Video Highlights:
0:10 Purpose of a Hearth Rug
0:32 What to look for
0:45 The 3 main types of hearth rugs
0:48 Wool Hearth Rugs
1:13 Fiberglass Hearth Rugs
1:54 Synthetic Fiber Hearth Rugs
2:37 The 3 basic shapes
Hi, I am Melissa from NorthlineExpress and I am here with some helpful information for you while you are choosing your fireplace or hearth rug this season. Rugs keep your feet warm and prevent you from slipping on slick tiles but some serve a more specific purpose such as protecting the flooring beneath them especially in high traffic areas or around your fireplace or wood stove.
Hearth Rugs are specifically designed rugs that are going to help prevent fire and other damage to your flooring by protecting that wood flooring or carpeting beneath them from errant fireplace embers. But do not be fooled you cannot throw just any old rug in front of your fireplace. When you are selecting a hearth rug make sure you look for the guarantee that the rug is fire resistant. While ceramic and stone flooring is not going to burn, carpeting and hardwood flooring may catch fire or even be damaged if one of the popping embers landed on it.
There are three main types of Hearth Rugs: Wool, Fiberglass, and Synthetic.
Wool Hearth Rugs are natural fiber rugs that offer excellent protection for your flooring. Wool is not going to support a flame. Any embers that land on it are going to smolder and eventually self-extinguish. Also wool will not char which makes the Hearth Rug an excellent choice. Even if it does get a char mark on it the mark can simply be brushed out. If cost is not a consideration I definitely recommend looking for a wool fiber rug.
Fiberglass Hearth Rugs offer the most protection that is available. The fiberglass surface will not burn. The 100% fiberglass face on these rugs will also not be damaged by small embers or sparks. Flying embers that land on the fiberglass rugs are simply going to burn out harmlessly. The back of most of the fiberglass rugs also have a heavy vinyl backing that is going to help the rug lay flat and is non-staining as well as fire retardant. Most fiberglass hearth rugs can be spot cleaned with a sponge and some simple warm soapy water. Another nice thing about the fiberglass rugs is you do not really have to worry about toxic chemicals or fire retardants because fiberglass rugs are not treated with any chemicals as they are not necessary.
There is also the Synthetic Fiber Hearth Rugs such as nylon, olefin, and polyester. If you are looking for a more interesting patterned rug to spice your décor while protecting your flooring at the same time you should consider a nylon hearth rug. Nylon rugs will not burn but they will melt when struck by a hot ember. Then there are hearth rugs that are made from olefin which is another synthetic fiber. Olefin rugs are also going to char if a burning log rolls on to them but it will not burn. Nylon, Olefin, and Polyester rugs are going to be the cheaper than the more expensive wool or fiberglass hearth rugs but they are going to be the ones that you are going to have to replace more often. If a flying ember does land on them they are going to show melt marks or black marks on the rug that are not going to be removable. However these rugs are the most cost- effective and offer just as great of protection.
Hearth rugs come in three basic shapes. You are going to have rectangular, half round, and oval. Rectangular hearth rugs are going to sit flat against the straight edge of your hearth and they are foing to be usually about 22 inches deep. Half round rugs, which look like a half circle, will also allow you to sit them flush against the hearth and are going to be about 26 inches deep at the center of the rug. There are also oval shaped fireplace rugs. Those are most frequently going to be the braided style rug and really suit a country style décor very well.
So just remember, you can keep your fireplace and home safe and still get a beautiful stylish look when you add a one of our functional and attractive hearth rugs to your hearth. I hope you found this information helpful and do not forget NorthlineExpress is your one stop shop for all your hearth accessories.