6 Simple Ways to Flatten an Area Rug

A new area rug can bring so much warmth and style to a room. You’ve picked the perfect one, maybe after deciding on the best times to shop for home essentials, and you’re excited to see it in place. But then you unroll it, and… it doesn’t lie flat. Instead, you’re looking at a lumpy, bumpy mess with curled corners that just won’t quit. Don’t worry, this is a very common problem!

Because most rugs are rolled up tightly for shipping and storage, they often need a little help to relax and flatten out. Fortunately, you don’t need any fancy tools or professional help. With a little patience, you can easily smooth out your rug and get it ready to enjoy. These simple methods will help you get rid of those pesky bumps and curls, making your space look perfectly put-together.

Before you know it, you’ll have a beautifully flat rug that’s ready to enhance your decor. Whether you’re figuring out how to place a rug in your bedroom for the first time or replacing an old one, these tips will make the process a breeze. Let’s get that rug looking its best!

1. Roll It the Other Way

One of the easiest first steps is to use a little reverse psychology on your rug. Since it’s been rolled up in one direction for a while, rolling it the opposite way can help to quickly counteract the curls and creases. It’s a simple trick that often works wonders, especially for rugs that aren’t too thick or stiff.

To do this, carefully roll up your rug in the reverse direction of how it was originally packaged. If the corners are curling under, for instance, you’ll want to roll it so the corners are forced to curl in the opposite direction. Be gentle as you do this, especially with more delicate materials. You don’t want to create new creases.

Once you have it rolled up, let it sit for a day or two. The fibers will start to relax and forget their old, curled shape. After unrolling it again, you should see a significant improvement. This method costs nothing and is a great starting point before trying other techniques.

2. Use Some Weight

If reverse-rolling doesn’t completely do the trick, adding some weight is your next best bet. This method uses steady pressure to flatten out the most stubborn areas. The key is to distribute the weight evenly so the entire rug gets the message to lie flat.

You can use just about anything heavy you have around the house. Stacks of books, heavy-duty storage bins, or even pieces of furniture work perfectly. Place the items along the entire surface of the rug, paying special attention to the corners and any bumps. Leave the weights in place for at least 24 to 48 hours. The longer you can leave them, the better the results will be.

When you remove the weights, the rug should be much flatter. This is also a great time to think about how to use rugs in bedroom spaces to anchor furniture, as placing your bed or dresser on the rug will help keep it flat permanently. It’s a practical, set-it-and-forget-it solution.

3. Let the Sun Help You

Have you ever noticed how things become more flexible when they warm up? Your rug is no different! A little bit of sunshine and warmth can make the rug’s fibers more pliable, helping it to relax and flatten out naturally. This method is free and uses the power of nature.

On a clear, sunny day, take your rug outside and lay it flat on a clean surface like a patio, deck, or a clean tarp on the grass. Let it soak up the sun for a few hours. The heat will soften the backing of the rug, making it easier to smooth out any wrinkles. You can even place some weights on the corners while it’s outside for extra effect.

Just be sure not to leave it out for too long, as excessive sun exposure can cause the colors to fade over time. For more information on protecting your home furnishings from the sun, you can check out tips from experts on preventing sun damage. If you’re dealing with a delicate piece like a silk rug, you might first want to learn how to clean a silk carpet at home to ensure it’s in good condition before any sun exposure.

4. Bring in a Little Steam

For tougher wrinkles that just won’t budge, steam can be your best friend. The moist heat from steam is fantastic for relaxing rug fibers and smoothing out creases. You can use a standard clothes steamer or even the steam function on your iron for this.

If using a steamer, hold it a few inches away from the rug and move it back and forth over the wrinkled areas. You should see the bumps start to relax almost immediately. If you’re using an iron, be sure to place a damp towel between the iron and the rug to protect it from direct heat. Never let the hot iron touch the rug fibers directly, as this could cause them to melt or burn.

Work in small sections and check your progress as you go. This method is particularly useful if you want to style a bedroom with carpet and need it to look perfect right away. Once you’re done steaming, let the rug dry completely before walking on it.

5. Tape It Down

Sometimes, all a rug needs is to be held in place for a while. Using double-sided carpet tape is a great way to secure the rug to the floor and force it to lie flat. This works especially well for stubborn corners that keep curling up and creating a tripping hazard.

First, make sure your floor is clean and dry. Then, apply the double-sided tape to the back of the rug, focusing on the edges and corners. You can also place a few strips in the center for good measure. Once the tape is in place, carefully position the rug and press it down firmly onto the floor.

The tape will hold the rug securely, preventing it from moving or curling. Over time, the rug will “learn” to stay flat. This is also a good solution if you’ve ever wondered, “is carpet stretching worth it,” as it provides a less permanent way to achieve a taut, flat look for area rugs.

6. Use a Hairdryer for Quick Fixes

If you’re in a hurry and need to fix a small curl or bump quickly, a hairdryer can come in handy. Similar to using steam, the gentle heat from a hairdryer can make the rug fibers more flexible, allowing you to smooth them out by hand.

Set your hairdryer to a medium heat setting and hold it about 6 to 10 inches away from the problem area. Move the hairdryer back and forth to evenly warm the spot. As the rug warms up, use your hands to press the wrinkle down or bend a curled corner back into shape.

This is a great spot treatment for minor issues. Be careful not to overheat one spot, as too much heat could damage the rug fibers or backing. Once the area is flat, you can place a heavy object on it for a few hours to ensure it stays that way.

Conclusion

Getting a new rug to lie flat doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With these six simple methods, you have plenty of options to choose from, whether you have a lot of time or just a few minutes. From reverse-rolling to using a little heat, you can easily get rid of those annoying bumps and curls.

Start with the simplest methods first, like reverse-rolling and using weights, before moving on to heat-based techniques. The most important thing is to be patient and give your rug the time it needs to settle into its new home.

Once your rug is perfectly flat, it will not only look better but also be safer to walk on. A beautiful, flat rug is the perfect finishing touch to any room, making your space feel more complete and inviting. Enjoy your smooth, stylish new rug.