The right rug can really help to enhance your home’s aesthetics. It can add pops of colour, rich textures and warmth to a room. Unfortunately, though, even if you’ve found the perfect spot for your rug, there’s no guarantee it will stay in place.
Even on carpeted floors, rugs can shift out of position over time. This can be frustrating as it affects the layout of the room. More importantly though, a moving rug can present a dangerous tripping hazard. To help you secure it safely in place, here’s some tips on how to stops rugs moving on carpet.
Why do rugs move on carpet?
You likely expect some movement from rugs placed on wooden or laminate floors. With carpeted floors though, you may think that the friction between the two fabrics will hold it in place. However, that’s not always the case.
As you walk over the carpet, your weight will push the carpet pile in the same direction as your movement. The pile is the soft fabric loops of your carpeting. As this happens, the carpet pile will cause any rugs placed on it to slowly move as well.
Thankfully, rather than constantly moving your rugs back into place, there are some handy steps you can take to stop a rug moving on carpet.
Add an anti-slip underlay to prevent rugs from moving
If you already have a rug that you want to keep in place, the quickest and easiest way to do this is by applying an anti-slip underlay product. Our Rug Anti-Slip Underlay can be applied to carpets and smooth flooring. It’s ideal for reducing the risks of slips, stopping curling of the carpet, maintaining the look of your rug and providing extra cushioning underfoot.
You will need to correctly measure the rug and cut the underlay to size – this can be done using household scissors. To ensure you don’t see the underlay when the rug is in place, you should subtract around 3-5cm from the length and width of your rug for the underlay measurement or, for round rugs, subtract this from the diameter measurement.
Once measured and cut, place the black side facing down onto the carpet and the grey side onto the rug or mat. If adhesion is lost from the underlay over time, it can be revived by using a fine spray of clean water and leaving to air dry.
Choosing the right rug for your space
When purchasing a new rug, it’s important to find the right one for your interiors. If you want the rug to be a focal point, then it’s worthwhile investing in a good quality one. Not only will this ensure it’s softer and more durable, but it can also help to minimise movement. Higher quality rugs tend to be thicker and heavier, which can help them remain in place more effectively.
It’s also important to consider the size of the rug for your space. Smaller rugs in areas with high foot traffic could present tripping hazards, so be sure to measure your floor space before making your purchase.
Opting for rugs with non-slip rubber backing is also recommended. This latex gel backing is more effective at gripping surfaces to combat creeping of the rug, although how well this works depends on the type of surface you’re placing it on. It’s a good idea to still use anti-slip underlay for rugs on plush or thick carpet piles.
Use furniture as an anchor
Using furniture as an anchor can be a good solution, particularly with larger area rugs. While it won’t completely stop any lifting of the corners, placing large items like sofas over a rug can help to pin it into place on any flooring type. You can choose to place multiple furniture items into the middle of the rug or just the front half of your seating or storage units for a more spacious feel.
However, this won’t prevent corners for curling. Also, for dining rugs, this technique may not work as well. As you will be frequently moving the dining chairs when using them. This will lead to the rug shifting and lifting in parts. To counteract this, you can apply underlay or tape to stop rugs moving.
How to stop a rug moving on laminate flooring, wood and other hard surfaces
Some rugs, particularly dining rugs and hall runners, are more likely to be placed on hard floors, such as woods and laminates. As these surfaces are smoother than carpet, they are more likely to skid and slip as you walk over them.
Thankfully, the solution to this is the same as with carpets. Applying our anti-slip underlay will add grip to your rug on any surface, as well as reducing abrasion on delicate floor surfaces. Measure and cut the same as you would when applying the underlay to carpet but instead, apply the grey side onto the smooth flooring and the black side on the rug.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop a rug from moving on carpet?
One of the simplest ways to stop a rug from moving on carpet is to place a suitable anti-slip rug underlay beneath it. The underlay creates additional grip between the rug and carpet, helping to reduce movement, bunching and curling. Choosing the right rug size and positioning furniture partly over larger rugs can also help keep them more securely in place.
Why does my rug keep moving on carpet?
Rugs can gradually move across carpet because the carpet pile shifts slightly as you walk over it. This movement can transfer to the rug above, causing it to creep out of position over time. The amount of movement can depend on the type of carpet, rug, foot traffic and whether an anti-slip underlay is being used.
What can I put under a rug to stop it moving on carpet?
A rug anti-slip underlay designed for use on carpet can be placed underneath your rug to provide additional grip. Always check that the underlay is suitable for your flooring and rug before use and follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions.
Do rug grippers work on carpet?
Rug grippers and anti-slip underlays can help reduce movement on carpet, although their effectiveness can depend on the rug and carpet pile. For a carpeted floor, choose a product specifically designed to provide grip between a rug and carpet rather than one intended only for smooth flooring.
Can you use anti-slip underlay between a rug and carpet?
Yes, provided the anti-slip underlay is designed for use on carpet. A correctly sized underlay sits beneath the rug and helps create additional grip between the two surfaces. It should generally be slightly smaller than the rug so it remains hidden once everything is positioned.
How do you stop the corners of a rug from curling?
Using an appropriately sized anti-slip underlay can help keep a rug more stable and reduce movement that contributes to curling. Make sure the rug is positioned on a clean, even surface and check that the corners and edges lie flat. Persistent curling may also be influenced by the rug's construction or how it has previously been stored.
How do I stop a rug moving on laminate or wooden flooring?
Use an anti-slip rug underlay that is suitable for your particular hard flooring. It creates additional grip between the rug and smooth surface, helping to reduce slipping and movement. Always check the product's suitability for your flooring finish before use, particularly on more delicate surfaces.
Can furniture stop a rug from moving?
Positioning furniture partly on top of a larger rug can help anchor it and reduce movement. For example, placing the front legs of a sofa or armchair on a living room rug can provide additional stability. However, furniture alone may not prevent every part of the rug from moving or curling, so an anti-slip underlay can provide additional support.
Does rug size affect how much it moves?
Yes. Small, lightweight rugs can be more prone to movement, particularly in areas with frequent foot traffic. A larger or heavier rug may naturally remain more stable, while positioning furniture partly on the rug can provide additional anchoring.
Where can I shop for rugs in Hertfordshire?
You can explore a wide selection of rugs at the Fishpools showroom in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. Seeing rugs in person allows you to compare different sizes, colours, patterns and textures while getting advice on choosing a rug that suits your room and flooring.
Where can I find rugs near North London and Essex?
Fishpools' Waltham Cross showroom is conveniently located for customers travelling from Hertfordshire, North London and Essex. You can explore rugs alongside furniture and home accessories, making it easier to see how different colours, sizes and styles could work together in your home.