Rugs get a lot of credit for instantly adding warmth and comfort to a space, but can they actually help to block drafts?
While experts say they are not the best solution for home insulation, they can act as a surprisingly effective buffer, blocking cold air before it reaches your feet.
Here, HVAC experts weigh in and offer some smarter, long-term draft-proofing tips to help layer comfort this winter.
Do Rugs Block Drafts?
While not the best home insulation solution, rug trends do hold some weight when adding warmth to a room.
Cory Lyons, brand president at Koala Insulation, explains, 'When it comes to blocking drafts, rugs can offer a temporary, surface-level solution, especially over hard flooring where cold air can radiate upward. They help retain warmth and make a room feel cozier.'
Cory adds, however, that if drafts persist, it is usually a sign that your home’s insulation or air sealing needs attention.
'Cold air sneaking in under doors or through floors can make your HVAC system work harder, increasing energy bills and creating uneven temperatures.'
From the deep, saturated colors to the vintage-inspired motifs and ever-so-subtle fade, this rug from Joanna Gaines's Magnolia Home collaboration with Loloi is a stunning pick for any room in your home. However, its low pile and washability make it a convenient choice for a high-use room. Aside from this green, blue, and clay variation, this rug is also available in five other color combinations that are equally as stylish.
If you like the vintage-inspired motifs of the Banks rug, but you're looking for something a bit more muted in color, this rug is for you. From The Wimberly Collection, this rug is a hand-tufted design that features timeless motifs and a decorative floral border. Although this rug isn't machine washable, it's easily spot-cleaned, and its low pile makes it a durable choice for a living room rug.
What’s more indulgent than a chocolate brown rug in pure wool? Nothing, especially in autumn. It’s the perfect anchor for jewel tones, woven textures, or burnt orange accents, and it’s hand-hooked to last.
If you are looking for stylish ways to keep a home warm all day, the trick is to pick the right rugs, suggests Jonathan Palley, CEO at Clever Tiny Homes.
He recommends picking runners for interior doors and large area rugs for hardwood floors and tiles. Be sure to also use carpet grippers from Walmart to keep the rugs secure to the floor.
Ensuring the correct rug size is also essential to feel any benefit.
All in all, however, Jonathan reiterates, 'The best long-term solution to drafts is to replace the drafty window or door. This will not only block the draft, but also provide better overall insulation as well as protection against pests and water damage.'
To make your heating more efficient, Cory suggests layering quality rugs with weather stripping from Walmart, as well as upgrading attic insulation and basement insulation.
He says, 'We encourage homeowners to not only use rugs for immediate comfort but also consider a professional evaluation of insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.
'Addressing drafts at their source with proper insulation and air sealing keeps homes consistently comfortable, protects the HVAC system, and can even cut energy bills.'
Draft-Proofing Essentials
Available in eight lengths and four colours, these draft excluders help to stop cold air in its tracks and prevent cold air transfer.
This stick-on draft excluder is ideal for exterior doors, and also helps to block pests from sneaking into the warmth of your home.
This stick on weather stripping creates a tighter seal around your windows and doors to prevent cold air seeping into your home.
This product applies crystal clear, helping to add an extra layer of thermal protection to panes to reduce heat loss.
Insulating foam expands on application to fill gaps up to one inch in size, preventing air transfer for a warmer home.
This smart thermostat includes room sensors to prioritize heating in occupied areas, adding comfort and efficiency.
Meet the Experts
At the very least, layering quality rugs will help to make a home feel welcoming in the cold winter months, curating a cozy corner to hibernate until spring.
