How to Keep Your Area Rugs From Buckling
The $13 solution to keep your rugs lying flat! It's easy to use and works perfectly! No more bunching or shifting rugs, even on carpet!
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Last week I shared the first of several peeks into my home office and craft space reveal. I showed you how I organize by color , and how I utilized a china hutch for my chalk paint supplies. I also shared a tutorial for creating a giant dry-erase, magnetic memo board from an old picture frame.
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How to stop an area rug from buckling
I added an area rug but was having issues with it buckling under the legs of
my turquoise desk. The carpet in that room is a neutral (read
'boring') beige. I wanted to use a
black and white check area rug
that I bought from IKEA several years ago. It was a great size for my small
office space, underneath my desk.
However, it never stayed flat. My heavy desk on top caused the area rug to bunch and buckle and make these weird, lumpy waves. It was driving me crazy! I would fix it, turn around and it was lumpy again!
I was constantly trying to pull and straighten the rug to make it lay flat. It kept moving and shifting and it was driving me bonkers!
Are you struggling with this issue too and wondering how you can get your
area rugs to lay flat without spending a ton of money? Keep reading because
the solution is easier and less than you'd think!
Inexpensive Solution For Area Rugs That Won't Stay in Place
I spent some time online researching this problem, and it seemed like the common solution for this rug buckling problem was the use of a rug pad. I was all set to fork over the $50+ dollars to fix my problem, when I found another product that cost much less...and completely fixed my buckling and shifting rug!
The $12.99 solution I found was double-sided carpet tape! I decided
to try it because it's so affordable.
If you'll be using the tape on hardwood floors, I recommend
this carpet tape
for damage free removal on delicate surfaces.
Have you heard of it? Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I never knew about this product! I ordered it from Amazon, hoping that spending only $12.99 was going to solve my problem!
When it arrived, I removed all the furniture that had been sitting on the rug, and flipped it over.
I ran the tape along the perimeter of the rug, and I put a big X in the middle.
I flipped the rug back over, pressed it over the carpet and it seriously worked like magic! No more buckling!
The bunching and buckling was gone. My rug lies flat and smooth, even with heavy furniture on top. It simply does not move!
I've had the taped rug in place now for a couple months, and never had to fix it. I'm sure that over time, the tape may need to be replaced...but that's okay because I have most of this large roll left!
I also used the carpet tape on some small area rugs that are in front of my doors (again, over carpet) and it has kept them from moving and shifting around!
I am ecstatic that this problem was solved without having to spend a lot of money! That's my favorite kind of 'fix'!
Update: 5 years later, a new home and I still rely on this simple
solution to keeping my area rugs flat and to keep them in place over wood
floors!
Love this tip? PIN IT for future reference!
I hope this tip for keeping your area rugs from buckling makes your life a little easier too!
Later on this week, I'll be sharing a favorite dessert recipe that has been in my family for decades... homemade apple pie! If you've never made an apple pie from scratch before, you are going to be ecstatic when I show you just how easy it is!
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
I bought an Oriental Rug runner for our hall way. Out kitten likes to run and jump on the end and make it slide. All I every do is straighten this run. I thought of removing it but I bought it at an Estate Sale and it is beautiful!!! I will order this today. Thank you so much for telling us.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad my tip means you'll get to keep your beautiful rug...and LOVE it again! So happy you visited!
DeleteI have always used rug pads, which I love, but there are spaces like my kitchen where I don't want a rug pad but I also want to keep my rug in place so this would be a good solution to my problem. I'm going to have to try it out! .....love your black and white rug by the way! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jennifer! You will LOVE this easy, affordable solution and the best part is the roll is so large, you'll have enough for years of rugs ;)
DeleteThis is a great idea for my living room. The carpet is always getting bunsched up somehow near the couch and TV funiture.
ReplyDeleteIris
The Blue Birdhouse - DIY Blog
I hear you Iris, that was happening to me too! This tape is like a little miracle that smooths and straightens! Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteBrilliant idea Cindy! I didn't even know that made this stuff! Pinning.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea it even existed, but am SO glad I found this cheap solution for wonky rugs! Thanks Mary!!
DeleteNice!! I totally need this!!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to share this easy rug fix with you!
DeleteSounds like it will solve my problem. I just moved into a new townhouse with new carpet. Will it leave a sticky residue on the carpet?
ReplyDeleteIt does not leave a sticky residue. I've pulled it off when I've needed to move the rug and it comes off easily and cleanly!
DeleteI love this idea! We have a large area rug in our living room that constantly has a wrinkle. I just bought some carpet tape, but there is a warning on the packaging that it is permanent. We currently rent - will this tape damage the carpet on the floor when we remove the rug?
ReplyDeleteJessica, I am not sure. The tape I purchased didn't have a warning. You can probably remove some of the tackiness by patting it on your blue jeans before using it. I would definitely be careful with it as you don't want to damage your floor!
DeleteI really hope this works!! I've fallen 5 times tripping over the buckle in my area rug. Since I have both knees replaced and one shoulder as well, falling is an issue!! Ordering today!! Thankx!
ReplyDeleteJust a little word of warning-- when I've used carpet tape, it does leave pretty nasty residue over time. If you're taping down to a hard floor, you can probably clean it off when the time comes to move the rug, but I'm not sure what it would do to carpeting underneath. I rent, and I'm thinking of a rug pad for my living room rug, because I think I could lose my security deposit someday over the big adhesive X that carpet tape might leave on the carpet fibers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips Cassie. I have been using this tape regularly and have seriously had no residue issues. Maybe it depends on the brand. I find this brand to be tacky enough, but not overly sticky!
DeleteHave you changed the brand you're linking to since you posted this? I clicked on your link and bought it straight from Amazon right then. I'm really bummed because I rent as well and now I'll have to deal with a big X of residue and unavoidable dirt sticking to it now.
DeleteSo sorry to hear! The brand I initially linked to is no longer available. I linked to another brand I bought and really like. I've used it on wood floors, tile and carpet and never had an issue with residue! Are you using a steam or wet mop over it? That's the only thing I can think of that would break down the tackiness of the tape and cause residue.
DeleteHey Cindy...I was just wondering if you have felt any residue left behind from the tape since you started using it? I live in an apartment with brand new carpet, and although I plan on living here for a few years, I'd like to keep it as nice as possible. My area rug is a beautiful faux silk 8x10, it's super flat, and it bunches up at one side. Let me know what you think! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, how weird. I literally just read the comment above mine. Oops! What brand are you using though, Cindy? Thanks!
DeleteNo problem Jackie. I have had no issues with it. It's tacky but not overly sticky. If you're unsure, you could test a small piece in the corner! The brand I used is ipg, when you click on the link the exact product I used comes up on Amazon. Looks like the price has increased to $13.49 😉
DeleteHope this helps!
Hi Cindy! I'm curious if after time this still holds up? I have a heavy coffee table with granite on top so my rug buckles badly underneith! I really hope this could work for me!
ReplyDeleteHey Amber, it worked wonders for me! I had fairly heavy furniture sitting on top. I found it held until I needed to remove it. In any case, it's a cheap experiment for only $13! 😉
ReplyDeleteHow does this impact the wood floors? That's now my concern, will this leave residue, or hurt the surface?
ReplyDeleteOK Cindy, I put runner type rugs next to the sides of
ReplyDeletemy bed and nothing I have tried keeps them in place. Have tried about 4 different products, several which I purchased on Amazon and none of them have worked. I am going to try this product and have my fingers crossed it does the trick.
We rent so I'm concerned the double sided tape might leave a residue on the wall to wall carpet. Is this a problem?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question Connie! I had no problem whatsoever, but it probably depends on your carpeting. You might want to test it first in an inconspicuous spot!
DeleteThanks so much! Just came across this. I have WTW, too, and want to use an area rug to give our LR a more farmhouse style, and was holding off for this very reason.
ReplyDeleteYay, glad I could help Sue! I keep a roll of this tape handy for all my rugs now, and it's great for small ones on slippery flooring too!
DeleteI'm going to be on pins and needles waiting for this tape to arrive! I live in an apartment with BORING w2w carpeting. In my living room I have a 10 x 12 area rug on top but the little ripples just bug! And I a rug in my dressing area that I'm going to try this with because it seems to slowly creep toward the rails of the closet doors. I'm SO EXCITED!
ReplyDeleteLet me know how it's worked for you!
DeleteHi, I rent an apartment and have this issue with my area rug over carpet flooring! I see you put the area rug on top of the tan carpet flooring so I have 2 questions:
ReplyDelete1) did the carpet tape really stick from the rug onto the tan carpet below?
2) did the carpet tape damage the tan carpet at all when you pull up the area rug? Was there any evidence of the tape when you pull up the rug?
Thanks.
Hi Leanne, the carpet tape really stuck and solved my buckling issues (see images). The tape is tacky but peels off in one piece with no damage!
DeleteI found the carpet tape worked well and had it in place for several years after which the tape had to be replaced since it did loose its grip. It did leave a noticeable yellowing though on top of my light grey carpet. Not a problem in my case since I am replacing the tape and carpet in the exact same spot, just a word of caution to long term renters that discoloration could be a problem.
ReplyDeleteI’ve not seen this issue addressed in the comments for this great fix. Is vacuuming a shifting problem with this tape?
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any issues with the rug shifting while vacuuming Darlene. The tape is very sticky and does a fantastic job of keeping it in place.
DeleteI just tried this and it worked better than I could have fathomed! I was so sick of the rug under my desk bunching up and your idea worked wonders. Thank you so much :)
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked for you too! Thanks for sharing :)
DeleteWe are older and have a heavy dresser sitting on the area rug- by the delivery people. Didn’t think about it bunching. Would it work just to do the outside of the rug or do we need the x as well?
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, I'm not sure but you could try just putting the tape around the edge of the rug to see if it works! If you're trying to do this without moving the dresser, you won't get the best results! You really need to get that dresser off the rug first. Maybe a grandson can help?
DeleteI used to be a renter after divorce. Brand new BEIGE builder grade carpets and MY son...oh heck no. LOL My daughter isn't as big of a mess maker as he always was. (My son somehow splattered the brown "juice" from a Lean Cuisine down the wall starting at about 7 feet from the ground. He did not tell me. It stained the wall. Wiping took the paint off. I had to make a wall hanging to cover it because 1. the landlord had no more builder's grade flat paint, and 2. even if they could have come close to color matching it by some miracle, that wall was cathedral and I did not have a ladder to paint 2 stories high. LOL After we moved out the landlord said no problem. He was going to paint it anyway.
ReplyDeleteBACK TO THE RUGS>>>>I bought a bunch of area rugs in all kinds of sizes back then. I covered as much of the beige carpet as I could (even the hallway) and I used a great carpet tape. I had bought at least 5 rolls over the 9 years. That tape was excellent!!!
When I remarried and moved (also have builder grade beige here.ugh) I THOUGHT I was buying the same carpet tape from Lowes. The box LOOKED the same. But they had discontinued the removable tape (in that brand) and now sold the same brand in PERMANENT tape!! (They had not carried it before) I later found out they got rid of removable tape altogether (at the local store)! I have had the area rugs taped down here since 2012, or should I say CEMENTED down. Yup. MY BAD! LOL
I tried to rip up a section...the carpet under is FULL of adhesive. I am NOT trying to get THAT off my carpet. The cheap old carpet would not survive. LOL It will all have to wait til we can afford flooring throughout the house.
Lesson...always read the label. even if the item looks the same. LOL
Thank you for this info. I just bought a beautiful area rug and a pad. It still bunches, especially where there is heavy furniture. I am going to order this tape and use it between the rug and the pad. Have you ever done that? Maybe I should also use it on the under the pad. Thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Just what I needed!
ReplyDelete