Are you looking for some effective and easy ways on how to secure area rug on top of carpet? You’re at the right place.
An area rug can add a decorative touch to any room in the house, but securing an area rug to carpet is a necessity for keeping it from sliding or shifting.
Area rugs allow you to improve the decor of your rooms while also providing comfort underfoot and cushioning against hard floor surfaces.
If you plan on napping on an area rug, consider purchasing a rug that is slightly larger than your nap space in order to ensure the area rug does not slip.
To cover a carpet with an area rug, follow these steps. You may either attach a carpet runner to the bottom of an area rug or secure one on top of the carpet.
Add a non-slip underlayment to the carpet, use double-sided rug tape, or invest in a rug with a non-slip rubber backing to keep it in place. Let us look at some of the effective ways on how to secure area rug on top of carpet.
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Best Ways On How To Secure Area Rug On Top Of Carpet
There are many options available for attaching an area rug to the carpet. We have outlined the most commonly used options available as well as their benefits below.
Get Rugs With Non-Slip Rubber Backing
If you are looking for a permanent solution to keep your area rug from sliding, consider purchasing one that already has an anti-slip rubber backing.
There is no need to secure or attach the non-slip rubber-backed rug once it has been placed on top of the carpet. The only downside is these kinds of rugs are slightly more expensive.
You can also install non-slip rubber carpeting strips to the bottom of your rug to ensure more safety. Installing a non-slip rubber backing rug on top of the cloth carpet will suffice if you choose not to use a plush carpet.
Aside from that, non-slip rubber backing rugs will suffice if you don’t want to utilize a plush carpet. This will provide a grip underneath your rug but still allow you to move it around when necessary.
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Rubberized Shelf Liner
You can also use a rubberized shelf liner underneath your rug to prevent it from slipping. Rubberized shelf liner is similar to standard shelf liner, except it has a textured rubber bottom which prevents items from sliding off of surfaces.
This type of underlayment works well for securing area rugs because it is thin, water-resistant, and very durable. It’s also easy to cut, making it easier to fit your rug into whatever size or shape you need.
Another plus is that the rubberized shelf liner is inexpensive. You can find this in any home improvement store, but make sure you choose the right type according to where you plan on using it.
For instance, if you are placing the shelf liner on top of the carpet, get the right type that will stick to carpets. The main downside is that you have to buy a large area rug in order to fit it over the shelf liner.
The most frequent procedure is to spray the rubberized shelf liner’s gripping side with run adhesive. Spray the area where you want to put the rug.
Hold the liner in place for a few minutes by sticking it to the carpet and keeping it there. After that, apply glue to the lining and lay the rug on top of it.
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Use Rug Pads
Another option for securing an area rug on top of the carpet is to use padding. A pad will provide extra cushioning and make the area rug feel more comfortable underfoot.
There are a few options you can choose from, which include Felt Underlayment, Rubber Mat Padding, and Synthetic Fiber Rug Pad.
The best way to secure a rug pad is by using Velcro. Depending on the size of your area rug, you may need to use several pieces of Velcro in order to attach it.
You can purchase a large roll of Velcro from any craft store or home improvement store at a meager price. Use double-sided adhesive tapes in between each piece of Velcro adhesive to make them more secure.
If you are looking for an option that requires no securing, consider rug pads with rubber backing. These types of rug pads are glued on top of the carpet rather than underneath it, which is beneficial if you do not want something stuck to your floors.
The main downside to this type of pad is that most have a solid plastic-like odor, and they are relatively expensive. Rug pads with felt backing have the same benefits as rug pads with rubber backing, except they do not have an odor.
They also tend to be cheaper than pads with rubber backing because of their lack of non-skid material on the other side. Compared to other area rugs, the fibers of a Rug pad are highly grippy and ensure that the rug stays in place for longer.
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Anchor Your Area Rug Without Damaging The Floors
If you are looking for an option that will not damage the flooring, many home improvement stores sell the double-sided tape.
However, this requires you to pay attention to every step you take when walking on top of your area rug. If you want a more permanent solution, then this type of adhesive is right for you.
Another option is to add a rug underlayment. The main difference between using an area rug pad and this method is that you will not need to use any adhesive, and the underlayment has polypropylene fibers which will make it easier for you to walk on top of your rug without causing too much bulkiness.
If you haven’t already, consider placing your area rug on top of the carpeted floor. If feasible, as you set up your area rug over the carpeted ground, use furniture to hold it in place.
Chairs, coffee tables, beds, dining tables, or anything else that helps keep the mat in position are all viable options.
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Double-Sided Rug Tape
Another option for securing an area rug is by using double-sided adhesive tape. This method requires you to purchase a roll of double-sided adhesive and then cut it into squares or strips that fit the size of your carpet.
Make sure to keep the rug in place as you attach each individual strip, and be careful not to leave any exposed pieces of adhesive on the carpet.
This type of securing does not require any additional materials or tools, making it a rather convenient option for those with less time on their hands.
Just be careful, as this form of adhesive is difficult to remove from the carpet when you no longer need it.
The majority of people apply double-sided rug tape around the outside of their area rugs, about two or three inches from the edges.
Also, add a few pieces in the middle for added stability. Use this tape that sticks to both the mat and carpet to ensure that the floor coverings do not move.
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Caulk Your Area Rug Into Place
If your area rug has either a rubber or cloth backing, you can use caulk to secure it. This method requires patience and precision to ensure that it does not leave stains on the floor, so be careful to avoid adding too much of this material.
This will work best if your area rug is light enough that you can lift it, and the caulk will still hold it in place. Make sure to use a caulking gun large enough for the tube of caulk you choose.
Carefully pull back the rug and add a line of caulking around where it meets your carpet or right on top if there is no backing material. Then put your rug back down.
If you are having trouble getting your rug to remain in place, consider using two tubes of caulk for this method. This has the double advantage of giving extra adhesive while also having a more finished look when completed.
Either way, be careful not to apply too much of the caulking, so it does not stain your flooring underneath. Also, do not use too little of it so that your area rug does not stay in place.
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Quality Is Important With Area Rugs
When it comes to securing an area rug, the quality of the material is crucial. In most cases, a thicker area rug is of higher quality and will have a better chance of remaining in place.
However, if you go too high on the thickness, you may have trouble walking across the rug without causing it to move around.
Even though different area rugs come with distinct qualities and attributes, most area rugs should be able to stay in place as long as they are installed correctly.
Take a look at your area rug and determine if it has a rubber or cloth backing. If you find either of these materials, then you should be able to use the methods listed above to secure your area rug on top of carpeted flooring properly.
You can also use those same techniques for securing an area rug on top of some other types of flooring, but your chances of it staying in place will be much less.
All in all, remember that thickness aids in the attachment of an area rug to a carpet; thus, if your budget permits, buy a thick mat.
Final Verdict
Securing an area rug on top of your carpet can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and tips, it can be done. We’ve included some handy instructions above on how to secure area rug on top of carpet to make things a little simpler for you.
If you have any questions or run into any problems while trying to secure your area rug, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help.
