Can you put an area rug over carpeting to protect it?

An area rug will work, buy one that has a rubber gripping in the bottom so it doesn't slide around.

I have a white berber carpet in my family room, wall-to-wall. We found over time that the white berber got very dull looking. First we made sure the Berber was as clean and fresh as we could get it with a commercial cleaner, then we bought an area rug to go over it. It has been very handy to take up the area rug and replace it when it has become soiled. We have lived here 26 years so we have replaced many. I occasionally take and roll back the area rug and vaccum the rug left underneath to make sure nothing has worked down through the area rug.

area rug = OK. But you can buy a runner and have it cut from the roll the length you need (the ends will have a raw edge).

If the rug is small enough to be tossed into the washing machine, I would avoid rubber backing then. An area rug over carpet shouldn't be sliding that much anyway.

I agree with the other posted answers, however keep in mind: the lighter rug may fade around the edges of the area rug - so you might want to consider a very large area rug.

I would prefer an area rug over light carpeting since you will always be trying to keep it clean. Plus when you move the apt owner will probably have it cleaned and stick you with the bill, and if it is too dirty to be cleanied you could be paying for new carpeting; Check the rental agreement.

when looking at protecting high traffic areas you can also go with a simple clear plastic runner. These have small knobs on the back to hold it in place.

this should give you a good cross of all the types available hope it helps

http://www.mtdmowers.com/floor_runners__mating_for...