First, Yes rollers takes the finish off the laminate. Second, my husband and I had a big discussion on this topic and he was right. My sewing room was moved to a bedroom on the top floor of our 95 year old house. Hard wood floors that had been partially covered with glued down linoleum. I refinished the floor the best I could and bought a wonderful low nap rug. My chair rolls so nice on it. Very comfortable when I am cutting and other standing work. It is beautiful and yes there are small threads and fabric ears but nothing rolls around or is the floor scratched. I found the rug at HOM on sale. It had a patchwork look to it and I knew it was right for my new sewing room. I just bought a Sharp hand Vac with a roller brush and it picks everything up, yes the long threads wrap around the roller but that I another use for the seam ripper. Don't be afraid of an area rug.