Hearth Rugs FAQ

What Is a Hearth? The word hearth traditionally referred to the inner floor of a fireplace. Over time, hearth came to mean the brick or stone fireplace itself, as well as the area in front of it. The word hearth is also used as a symbol for home or family, most famously in the phrase "hearth and home."

What Is a Hearth Rug?
A hearth rug is a small rug placed in front of a hearth to protect the nearby flooring or carpeting from damage caused by coals, embers, or sparks. Hearth rugs were especially commonplace during the 19th century. This reminiscence from Isabel Lady Burton about her husband, the famous 19th century explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, and General Charles Gordon quaintly sums up the nostalgic and idyllic appeal of hearth rugs: "[Gordon] used to come and sit on our hearth rug before the fire in the long winter evenings, and it was very pleasant to hear them talk."

Which Hearth Rug Material Is Best?
Historically, hearth rugs were made from wool, which is a strong and durable natural material that also happens to be flame retardant. Wool is also used today to manufacture hearth rugs, along with several other synthetic and man-made materials.

Which hearth rug material is best depends on which quality you most value. Fiberglass hearth rugs offer the greatest fire resistance, and will not melt or burn. However, they're more expensive than the alternatives. Wool hearth rugs might char, but usually can be brushed clean. Nylon is an inexpensive material that will protect your floor but may display melt spots. Olefin, polyester, and polypropylene are the cheapest hearth rug materials.