A rug that slips around is not only annoying — it is also a tripping hazard. Especially on smooth floors such as laminate, parquet, PVC and tiles, a rug can easily slide. The solution is almost always a good non-slip underlay. But which one should you choose? That depends on your floor and your rug.
Why do rugs slip?
- Smooth floors: laminate, PVC, polished concrete and tiles offer little grip.
- Light or thin rugs: a kilim or runner is flatter and lighter than a knotted rug and therefore slips more easily.
- High-traffic areas: a rug in a hallway or by a door is constantly pushed in the same direction.
The three types of non-slip underlays
1. Felt with natural rubber
A thick layer of felt on top and natural rubber on the bottom. Provides grip as well as extra softness and cushioning. The best all-rounder for living rooms and bedrooms, and suitable for most hard floors.
2. Thin rubber mesh
A thin, open rubber mesh. Inexpensive and invisible under thin rugs and runners. Note: choose natural rubber, not a cheap PVC version — it can transfer to or discolor some floors (especially PVC, vinyl and varnished parquet).
3. Underlay for rugs on carpet
Is your rug on fixed flooring? Then it often slowly "creeps" in one direction. Special underlays with a grip structure that anchors into the carpet are available for this purpose.
Which underlay for which floor?
- Laminate and parquet: felt with natural rubber. Also protects against scratches.
- PVC and vinyl: felt with natural rubber, or an underlay that the manufacturer expressly states is suitable for PVC. Avoid PVC underlays.
- Tiles and natural stone: felt with rubber or a rubber mesh.
- Underfloor heating: choose a thin underlay that is suitable for underfloor heating, so that heat can pass through well. Also read our tips on rugs on underfloor heating.
- Fixed flooring: a special underlay for rugs on carpet.
What size underlay?
The rule of thumb: the underlay is 2 to 3 cm smaller on each side than the rug. This way you won't see it and the edge of the rug will drape nicely onto the floor. Most underlays can be cut to size with scissors.
Example: a 200×300 cm rug gets an underlay of approximately 195×295 cm.
Tips for a rug that stays in place
- Clean and dry the floor thoroughly before laying the underlay.
- Lay the underlay down first and then unroll the rug over it.
- Place furniture with at least the front legs on the rug; this keeps it extra firmly in place. How large your rug needs to be to achieve this can be found in our size guide by room.
- Check the underlay once a year and replace it if the rubber becomes hard or brittle.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heavy hand-knotted rug also need an underlay?
A large, heavy rug under a sofa is less likely to slip. However, an underlay is still recommended: it cushions, protects the floor and ensures that the rug wears less.
Can I use double-sided tape?
It is better not to. Tape can leave adhesive residue on the floor and damage the back of a wool rug.
Do you have a robot vacuum cleaner? A thick underlay can make the edge of your rug too high; therefore, also read which rug works well with a robot vacuum cleaner.
Do you have parquet or another wooden floor? Then also read what color and size rug suits a wooden floor.
