When you’re living the RV life, your space is your sanctuary. That’s why choosing the right indoor rugs can make a world of difference, not just for comfort but also for safety. Here are some tips for the best indoor rugs that can make your RV feel like home while keeping it functional and stylish.
An RV must-have
Rugs in an RV serve many purposes beyond just looking good. They add a layer of insulation, keeping your feet warm during chilly mornings. They also reduce noise, which is especially helpful in a smaller space. In addition, if you have older pups, rugs can provide the traction they need to move around without slipping on slick vinyl floors.
Why rugs?
You’ll probably purchase RV indoor rugs for a variety of reasons. Our biggest purchase was a 6’ x 8’ area rug which we placed in our RV’s living space. We chose a brightly colored rug with a low pile and a non-slip backing. I love the way the vivid tones help brighten our otherwise rather bland RV interior. (Can you say brown, taupe, beige, or toast? Those colors describe our interior walls and cabinets to a tee.) The area rug not only brightens the space and defines the area, but it also provides a cozy seating choice when grandchildren camp with us.
Our initial rug purchase came immediately after we bought our first RV. It was an entrance rug. Since that very first rug found its place right inside our RV door, I’ve replaced it with various others. All of the entry rugs serve one main purpose: catch the dirt, mud, snow, and whatever else tracks in on the bottom of our shoes.
Bath and bedroom rugs
Bath rugs can make stepping out of the shower more comfortable, and safer, too. When my feet are wet, I feel good knowing that I won’t slip and fall on the RV’s vinyl floor. Our non-slip, cushioned bath rug makes getting ready for the day comfortably easy.
We chose to get a runner for our RV bedroom floor. It spans the length of the dresser all the way to the closet. Once again, we bought a colorful textured rug that helps brighten up the space and makes it feel inviting. The rug, along with a coordinating bed coverlet, gives the room a warm and relaxing vibe.
Kitchen floor pad
Lots of food is prepared in our compact RV kitchen. And talk about dishes? Lots of dishes need to be washed and dried, too. Because we seem to spend many, many hours standing at the sink and stove, a comfortable floor pad is a must.
In my opinion, GelPro mats are best. I love the beveled edges that ensure no tripping. The cushy surface helps reenergize tired feet and legs, and the non-slip bottom surface is the best! The mats are stain-resistant and easily wipe clean. GelPro mats are not inexpensive, but they last even with very heavy use.
Tips for getting a good deal
A good time to buy floor rugs is during the late summer. When back-to-school sales are in full swing you should check out shops that cater to college students who may be shopping for their dorm rooms. We’ve scored some great buys, especially on larger area rugs, available at discount places like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Target, and even big box stores like The Home Depot and Costco.
Annual white sales—sales on bedding and bath products—often happen near the first of the year. This can also be a perfect time to look for new RV interior rugs—especially those smaller in size.
Qualities to look for
While everyone is different, there are some basic qualities to look for when considering the purchase of an RV rug. Here are just a few:
- Budget. As with any purchase, set a budget before you begin looking for RV rugs. Rugs vary widely in price depending on size, thickness, brand, and design features. If you like changing your RV décor quite often, you may opt to purchase a less expensive or less durable product. There are a surprising number of rugs available on Amazon that celebrate holidays, seasons, and special days. Special rugs can add a festive touch to your RV interior without taking up any extra space.
- Non-slip. Look for floor coverings that will stay firmly in place while not posing a trip hazard. Gorilla Grip rugs are a fantastic option, known for their durability and variety. These rugs are washable, making them a practical choice for RV living. They come in a range of sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect one to match your RV’s decor. Gorilla rug pads are also non-slip and can be cut to the size of your favorite rug. This is especially important in an RV, where space is limited and safety is a priority.
- Washable or stain-resistant. Recently, new products have come on the market, like Ruggable rugs. These rugs are a popular choice among RVers, and it’s easy to see why. Ruggable rugs are machine washable, which is a huge plus when you’re dealing with the dust, dirt, and occasional spills that come with life on the road. They also come in a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes, so you can easily find something that fits your space and personal taste. More and more companies have followed Ruggable’s lead in manufacturing washable rugs. These rugs are great, especially for RVers with children and/or pets.
How about you?
Do you have rugs inside your RV? Are they decorative or functional (or both)? Tell us about them in the comments below.
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Interesting article – one main drawback to rugs in the rv is that it changes the color of your flooring. We had rubber backed rugs all over the rv in our first year. The first time we washed our rugs, we noticed the floors had a pink tinge to them that does not come out. So, we try to find rugs without rubber backing – hard to find though,
We just go to the local carpet store look for remnants of outdoor carpet. Most will bind the edges for a small price. No rubber backing.
Some of the Big Box stores also sell carpeting from rolls. A lot have just jute backing. We have used these for years. I buy the indoor/outdoor type. You can take it outside and hose it down.
We have a class C 24′ with a slide. We use 2 -7’x2′ runners with non slip backing that we got at Costco. They are easy to roll up and store under dinette space during travel and can be washed in our home washing machine. If weather is wetter we have a door mat on top by the steps to catch extra mud. This works for us in our limited space.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 We have a fitted rug we bought from our manufacturer that covers most of the cockpit floor. We also have a bath mat. Beyond that we have only outside rugs. Our floors are heated, so we don’t have cold floors unless by design (dog #3 likes cool more than heat). Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I picked up my area rugs on Wayfair. They are thick enough to help insulate the floor in cold weather yet thin enough that the slides will close over them, and we don’t have to move them. I use my stick vac most days, depending on the campsite. We also use large area mat(s) outdoors. It’s just the two of us. I picked designs that won’t show dirt as much. We spend about 4-5 months a year in our motorhome. I have them cleaned every three years, equating to annually, like the rugs in my home.