Things you should know about using a non slip rug pad

You've invested in a beautiful area rug to really finish your space and pull it all together. But, beautiful as it is, your new rug keeps bunching up or moving around.

To keep it in one spot, you'll need a good quality non slip rug pad. In this blog we'll take an in-depth look at non slip rug pads - what they're made from, what size you need and more...

Are rug pads worth it?

A rug pad can make all the difference for the look, feel and functioning of your rug. Not only does it keep it safely in one place and prevent bunching, but it can provide extra softness underfoot which is great for lighter weight rugs.

Rug pads also prolong the life of your rug, protecting both the fibres and the weave of the rug as well as protecting your floors from wear and tear.

Typically non slip rug pads are made from various materials - felt, rubber, memory foam, wool, PVC or latex. Some materials are more cushioning, others are better at gripping. Which material is best for you best depends on two things:

• what your rug is made from, and
• what you want the your rug pad to do - cushion, grip or both?

Do rug pads help with noise?

Yes, some rug pads can help to soak up noise. Choose one made from wool, felt or memory foam as these materials are known for providing sound insulation.

How long do rug pads last?

Rug pads made from a natural material such as rubber, wool or felt, should last you many years. Cheaper non slip rug pads (made from PVC for example) have plastic in them, which degrades over time. You will end up having to replace it more quickly than one made from natural materials.

Is a thicker rug pad better?

If your rug is quite thin you'll need something underneath to add a bit of cushioning as well as keeping it secured in place. So a thicker rug pad works best in this scenario.

If your rug is on the thicker side, then a slimline non slip rug pad that only prevents movement is probably all you'll need.

Wilson & Dorset Designer Sheepskin Rugs come with a suede backing which provides softness underfoot and keeps them securely in place. Wilson & Dorset smaller sheepskin rugs have a natural pelt backing and will benefit from a non slip rug pad underneath.

How do you keep a rug from slipping on a wooden floor?

Unless your rug comes with a non slip backing (like suede), you will need to secure it to your floor to prevent it from bunching up or sliding around. You can use furniture to weight it down - the legs of your sofa for example, but your best bet overall is to use a non slip rug pad.

Non slip rug pads are generally made from natural rubber, latex or PVC. Some are made from a combination of materials, such as natural rubber on the bottom (to grip the floor) and felt on top (which grips to your rug).

Does a non slip rug pad need to be the same size as the rug?

Your rug pad should be slightly smaller than your rug - about 3 - 5 cm smaller on each side. This ensures the rug pad won't be seen peeking out from underneath your rug but at the same time is also big enough to keep the corners of your rug secured to the floor.

Most rug retailers sell non slip rug pads - either in pre cut standard rug sizes or custom cut to your specific size requirements.

How do you cut a thick rug pad?

Sometimes you might need to trim a non slip rug pad so that its not visible underneath your rug. If you've bought a standard sized rug pad from a retailer for example, you will want to ensure it is trimmed to the exact dimensions you require.

For a thinner non slip rug pad, household scissors will probably do the trick. But for a thicker rug pad that's providing a bit of cushioning too, you might need more heavy duty specialist sewing scissors.

Be sure to mark out the dimensions you need on the floor - use washi tape or masking tape to do this - place the non slip pad on top and trim as needed.

Which side of a rug pad goes up?

If you've bought a non slip rug pad with felt on top and natural rubber on the bottom, be sure to place the gripping rubber surface on the floor and the felt cushioning on top (touching your rug).

How do you keep a large rug from slipping?

Often with large rugs, you can use heavy pieces of furniture to secure them in place, say your sofa or your bed.

If you do need a non slip rug pad for a large rug, go for one with a layer of memory foam on top and natural rubber on the bottom. This will provide you with both a luxurious cushion on top and a good grip to the floor.

Are non slip rug pads bad for hardwood floors?

Like anything, when it comes to buying a non slip rug pad, quality matters. If you've invested in a beautifully made rug to place on your gorgeous hardwood floors, then you'll also want to ensure you invest in a quality non slip rug pad made from natural fibres like rubber and wool.

Cheaper rug pads often have plastic in them which can actually damage your rug and your wooden floors. Instead, find yourself a good quality non slip rug pad made from natural rubber and topped with felt.

Being free of toxic chemicals and non-adhesive, the natural rubber won't stain, scratch or discolour your floors. It will also wear better, providing good floor protection over a longer period of time.

What kind of rug pad is safe for laminate floors?

Again, if you stick to a good quality non slip rug pad made from natural rubber and felt, your laminate floors will not be at risk of being scratched or discoloured. Some are also mould and mildew resistant, which is great if they are placed in bathrooms or kitchens.

Are rubber backed rugs bad for hardwood floors?

A good quality rubber backed rug will not damage your hardwood floors. The important thing is to check that the backing is made from 100% natural rubber. Be sure to check what it's made from. If it includes any additional ingredients, like sand or clay, then it's best to avoid it.

Similarly keep away from any type of synthetic rubber backing. While a cheaper price point, the chemicals contained in the synthetic rubber can actually damage your beautiful hardwood floors.