An area rug can only damage your floor if it doesn’t have a proper rug pad underneath it.
Choosing a proper rug pad is as important as choosing a good area rug itself. Poor rug pads can scratch your floors and damage finishes and they could also transfer the color to the flooring, leading to discoloration or staining.
Good-quality pads can make vacuuming smooth, reduce wear-and-tear, and protect your flooring.
The rug pad has many benefits. To begin with it prevents the area rug from slipping by holding it in place. It also absorbs most of the shock from foot traffic which prevents the fibers from being crushed and adding to the rugs longevity. A rug pad also prevents grime and dirt from accumulating under the rug.
Adding a rug pad under an area rug also increases the thickness of the area rug giving it a comfortable plush feeling.