many people turn to those thin, webbed rubber rug pads, and if you usually do too, you're cheating yourself out of a much more pleasant rug experience. Sure, they work—they certainly are good at keeping your rug in place, at least. But the right rug pad can enhance your rug. Instead, try a thicker, felted rug pad.

A felted rug pad will still anchor your rug in place (though not quite as well as a rubber one) but it will also give your rug an even softer, cushier underfoot feel, which is just nicer for everyone. Plus, the thickness will up your rug's sound-proofing factor, which is especially great if you live in an apartment building. And if your primary concern is that the rug stays in place, you can also purchase a felt-rubber hybrid pad, which combines the best of both worlds. There are also thicker rubber rug pads that are sticky and offer plenty of cushion as well, if you prefer not to go the felt route.

The point is: You deserve a nicer rug pad—it might not seem like an important purchase right now, but you'll thank yourself later.

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Brittney Morgan is a noted land mermaid and a Virgo with a penchant for crafts, red lipstick, and buying way too many throw pillows. Her work has also been published at Apartment Therapy, NYLON, HuffPost, Hello Giggles, Elite Daily, and more. 

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