How to Keep Rugs in Place & Stop Them From Sliding

Did you know that each year, an estimated 37,991 adults aged 65 and older are treated in U.S. emergency departments for falls related to carpets and rugs—with rugs accounting for nearly 45.8% of these incidents. Most of these tumbles take place right at home, transforming what should be a safe haven into a potential slide park.

Despite this startling statistic, we’re here to ensure your stylish sanctuary remains just that—a place of comfort, charm, and utmost safety. From the chicest sheepskin rugs that anchor your living room’s aesthetic to those vibrant, colorful rugs that define your space, let’s explore how to keep rugs from sliding and turn your space into a safe, stylish haven where everything stays exactly where you want it.

Factors That Contribute to Rug Slippage

Wondering how to stop rugs from sliding? Before we can stop those rugs from going on their little adventures across your floor, let’s take a quick look at the culprits behind the slip-and-slide:

1. Floor Type: It’s no secret that slick surfaces like polished hardwood, glossy tile, and smooth laminate provide little to no grip for the underside of rugs. These surfaces can turn rugs into unintentional slip ‘n slides, especially if the rug lacks a non-slip backing.
2. Rug Material and Type: The very construction of your rug can dictate its wanderlust. Rugs with smoother backings, such as certain synthetic fibers or poorly woven rugs, tend to have less grip, making them more likely to take off on an adventure, especially on hard surfaces. Be sure to choose a type of rug that has some sort of grip or nonslip pad that comes with it.
3. Traffic and Use: The more feet, paws, and wheels (think vacuum cleaners and toy cars) that travel over a rug, the more likely it is to move. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and living rooms often see the most rug movement due to constant activity.
4. Lack of Proper Anchoring: A rug without any form of anchoring is like a boat without an anchor—it’s bound to drift. Whether it’s the absence of a non-slip pad, furniture to weigh it down, or adhesive solutions to keep it in place, unanchored rugs can easily shift from their intended spot.
5. Weight and Size of the Rug: Heavier and larger rugs are generally less prone to slipping compared to their lighter and smaller counterparts. Smaller rugs, lacking the weight to keep them grounded, can act more like floor mats, easily kicked up or shuffled around.
6. Environmental Factors: Changes in humidity and temperature can affect the floor and rug materials, sometimes creating a slight film or condensation that contributes to rug slippage. This is particularly true in spaces like bathrooms, where moisture levels are high, underscoring the importance of exploring non-slip bathroom rug ideas to ensure safety and style coexist harmoniously.

Understanding these factors is the first step in creating a slip-free environment. With this knowledge in hand, we’re better equipped to select the right interventions that keep our rugs in place but enhance the safety and beauty of our homes.

Now that we’ve explored the why let’s dive into the how—specifically, how we can counteract these slip-inducing factors and keep our rugs exactly where we want them. From simple DIY solutions to more permanent fixes, we’ll guide you through the various ways to achieve rug stability, ensuring your decor stays put beautifully and safely.

Preventative Measures for Different Floor Types

Not all floors are created equal, and neither are the solutions to keep your rugs from taking a stroll. Here’s how to make a rug stay in place based on your floor type.

On Hardwood Floors

A hardwood floor might be stunning, but it’s also a playground for rugs. Investing in a quality non-slip rug pad or rug grippers can make all the difference, providing that much-needed grip without damaging your floors.

On Carpeted Floors

Rug-on-rug layering requires some special tactics. Velcro strips or a rug anchor designed specifically for carpet can help keep that top rug firmly in place without harming the carpet fibers underneath.

On Tile and Laminate Floors

Tiles and laminate, with their smooth surfaces, need solutions that can stick. Double-sided rug tape, gripper tape, or another kind of rug gripper can offer a temporary fix, but for something more long-lasting, look towards rubber rug pads that provide grip without residue.

Solutions to Keep Rugs in Place

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s review foolproof solutions for how to keep your rugs from slipping.

Rug Pads and Grippers

A nonslip rug pad is like the hero of rug stability, adding cushion and preventing movement on almost any surface. For extra slippery rugs or floors, rug grippers—small adhesive or non-adhesive attachments—can secure rug corners or edges in place.

Double-Sided Tape

To keep rugs from sliding in a pinch, double-sided carpet tape can act as rug anchors for smaller rugs or mats. Just remember, it’s a short-term solution and might not play well with some floor finishes.

Silicone Caulking

Yes, you read that right. Applying a bead of silicone caulking to the underside of your rug can add a DIY grip once it dries. Just be sure to test it on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the rug or floor.

Anchoring with Furniture

Strategically placing heavy furniture on top of larger rugs can help keep them in place, combining functionality with style. It’s a simple yet effective way to anchor your space without additional materials.

Anchor Your Space With Society6 Rugs

It’s clear that keeping your rugs in place is both an art and a science. From understanding why rugs slip and slide to implementing the perfect solution for your specific floor type, we’ve covered a lot of ground. But remember, the foundation of a truly anchored space starts with choosing the right rug.

Society6 steps in here as your ultimate partner in crime against rug slippage. With an unparalleled selection of designs that cater to every taste and interior design theme, Society6 offers more than just rugs; we provide pieces of art that ground your space, literally and figuratively. Whether you’re seeking the perfect complement to your hardwood floors, something special that stays put on carpeted floors, or a stunning statement piece that defies the slippery nature of tile and laminate floors, there’s a Society6 rug waiting to become the cornerstone of your room.

Embrace the harmony of design and practicality, and let your rugs be the foundation of a home that’s as safe as it is stylish. Dive into the Society6 collection today and choose a rug that not only stays in place but also transforms your space into a testament to your style and flair.

Sources:

1. Rosen, Tony et al. “Slipping and tripping: fall injuries in adults associated with rugs and carpets.” Journal of injury & violence research vol. 5,1 (2013): 61-9. doi:10.5249/jivr.v5i1.177
2. Sudoł, Ewa et al. “What Makes a Floor Slippery? A Brief Experimental Study of Ceramic Tiles Slip Resistance Depending on Their Properties and Surface Conditions.” Materials (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 14,22 7064. 21 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3390/ma14227064