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Ideas & Advice > Rug Size Guide > How to Secure an Area Rug on Top of Carpet

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How to Secure an Area Rug on Top of Carpet

Even though it’s most common to put a rug on top of a hardwood or tile floor, it’s also valid and stylish to place a rug on top of carpet. In fact, this arrangement can help you define areas better, add a unique pattern into the room, and show off a distinct color. If you do add a rug to your carpeted room, it is essential to make sure your rug doesn't slide on top of the carpet.. Fortunately, there are many ways to secure an area rug on top of carpet so that you can create a safe, stylish space.

Learn More About Preventing Rugs from Sliding

  1. Using Rug Grippers
  2. Double-Sided Carpet Tape
  3. Heavy Furniture Anchoring
  4. Utilizing Velcro Strips
  5. Interlocking Rug Pads
  6. Making Use of Rug Tapes
  7. Consider Rug Anchors
  8. Strategically Placed Furniture
  9. Regular Adjustments
  10. Experimenting with Different Methods
Queen Size Runner Rug

Using Rug Grippers

Rug grippers are a simple way to ground your rug. Small rug grippers can be placed under the corners of the rug to keep it firmly in place. If you are looking for a grip that lines the entire rug, then a non-slip rug pad may be your ideal option. These rug pads provide essential grip and can also make your rug more comfortable to step onto. As if that was not enough, rug pads can improve the room’s sound proofing, provide more support for walking on the rug, and improve the longevity of the rug.

Double-Sided Carpet Tape

Double sided carpet tape is another great option for securing your area rug on top of carpet. This tape adheres to the underside of the area rug and the carpet with the same adhesive strip. That grip strength can keep your rug firmly in place even with heavy foot traffic. Oftentimes, double-sided carpet tape is placed along the sides and corners of the rug to keep these areas from moving or curling.

Round rug for queen size bed

Heavy Furniture Anchoring

Furniture anchoring is standard practice in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. By placing heavy furniture on top of the rug, you can easily keep the rug in place. When you use furniture as your key anchors though, be sure that furniture is close to the sides and corners, since these areas are more prone to lifting, curling, or moving. In cases where you don’t want furniture lining every single side of the rug, you may want to use rug tape or another anchoring method to secure those areas.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Utilizing Velcro Strips

Carpet velcro is very similar to carpet tape. With this product, one side is attached to the bottom of the area rug and the other side is attached to the carpet. The hooked latches of the velcro will attach to one another and create a solid, sturdy grip. When using velcro or any other adhesive, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you don’t damage the rug’s backing or the carpet’s fibers.

Interlocking Rug Pads

Interlocking rug pads are customizable rug pads with different materials, sizes, and attributes. Some interlocking rug pads are specifically designed to add extra plushness to the rug while others provide stronger grip. By using interlocking rug pads, you can create a solid foundation for your rug and easily prevent slipping, sliding, or rippling.

Round rug for queen size bed

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Queen Size Runner Rug

Making Use of Rug Tapes

Rug tapes and carpet tapes are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two products. Carpet tape is specifically made and approved for adhering to carpets. Rug tapes are available in many different forms, with some being made for hardwood floors and others being tailored to suit carpets/other plush surfaces. With that in mind, use rug tapes similarly to carpet tape and make sure that your rug tape is specifically approved for adhering rugs to carpet.

Consider Rug Anchors

Rug anchors are small devices that provide grip to your rug. These anchors grip the rug and carpet to prevent any movement or sliding. The manufacturer will give specific guidelines for how and where to apply these anchors, but as a general principle, the anchors tend to be applied similarly to rug and carpet tapes. This means that the anchors often line the sides and corners of the rug to ensure no edges curl and the entire rug is secure.

Round rug for queen size bed
Queen Size Runner Rug

Strategically Placed Furniture

Strategically placed furniture can keep small and large area rugs from sliding around. While a heavy piece of furniture in the middle of the rug will surely keep it in place, that will not prevent the edges from curling or forming ripples. That is why it’s important to place furniture strategically along these vulnerable areas to keep the rug completely flat and stationary

Regular Adjustments

Regular adjustments will help you maintain the rug’s beauty and safety. If the rug’s edges begin to curl, the inner rug starts to ripple, or there is some movement of the rug, simple adjustments can solve the issue and promote a safe environment. These changes may involve adding more adhesives, changing out a grip, or altering the room’s layout.

Round rug for queen size bed

Experimenting with Different Methods

Ultimately, each home is unique. Your rug may not be secure with one type of rug pad or grip, so it’s worthwhile to experiment with different grips, rug pads, and anchoring methods. You may even use multiple methods of securing a rug to carpet to create your ideal space. For example, it is standard practice to use furniture anchoring along with carpet tape or another adhesive to secure areas not covered by the furniture. This is just one idea of how you can experiment with different methods to create a safe, beautiful room.


Placing a rug on top of carpet is a great way to show off your personal aesthetic. To make the most of that layout, it's vital to intentionally secure your area rug to the top of the carpet. With the methods listed above and ideas for combining different adhesive tools, you can now customize your home and create a safe and stable space.

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