A braided rug can brighten up any space. It adds warmth, comfort, and that homey charm you can’t get from plain carpets. Many homes in America still keep these rugs as part of family traditions. They remind us of kitchens where pies cooled on windowsills, or living rooms where the fireplace crackled all night. Whether it’s oval braided rugs, round rugs, or a big rectangular braided area rug in the living room, these pieces carry more than beauty. They carry history.
But there’s one issue that frustrates many people. The rugs slip. They slide across hardwood floors, twist under chairs, and sometimes bunch up in the hallway. It’s not just annoying, it can also be unsafe. A sliding braided jute rug can cause falls, especially for older family members.
So, what can you do to stop braided rugs from slipping? Let’s walk through simple, practical, and effective ways that make sure your rugs stay where they belong.
Why Do Braided Rugs Slip?
Think about it. Hardwood, tile, or laminate floors are smooth surfaces. A rug has nothing to grip onto. Each time you step, push a chair, or your grandkids run across the floor, the rug shifts. Over time, this constant movement makes it curl at the edges, or worse, slide into places you don’t want.
Another reason is weight. A small oval rug by the door is light and easy to move. A bigger braided rug might be heavier, but even those can shift if the floor underneath is polished or waxed. Add socks, pets, or kids, and it’s a recipe for slipping.
Knowing why it happens helps in finding the best fix.
The Quick Fix – Rug Pads
The easiest and most common solution is a rug pad. Think of it as an underlayer that grabs the floor and the rug at the same time. You roll out the pad, lay your braided rug on top, and that’s it. The friction between the two surfaces stops most slipping.
Rug pads come in different materials. Felt pads add softness and thickness. Rubber pads focus more on grip. For braided rugs, a mix of felt and rubber works best. It gives a cushion under your feet but still keeps the rug steady.
One thing to keep in mind: not all pads work for every floor type. Some rubber pads may leave marks on vinyl flooring. Always check what’s safe for your floor.
Double-Sided Rug Tape
For areas with heavy foot traffic, like entryways or kitchens, double-sided rug tape can help. It’s sticky on both sides, so it attaches to the floor and the rug. Unlike rug pads, you don’t get extra cushioning, but you do get a rug that won’t budge.
It’s easy to apply, just peel and stick. The trick is to place the tape around the edges and a few strips across the middle. That way, the whole rug stays anchored.
The downside? Over time, some tapes may lose stickiness. If you live in a hot area, the glue can melt and leave residue. Still, for quick control, rug tape is a handy option.
Non-Slip Rug Grippers
These are small corner pieces or strips that you stick under the rug. They’re reusable, easy to clean, and invisible once set. For an oval braided rug, corner grippers may not work as well since the shape is rounded. But long strips can be used along the curves.
These grippers use suction or sticky gel to hold onto the floor. Many homeowners like them because they don’t damage wood surfaces. They’re also budget-friendly.
Heavy Furniture Anchoring
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as putting furniture on the edges. Place your coffee table right on top of a braided area rug. Let the sofa or armchair cover one corner. This adds weight, which naturally reduces movement.
It doesn’t stop the middle part from shifting, but it makes a big difference. This method works best in living rooms and dining rooms where furniture is always in place.
Layering With Larger Rugs
Here’s a trick you may not have thought about. Place your smaller braided rug on top of a larger carpet or rug with a non-slip base. It’s like giving the rug a stage to sit on. The larger piece acts as a grip while the smaller one shines in style.
This is popular with homeowners who enjoy mixing patterns. Imagine a plain jute rug beneath a colorful braided rug. It looks charming and also prevents slipping.
Velcro Strips
Velcro isn’t just for shoes. Many people now use Velcro strips to keep rugs in place. You stick one side to the floor and the other to the underside of the rug. Once pressed together, the rug locks in position.
It’s easy to peel off when you need to clean or move the rug. Velcro works especially well for hall runners that tend to slide when people walk over them quickly.
Natural Backing Solutions
Some braided rugs come with a cotton or latex backing already attached. If yours doesn’t, you can add a thin layer of latex rug backing yourself. This paint-like coating dries into a rubbery surface that grips floors.
It’s a bit of a DIY project, but it gives grip to your braided rugs. The bonus is that it also prevents fraying and adds to the rug’s lifespan.
What Not to Do
It’s just as important to know what not to try. Here are a few common mistakes:
- Don’t nail or staple rugs to the floor. That damages both the floor and the rug.
- Don’t use regular glue. It won’t hold, and cleaning it up is a nightmare.
- Don’t trust heavy rugs alone. Even big ones can move with enough force.
Keeping Your Rug Flat
Slipping isn’t the only issue. Rugs also bunch or curl at the corners. To fix this, try steaming the edges or placing a heavy object overnight. Rug pads also help flatten by keeping the surface even.
If you ever notice your rug wrinkling after washing, roll it backward for a few hours. It relaxes the fibers and makes the rug lay flat again.
Safety First
For many of us, protection is the main reason to stop rugs from slipping. You don’t want a loved one tripping over a runaway rug. Taking a few minutes to anchor it can save you from tripping.
Think about it like seat belts in a car. You may never need them, but they’re there to protect you. A non-slip rug is the same, as it keeps your home safer without extra effort.
Adding Beauty While Adding Safety
The best part is that none of these solutions take away from the rug’s beauty. Whether you choose oval braided rugs for a cozy nook or a full braided area rug for the family room, the style stays the same.
These rugs already bring warmth and tradition into your home. By securing them, you’re not only protecting your floor but also keeping that tradition alive for longer.
Final Thoughts
Rugs slipping on floors is one of those small daily frustrations we all deal with. But with pads, tapes, grippers, or even simple furniture placement, it doesn’t have to be. Once secure, you’ll enjoy your rug the way it was meant to be enjoyed, steady and stylish.
If you’re in the market for new braided rugs and looking for high-quality pieces, we welcome you to explore Homespice. From braided jute rug classics to cotton and outdoor braided area rugs in all shapes and sizes, we have a collection designed to last.
And if you’re browsing online for braided rugs for sale be sure to check out our full collection at Homespice.com.
