Introduction

Rugs are a great way to add warmth, comfort, and style to any room. However, one of the most annoying problems with rugs is when they slide out of place, bunch up, or slip around on hard floors. A shifting rug can present tripping hazards, look sloppy, and even cause damage to the rug or floor over time. That is why in our past blog articles, we discussed rug pad and rug gripper for hardwood floors.

Fortunately, there are several easy solutions for how to keep a rug from sliding. Securing your rugs properly ensures safety, preserves the life of the rug, and creates a polished look in your home. With a few simple tricks, you can keep rugs firmly and neatly in place without constant fuss. This guide will explore some of the top techniques for stopping rug sliding for good.

Check the Rug’s Backing

The type of backing on your rug can impact how likely it is to slide. Here are some of the most common rug backings and their tendency to slip:

Jute

Jute is a natural fiber made from the jute plant. It has a coarse, woven texture and is one of the least expensive backing materials. Jute is also one of the most prone to sliding since it is lightweight and smooth on the bottom. Jute rugs will easily glide along hard floors.

Latex

Latex backing is made from rubber latex. It creates a non-slip surface that grips to the floor. Latex is an ideal backing material if you want a rug that stays firmly in place. The downside is that latex can react with certain floor finishes and discolor over time.

Felt

Felt is a thick woven fabric made from wool. It provides decent grip while still being a soft and cushiony backing. Felt is a good middle-ground backing that is slip-resistant but not as sticky as latex. Just note that felt can flatten over time.

Rubber

Rubber backings are similar to latex but often thinner. They provide a decent amount of floor grip while still being flexible. Make sure any rubber backing is high-quality, as cheaper versions can become slick over time.

Cotton

Cotton canvas is a popular low-cost backing material. But cotton is quite slippery on hard floors, so rugs with a cotton backing will be prone to sliding around. Cotton backings are best suited for carpets.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic material used to make thin, inexpensive backings. But polypropylene is extremely slippery and does almost nothing to stop a rug from sliding. Avoid rugs with polypropylene backings if slippage is a concern.

So in summary, natural fibers like jute and cotton tend to be the most slippery backings. Materials like latex and rubber provide the best grip. Check your rug’s tag or underside to see what material it’s made from.

Use Rug Pads

Rug pads are one of the most effective solutions for preventing rug sliding. Rug pads are mats made of rubber, felt, or foam that go underneath the rug. The bottom side of the rug pad grips the floor while the top side grips the underside of the rug, keeping it firmly in place.

Rug pads offer several benefits:

• Prevent Sliding – The gripping action of rug pads keeps rugs locked in place, preventing any sliding or creeping on hard floors. This also reduces the risk of tripping on buckled edges.
• Cushioning – Felt or foam rug pads add a layer of cushioning under rugs, increasing comfort underfoot. This is especially beneficial for rugs placed over hard flooring materials.
• Floor Protection – The barrier of the rug pad prevents scratches or indentations in the floor from heavy furniture placed on top of the rug.
• Rug Wear – Using a rug pad can increase the longevity of the rug by reducing grinding against the hard floor underneath. This prevents premature wear and tear.
• Sound Dampening – Rubber rug pads can absorb sound and reduce noise transfer in a room.

We suggest nuLOOM and Loloi Loloi as our candidate for the most high quality rug pads!

Double-Sided Tape

Double-sided carpet tape is an easy and effective way to keep rugs from sliding. Simply place strips of the tape underneath the rug, sticking to the floor, to hold the rug firmly in place. The tape is designed to grip both the floor and rug backing without damaging either surface.

Look for double-sided rug tapes made specifically for carpets and rugs. These are thicker and stronger than regular double-sided tapes. Make sure the tape you select is safe for the flooring surface beneath the rug.

To use double-sided rug tape:

• Lift up the edges of the rug and clean the floor underneath. Make sure both surfaces are free of dirt, dust, and debris so the tape adheres properly.
• Place strips of the double-sided carpet tape under the rug, positioning them near the edges and corners. Space multiple strips every 12-18 inches.
• Firmly press the rug back down onto the tape strips. Apply pressure to create a strong bond between the tape, rug, and floor.
• For very heavy rugs, or rugs on slippery hard floors, use X-shaped pieces of tape under the corners for extra holding power.

We suggest XFasten double-sided rug pad and Roberts Double-sided rug pad for as secure and easy to use pad for your rug.

Jute and cotton are two of the most prone to sliding since they are lightweight and smooth on the bottom. Jute rugs will easily glide along hard floors.

Rug Anchors

Rug anchors are small metal or plastic devices that are inserted under the corners and edges of a rug to prevent it from sliding. They work by gripping onto the rug from below and digging into the floor beneath.

To use rug anchors, you’ll need to lift up the corners and edges of the rug to insert the anchors underneath. Start by placing one anchor in each corner, positioned a few inches in from the edges. Then add additional anchors every foot or two along the sides.

The anchors themselves are designed with sharp teeth or spikes on the underside. These teeth dig into the rug backing on top and the floor below. This creates friction that prevents the anchor, and the rug above it, from sliding around. The top side of the anchor is smooth and lays flat, keeping the rug’s surface even.

We suggest 3M rug anchors and Wise Linkers for the best and most secure anchor for your rug!

Non-Slip Mats

Non-slip mats or mesh can be very effective at preventing area rugs from sliding on smooth surfaces like hardwood, tile, or laminate floors. The mat is placed underneath the rug to help grip the floor. The bottom of the mat is made of a rubberized, textured material that resists sliding. Some common materials used are vinyl, latex, or thermoplastic elastomers.

We suggest Gorilla and Mohawk as the best non-slip mats for using on your rug!

Non-slip mats work well for rugs prone to sliding, especially in high traffic areas. They provide a no-damage solution without altering the flooring. They also protect floors by preventing scratches and scuff marks from a sliding rug. Look for mats specifically designed as rug grippers versus regular anti-fatigue mats. The best grip comes from mats with a textured weave top rather than a flat surface.

Proper Placement

One of the easiest ways to prevent rug sliding is to place it properly in the first place. Avoid putting rugs on top of carpets or uneven surfaces, as this creates ample opportunity for sliding. The rug needs a solid, flat ground to adhere to. Hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl floors are ideal. If you must place a rug on carpet, make sure the carpet pile is very low. The more friction against the floor, the better.

Also pay attention to high traffic areas that may cause the rug to gradually slide over time. For example, don’t put a rug at the top of a staircase or right in front of an exterior door where people are frequently stepping on and off the rug. Place it further inside the room instead.

Take measurements to ensure the rug fits the space well. If there is excessive empty floor space around the edges, the rug can slide around more easily. Get as close to the walls as possible without actually touching them.

Weight the Rug Down

One easy solution to keep rugs from sliding is to place heavy objects on the corners of the rug. The added weight helps anchor the rug in place and prevent it from moving.

Some good options for weighing down rugs include:

• Books or bookends
• Vases, pots, or other decor items
• Furniture legs on corners of rug
• Heavy candle holders or figurines

Try placing these weighted objects directly on the corners of the rug for the best hold. The extra mass at the edges keeps the corners firmly planted so the center doesn’t slide.

Rotate heavy objects on each corner periodically to distribute the weight evenly and avoid permanent indentations in the rug. This is an ideal tactic for rugs on hard floors that slide easily. The weighted corners create friction and traction to stop the rug from slipping out of place.

Remember to choose objects that fit with your decor and can be left in place safely long-term. Items like dumbbells or kettlebells also work well. Just opt for weights with broad, flat bottoms that won’t damage the rug fibers. Weighing down the corners prevents rug sliding in a simple, discreet way.

Use Rug Gripping Tape

Rug gripping tape is an easy and effective way to keep rugs from sliding. This is a double-sided adhesive tape that goes under the corners and edges of the rug. The top side adheres to the underside of the rug while the bottom side sticks to the floor.

When shopping for rug grip tape, look for ones specifically designed for rugs and hardwood floors. The tape should be thin and transparent when applied. This helps the rug lay flat and minimizes any tripping hazards.

To use rug grip tape:

• Clean the floor under where the tape will be placed. Remove any dust, dirt or debris so the tape can adhere properly.
• Cut pieces of rug grip tape for each corner and along the edges where you want to secure the rug. The tape comes in long strips that you can cut to size.
• Peel away the backing paper and apply the tape to the underside of the rug. Press it firmly so it sticks.
• Lift the rug and peel away the other side’s backing paper. Carefully place the rug back down so the tape adheres to the floor.
• Use your hands to press the rug and tape down firmly. This ensures a tight grip.

The double-sided adhesive on the rug gripping tape keeps the rug locked in place and prevents sliding. The tape is designed to resist slipping even with foot traffic. Replace the tape every few months or as needed if it loses stickiness. Rug grip tape offers a quick, easy and damage-free solution for securing rugs.

Conclusion

Rug sliding can be a nuisance, but it can also pose a safety hazard if someone trips on an unsecured rug. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your rugs in place and avoid accidents.

The most important takeaways are to use an appropriate rug pad, double-sided tape, rug anchors, or non-slip mats depending on your floor type. Proper placement is also key – keep the edges of your rug completely on the floor rather than halfway under furniture. Weighting down the corners of a rug with heavy objects can provide additional security. Rug gripping tape applied to the underside of a rug is another great option.

Take the time to properly secure rugs in your home, especially on high-traffic areas and stairs. A few simple steps can give you peace of mind knowing your beautiful rugs will stay put. Most importantly, it will help provide a safer environment for you, your family, and any guests in your home. Be proactive about rug safety and avoid painful and dangerous accidents before they happen.