How to stop your rug from slipping

Are you tired of constantly adjusting your rugs and worrying about tripping hazards? A slipping rug not only looks unsightly but can also be a safety hazard. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to stop rugs from slipping and keep them in place on both carpeted and wooden floors. In this guide, we'll cover why it's safer to prevent rugs from slipping and five easy ways to stop rugs from moving. We'll also discuss how to stop a rug from moving on carpet and wooden floors, as well as which rug material is the least slippery.

Why is it safer to stop rugs from slipping?

A slipping rug can be a serious safety concern, especially if you have young children or elderly individuals in your home. A rug that moves underfoot can cause a person to trip or slip, potentially leading to injury. Additionally, a rug that slips can cause furniture to move or wobble, making it more likely to topple over. Therefore, it's important to take steps to prevent your rug from moving and create a safer environment in your home. Not only can slippy rugs be the cause of dangerous safety hazards, but rugs with creases and bends can also cause people to trip over – before you stick your rug down, make sure to check out our guide on how to flatten a rug to make sure it’s completely flat beforehand!

Five easy ways to stop rugs from moving

Rug pad: A rug pad is an excellent way to keep your rug in place on any type of flooring. It's a cushioned mat that sits beneath your rug and prevents it from sliding around. Rug pads come in different sizes and materials, including felt, rubber, and foam. Felt rug pads are best for wooden floors, while rubber pads are ideal for carpets. Foam pads are suitable for both carpeted and wooden floors. To use a rug pad, simply place it on the floor and lay your rug on top. The pad should be slightly smaller than your rug, so it doesn't stick out. Once your rug is in place, it should stay put and not slide around.

Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape is an affordable and effective way to prevent your rug from moving. It works by creating a strong bond between your rug and the floor. To use double-sided tape, flip your rug over and apply the tape around the edges. Then, carefully lay your rug back in place, pressing down firmly to secure it to the floor. Be sure to use a tape that won't damage your flooring when removed, such as carpet tape or painter's tape.
Carpet tack strips: If you have a large area rug on top of a carpet, carpet tack strips are an excellent option. These strips have small, sharp tacks that grip onto the carpet, keeping your rug firmly in place. To use carpet tack strips, place them around the edges of your rug, leaving a small gap between the strip and the rug's edge. Then, press down firmly on the rug to secure it to the tacks.
Silicone caulk: Silicone caulk is a versatile adhesive that works well for securing rugs on both carpeted and wooden floors. To use silicone caulk, apply a small amount to the underside of your rug, along the edges. Then, place your rug in position and press down firmly. Allow the caulk to dry completely before walking on your rug.
Velcro strips: Velcro strips are a simple and effective way to stop your rug from moving. Attach one side of the velcro to the back of your rug and the other side to the floor. Velcro strips work best on hard floors and are not recommended for use on carpeted floors.

We wouldn’t recommend using heavy furniture to weigh down your rug either, as this can leave some unsightly dent marks on your lovely rug! Check out our carpet care guide for some of the ways you can get rid of furniture marks if you’ve already tried this.

How to stop a rug moving on carpet

Rugs tend to slip and slide more easily on carpeted floors due to the lack of friction. Here are some ways to prevent your rug from moving on carpet:

Rug pad: As mentioned earlier, a rug pad is an excellent option for keeping your rug in place on carpet.
Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape can also work on carpeted floors. However, it's important to choose a tape specifically designed for use on carpets to prevent damage to the fibres. Make sure to apply the tape around the edges of your rug to ensure that it stays in place.
Carpet tack strips: Carpet tack strips are a great option for larger area rugs on carpet. They work by gripping onto the carpet fibres, preventing the rug from moving. Be sure to leave a small gap between the tack strip and the rug's edge to avoid damage to your rug.
Gripper pads: Gripper pads are another type of rug pad specifically designed for use on carpets. They have small suction cups on the bottom that grip onto the carpet fibres, holding your rug in place. Gripper pads are available in different sizes and materials, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your rug and carpet.
Carpet tape: Carpet tape is another option for securing your rug onto your carpet. However, it's important to choose a tape that won't damage your carpet fibres. Look for a tape designed for use on carpets and test it in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't cause any damage.

How to stop rugs moving on wooden floors

While wooden floors provide more friction than carpets, they can still be slippery for rugs. Here are some ways to keep your rugs in place on wooden floors:

Rug pad: A felt rug pad is the best option for wooden floors, as it provides a good grip without damaging the surface. Place the pad beneath your rug and adjust the placement until it is centred and level. The pad will help to prevent your rug from slipping and sliding on the wooden floor.
Double-sided tape: Double-sided tape can also work on wooden floors. Be sure to choose a tape that won't damage the finish of your floor. Apply the tape around the edges of your rug and press down firmly to secure it to the floor.
Silicone caulk: Silicone caulk works well for securing rugs on wooden floors. Apply a small amount of caulk to the back of your rug, along the edges. Then, place your rug in position and press down firmly. Allow the caulk to dry completely before walking on your rug.
Gripper pads: Gripper pads are also a good option for wooden floors. Look for pads that have a non-slip bottom and a felt top, as these will provide the best grip without damaging your floors. Place the pad beneath your rug and adjust the placement until it is centred and level.
Velcro strips: Velcro strips can also be used on wooden floors. However, be sure to choose a strip that won't damage the finish of your floor. Attach one side of the velcro to the back of your rug and the other side to the floor. Press down firmly to secure the bond.

Which rug material is the least slippery?

Some rug materials are naturally less slippery than others. Here are a few rug materials less likely to slip and slide:

Wool: Wool rugs tend to have a thicker pile, which provides more friction against the floor. This makes them less likely to slip and slide. Keep that wool rug pile looking lush and thick with our guide on how to lift your carpet pile, full of great advice on reviving your rugs look.
Jute: Jute rugs have a natural, rough texture that provides good grip on the floor. They are also durable and easy to clean.
Sisal: Sisal rugs are made from a natural fibre that is strong and durable. The texture of sisal rugs provides good grip on the floor, making them less likely to slip. Our guide on sisal vs jute vs seagrass can give you even more information on natural fibre rugs and their benefits.
Cotton: Cotton rugs have a soft, plush texture that provides good grip on the floor. They are also easy to clean and come in a variety of styles and colours.

Nylon: Nylon rugs have a low profile and a sturdy construction, which makes them less likely to slip. They are also durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for busy areas.

There are different ways to stop your rug from slipping and with these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful and safe home environment. And if you’ve got several rugs you want to try out in a space, check out our guide on the art of layering rugs, which is really easy when you use some of these different methods to stick them all down. Pop into your local Tapi store today to find the perfect carpet pile for your brand new rug – we can use our carpet whipping service to take your favourite style and turn it into a cosy custom rug for any spot in your home!

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Jeremy Garrish Buyer Jeremy has 35 years of carpet industry knowledge

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Published: 27-04-2023