How do You Keep a Rug from Moving on the Carpet: Easy and Effective Solutions

A rug can slide towards one side of a carpet if its backing lacks grip. This blog covers all the ways that you can stop the rug from slipping. This includes using non-slip pads, double-sided rug tape, and furniture to keep it grounded. Additionally, learn about the features of a rug pad, like extra cushioning and grip

Understand why a rug slides on a carpet, and how to keep it from happening. You can fix this inconvenience instantly.

Why do Rugs Slide on Carpet in the First Place?

Your rug may keep slipping on the carpet for various reasons. By understanding some of them, you can become an expert on how to secure a rug on carpeted floors.

Lack of Grip Between Rug and Carpet Pile

A low-grip carpet surface is usually smooth and soft. So, it will fail to hold the thin nature of the rug, especially if the non-slip backing is absent. The soft and uneven surface of the carpet does not provide sufficient friction for the rug to stabilize. Moreover, if the carpet pile is high, it may gradually shift to one side, meaning the rug atop would also slide in the same direction.

High Foot Traffic Areas Cause Constant Shifting

High foot traffic areas witness frequent multidirectional movement. This constant foot traffic shifts the area rugs, especially if they are lightweight. Also, child activities like high-speed, playful running can cause the rugs to slide, increasing the risk of tripping.

Much like children, pet movement is also fast, unpredictable, and repetitive. This can displace small rugs that are light and unfixed. If you have pets at home, check out our pet-friendly rug materials that are easy to clean.

Also Read: How to Clean a Jute Rug at Home: Food and Pet Stains

Furniture Placement Doesn’t Anchor the Rug

A rug placed on a carpet can complement and balance the furniture around it. However, if the furniture’s legs aren’t placed on the corners of the rug, it will lack the weight needed to stay grounded and shift. Also, a poorly anchored rug will pull away if someone drags their feet or other items on it.

How to Keep Rugs from Sliding on Carpet: 7 Proven Methods

While a rug may slide off a carpet, it isn't impossible to fix. Here’s how you can keep the rug from moving on a carpet.

Try High-Quality Rug Pads for Maximum Grip and Comfort

Spending on a high-quality rug pad is necessary. It’s how you can keep a rug in place on a carpet. The additional base layer can anchor the rug in place. It can also add extra cushioning to enhance rug comfort and reduce wear. Get a rug pad specifically crafted for carpets. They have a superior grip and extend the rug’s life by minimizing friction against the carpet. Here are some best rug pad materials to stop the rugs from sliding.

Rubber Waffle Pads for Everyday Use

A rubber waffle pad is a budget-friendly, household choice for daily use. The product’s textured, open-grid design can grip both rug and carpet. A rubber waffle pad is thin and low-profile. So, don’t worry about placing it near a lower door clearance. Its slender design keeps the increase in height to a minimum.

Natural Rubber Pads for a Stronger, Eco-Friendly Hold

A rubber pad made of natural materials is grippy, thick, and durable. This prevents the area rug (even the ones without backing) from slipping off the carpet. You can find some pads made from rubber tree sap, known for its durability and enhanced grip. Most natural rubber pads are chemical-free, making them the perfect, eco-friendly choice.

Felt Pads for Large Rugs and Added Comfort

If you have a large rug atop a carpet at home, go with a felt pad. Its material is made by using moisture, heat, and special tools to compress fibers into a solid piece of felted fabric. Felt pads are available in both synthetic fibers, like polypropylene, and natural fibers like wool. Rug pads made from felt are also great to add extra plushness to the rug.

Anchor Rugs with Furniture

If you have a heavy, wide-based, or L-shaped sectional sofa, use it to anchor your living room rug. This way, you can place the rug on your carpet, even if it is unbacked by a rug pad. Alternatively, in your bedroom, the bed frame can stabilize the area rug on the carpet. Placing it under the bed will also offer underfoot comfort, especially if it’s a high-pile cotton or wool rug.

Apply Double-Sided Carpet Tape

A carpet that lacks proper grip will slide on the floor, causing the rug above it to move with it. So, you need to steady the base layer with double-sided carpet tape.

Double-sided carpet tape is crafted with two layers of pressure-sensitive adhesive to a backing material like cloth or a flexible, sturdy plastic film. If the carpet is stable, the rug above it will be steadier. The twin adhesive layers ensure a strong bond between the floor and carpet.

Try Rug Grippers

A rug gripper is designed to create friction between the carpet and the rug to hold it firmly in place. You can purchase different types of rug grippers, including corner, strip, and full-size grippers. However, a rug gripper is better suited for rugs paired with low-pile carpets. This is because it can hold the base piece (carpet) more securely. It isn’t recommended for a high-pile carpet as the gripper may slide in the direction that the fibers move.

Opt for Rugs with Non-Slip Backing

If you are in the process of buying a rug, go for one with an in-built non-slip rubber backing. This rug type is easier to find. It is also available in various styles, shapes, and sizes. But remember! A higher carpet pile may cause the rug to slide on its fibers, even if it has a rubber backing. So, rugs with rubber backings will work better if the carpet’s pile is low.

Layer a Heavier Rug on Top

A lightweight, thin area rug tends to slip on a low-pile carpet because of its low friction fibers. Instead, use a heavier rug as its weight can reduce slipping and bunching. For the best results, use a high-pile wool rug as its dense nature will create high friction. In addition to grounding the rug, the pairing will add comfort and visual intrigue to the area.

Mistakes to Avoid When Layering Rugs on Carpet

Here’s what you should avoid if you want the rug to stay firm on the carpet.

Skipping a Rug Pad or Using the Wrong Type

A rug pad prevents a rug from sliding on a carpet, especially if the existing rug has no rubber backing. Additionally, you need to buy the right rug pad type, like those made from dense felt and natural rubber. The blend offers exceptional grip, without tugging on the carpet’s pile.

Choosing the Wrong Rug Size for the Space

Pairing carpets with small rugs makes the room seem disproportionate, while oversized options may crowd the layout. Pick rugs about 23.6” shorter than the shortest wall in the room. It leaves a border of carpet visible around the rug for balance. Use our rug size calculator to purchase the right rug size. 

Placing Rugs in High-Traffic Areas Without Anchoring

While placing rugs in high-traffic areas is a good thing, securing them with non-slip pads or double-sided tape is also important. Additionally, you can use the weight of your furniture as it provides stability to the rug corners that are prone to curling.

FAQ

What Tape Holds Rugs to Carpet?

You can use silicone-based double-sided tape to hold a rug on a carpet. The adhesive creates cohesion between the rug and the carpet, without leaving residue when the rug is removed. It also comes off the carpet’s fibers smoothly.

What can I use to stick a Rug to a Carpet?

You can use a silicone-based double-sided tape. In addition, use velcro strips for securing rugs to carpets. Its hook-and-loop design adheres to a carpet's surface, while the adhesive-backing sticks to the bottom of the rug. Make sure the rug is fully secured to the carpet to prevent hazards like tripping.

Can Rug Grippers be Used on a Carpet?

Yes, rug grippers can be used on a carpet, preferably of a lower pile for better grip. The product creates friction to keep the rug firmly in place on the carpet. Avoid using a high pile carpet as the grippers may not sit atop it properly. Also, it could possibly damage the carpet fibers.

Do Heavier Rugs Slide Less on Carpet?

A heavier rug will slide less on a carpet than a lightweight rug. However, to ensure maximum grip, use supplemental holders, like a rug pad or silicone-based double-sided tape. In addition, you can anchor your furniture on the carpet and rug to prevent it from bunching up.