How to Prevent Throw Rugs From Moving
Throw rugs present tripping and slip hazards when they can easily slide, bunch up, and flip up at the edges and corners. Heavier rugs with non-slip backing are a safer choice, but throw rugs can be made to stay put. It's important to secure them with rug pads to minimize risk of falling. Half of all falls occur at home, and according to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults 73 and older and the second leading cause of death from ages 60 to 72. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Using rug pads to secure throw rugs
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Measure your rug and Invest in a good quality rug pad at least an eighth of an inch thick. Aerated rubber pads are useful on carpet, or where a thinner pad is necessary, such as to provide clearance to open a door. The most slip-resistant rug pad is a solid, fibrous type with a textured backing about one-quarter of an inch thick, such as the Super Move-Not pad by Leggett and Platt. Rug pads are available from home improvement stores, online retailers, and anywhere quality rugs are sold. Ask for samples of the rug pad material so you can test for yourself how well the pads prevent a rug from slipping.
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If padding is needed for more than one rug, economize by buying one pad large enough for all of them, as each pad will have to be cut to size.
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Place the pad on a table. Subtract 1" in each direction from the size of the rug. For example, if you have a 2-by-3-foot rug, mark the pad at 1-foot-11 inches by 2-feet-11 inches. Cut the rug pad with scissors according to the measurements appropriate for your rug.
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Place the rug pad on the floor and put the rug on it. Make sure the rug overlaps at least a half-inch in all directions. This will help prevent the rug edges from curling up.
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If the rug already curls up at the edges, clean it, and place it upside-down under a heavier rug or mattress for a day or two to help press it flat. Trimming the rug pad slightly may also help. Ideally, the rug edges will rest lower than the pad to reduce the risk of tripping.
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Tips & Warnings
For any rug, a rug pad will improve the life of the rug, and the extra padding adds cushion to the rug and makes it easier to vacuum. Quality counts, so avoid cheap, thin rug pads; they will deteriorate quickly and can damage floors.
Non-skid floor mats, thin enough for doors to swing easily over them, are a good option for entryways, where slips could pose a particular hazard.
A throw rug on a rug pad can still pose a tripping hazard.
Retailer information is provided as an example only.
