If you have a wood burning fireplace, hearth rugs can help protect your floors, carpets, and other flammable materials from any stray embers that may get past your fireplace screen. These rugs are specially made from fire-retardant material or material treated to be fire-retardant to help protect your home from ember damage. If the fibers are listed as self-extinguishing, it means that if an ember does fall on the rug the material will not be damaged. Rugs made from fiberglass offer the most protection, followed closely by wool rugs. Synthetic rugs should be used as decoration and only with gas or electric fireplaces because they melt easily and offer very little fire protection. In addition to offering fire protection, fireplace hearth rugs also add some style and warmth to the area. There are many styles and colors to choose from, so you can easily find one to suit your personal taste.

When choosing a hearth rug, you need to consider your size needs as well as the flame resistance of the particular rug. A higher degree of resistance will ensure that your home is protected and that the rug itself will last for a long time. The rug should also be large enough to cover the area you need it to. Be sure to measure before you shop.