What is a Carpet Cushion?

Carpet cushion is material placed underneath an area rug or a carpet. Placing a carpet cushion underneath a carpet became popular in the early 20th century, and most early cushions weren’t so cushiony as they are today. They did provide a little more comfort and plushness to the carpet, were helpful in keeping area rugs in place, and were often made of cattle hair. Popularity of the carpet soon exceeded cattle hair available to make such cushions, resulting in cushions that might be made of jute and hair. Another method evolved by using poorer grade carpet fibers to create a protective layer underneath carpet, called carpet underlay, which added more comfort to walking on carpet. All methods tended to help insulate homes a little better and create warmth. After World War II, a common type of carpet cushion was made of sponge rubber, which many people loved because stepping on the carpet had a springy effect that felt even more comfortable to the feet. Though this was once popular, as ... more

Carpet cushion is material placed underneath an area rug or a carpet. Placing a carpet cushion underneath a carpet became popular in the early 20th century, and most early cushions weren’t so cushiony as they are today. They did provide a little more comfort and plushness to the carpet, were helpful in keeping area rugs in place, and were often made of cattle hair. Popularity of the carpet soon exceeded cattle hair available to make such cushions, resulting in cushions that might be made of jute and hair. Another method evolved by using poorer grade carpet fibers to create a protective layer underneath carpet, called carpet underlay, which added more comfort to walking on carpet. All methods tended to help insulate homes a little better and create warmth. After World War II, a common type of carpet cushion was made of sponge rubber, which many people loved because stepping on the carpet had a springy effect that felt even more comfortable to the feet. Though this was once popular, as w ... more