A rug will only ruin your hardwood or vinyl flooring if it isn’t supported by a proper rug pad.
Picking the right rug pad is almost as important as picking the right rug. A rug pad is a thin sheet of material that protects both the rug on top and the floor underneath. It creates friction with the floor to hold the rug in place, preventing skidding and slipping.
If you’re adding a rug to a carpeted space, there’s less chance of damage, but it’s still worth investing in a rug pad to prolong the life of your carpet.