Do you love your rug-and-carpet combo but can’t seem to keep the rug from shifting on the carpet? Rugs layered on the carpet often slip, bunch, and slide, which is not only frustrating but can also create a tripping hazard. That’s why we’ve gathered our best tips to keep your rugs steady on the carpet, from non-slip mats to carpet tape.
Solutions to Stop Rugs from Slipping on Carpet
Why do rugs shift on the carpet? When you place a rug, runner, or mat over a carpet, you might find it slowly creeping out of place. This happens because the rug follows the natural direction of the carpet pile, which typically leans to one side. As a result, the rug gradually moves in the same direction. It can be frustrating to keep repositioning your perfectly placed rug, but our guide offers solutions to help keep your rug in place on the carpet.
Faded Oushak Rug, Turkish Vintage Floral Pastel Large Oversized Area Rugs
Keep it steady by weighing it down with furniture
Anchoring a large area rug with furniture can be a great solution to prevent it from sliding on the carpet, offering both practical and stylish benefits. Although layering rugs over carpet can be a debated topic in interior design, we believe that with thoughtfully placed furniture, rugs on carpet can be a fantastic combination.
Damla Runner Turkish Ethnic Red Kilim Runner
Place a non-slip rug pad underneath
Non-slip underlays are among the most effective solutions for keeping rugs from sliding or bunching on the carpet, allowing you to secure your rug without harming the carpet or floors. If you've found the perfect rug and just need it to stay in place, using a non-slip underlay mat is the fastest and simplest solution. These mats come in various sizes and are available as standalone products; you can even trim them to fit your rug precisely. Simply place the mat on your carpet, and your rug will sit firmly on top. It’s that easy!
Pro tip: make sure the underlay is at least 5cm (or 2 inches) shorter in both width and length than your rug or runner. This will prevent the edges from lifting and creating a tripping hazard. Plus, keeping the underlay smaller prevents it from sticking out around the edges, preserving the rug’s overall look.
Stick down your rug with double-sided rug tape for extra stability
Applying double-sided carpet tape is a simple and cost-effective method to prevent your area rug from shifting and wrinkling on the carpet. Just attach the tape to the back of your rug and press it down. This will bond the area rug to the carpet, stopping it from sliding around.
Make sure to choose double-sided tape specifically made for carpets, as some tapes intended for hard flooring could potentially harm your carpet. Carpet tape is formulated to work with carpets, ensuring it won’t leave any damage or residue on your rug or flooring.
Choose rugs with non-slip rubber backing
If you haven't bought your area rug yet, consider looking for one that already has a non-slip rubber backing. These rugs are widely available and come in a range of sizes, styles, and shapes. The latex gel backing offers enhanced grip on both hard surfaces and carpets.
The effectiveness of the non-slip rubber backing on your rug will vary based on the type and thickness of your existing carpet and underlay. If you have a new, high-pile carpet, you might need to implement additional non-slip strategies, such as using double-sided tape or securing your rug with furniture to ensure it stays in place.
Consider purchasing a high-quality rug
Typically, high-quality rugs are superior in craftsmanship and heavier than their cheaper, thinner counterparts. One reason that expensive rugs have a higher price tag is their premium backing. This backing, along with a thicker, plusher pile, adds stability and weight, helping to prevent your rug from sliding on the carpet.
If you still have questions about selecting the ideal rug for your carpet, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. We're here to provide expert guidance to help you find the perfect rug for your home!