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Have you ever had a beautiful rug that just wouldn’t sit still? That slipping, bunching, and gradual wear underfoot can be annoying — and it can shorten the life of your rug and even damage expensive flooring. A good rug pad is like the unsung hero of home decor: invisible, hardworking, and essential. In the UK market, brands such as Nordic Nest stock popular anti-slip underlays like Linie Design, Scandi Essentials, and Kateha that solve these everyday problems while boosting comfort and insulation. This guide walks you through what to look for, the top options available, and practical tips so you get the best pad for your space.
Think of a rug pad as the mattress for your rug — it cushions, supports, and keeps everything in place. At its core, a pad prevents slipping, protects floors from scratches, provides shock absorption, reduces creasing, and improves insulation. That means fewer trips, longer rug lifespan, and a cosier room. Beyond that, the right pad can enhance pile height, making a modest rug feel plusher and more luxurious underfoot.
There are several tangible benefits from popping a pad under your rug. First, safety: anti-slip grips help prevent trips on high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms. Second, protection: wooden and laminate floors are shielded from friction and scuffs. Third, comfort: pads add a layer of softness, especially useful on hard floors. Finally, longevity: rugs wear unevenly when they slide; a pad spreads the load and keeps fibres intact longer.
Rubber pads are heavyweight and provide excellent grip, ideal for stair runners and busy living rooms. They’re durable and resist bunching, but choose a quality product to avoid any dye transfer to lighter carpets or floors.
These hybrid pads blend felt for cushioning and rubber for grip — they’re the most versatile. If you want padding for a bedroom or lounge without compromising on stability, this is a great pick. Brands like Linie Design’s Prima Stop follow this idea, offering a softer surface with reliable non-slip backing.
Slim, breathable options are perfect for thin rugs or where you don’t want to raise the rug height too much, like under a dining table or sofa. They provide grip without bulk and are easy to trim to shape.
If you need a temporary solution, adhesive corners or strips can secure rugs in place. They’re best for carpets on carpeted floors or for decorative rugs that don’t see heavy foot traffic.
Several brands are widely available across UK retailers. Nordic Nest stocks a number of popular lines, but you’ll also find these pad styles at national stores such as John Lewis, Dunelm, Wayfair UK, Amazon UK, IKEA, and Made.com. Here’s a closer look at the models from the HTML data and other reliable options to consider.
Nordic Nest often lists Linie Design’s Prima Stop underlays, a white anti-slip underlay that comes in multiple sizes. These pads are aimed at keeping rugs steady on hard floors while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Sizes mentioned include 63" x 90.6" (roughly 5'3" x 7'7"), 23.6" x 47.2" (about 2'0" x 3'11"), and 74.8" x 114.2" (about 6'3" x 9'6"). If you want a reliable grip without dramatically changing the height of your rug, a product like this is a smart bet.
The Bergavik anti-slip mats from Scandi Essentials are another Nordic-inspired option crafted for modern UK homes. Available in sizes such as 63" x 92.5" (5'3" x 7'8"), 47.2" x 70.9" (3'11" x 5'11"), and 86.6" x 126" (7'3" x 10'6"), these mats excel as underlays beneath flatweave and Scandinavian-style rugs. They’re typically low-profile and designed to remain invisible while delivering steady grip and light cushioning.
Kateha produces thicker, resilient underlays that are often recommended for larger rugs or for heavy-use areas. Sizes include large options such as 74.8" x 114.2" (6'3" x 9'6") and a very big 94.5" x 133.9" (about 7'10" x 11'2"), making them suitable for open-plan living rooms or dining areas. If durability and padding are top priorities, Kateha’s range is worth checking out.
If you’re shopping around, you have choices. Big department stores and homeware retailers carry a broad selection, often letting you compare materials and sizes in-person. Online marketplaces and specialist sites provide in-depth product details and user reviews. Below are some go-to destinations.
John Lewis is known for quality homewares and stocks a range of underlays from simple anti-slip pads to cushioned felt-rubber hybrids. Expect helpful product descriptions and filtering options to find exact inch-size fits.
Dunelm offers budget-friendly and mid-range pads, including thick felt options for heavy rugs. Their nationwide presence makes it easy to match pads to rug sizes in feet and inches.
Argos is handy for quick buys — they list simple anti-slip pads and tacky strip solutions which are great if you need a practical fix rapidly.
These online marketplaces are rich with choice, from premium Scandinavian designs to inexpensive thin anti-slip mats. User reviews help shed light on performance, particularly on dye transfer, grip strength, and longevity.
IKEA and Made.com occasionally stock underlays that pair well with their rugs. IKEA tends to offer utilitarian, budget-conscious options, while Made.com targets more design-focused homeowners.
Picking the right pad size is simple: most experts recommend that a rug pad should be slightly smaller than the rug to ensure the edges of the rug sit flush and don’t catch on feet or furniture. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 2 to 4 inches from each side of the rug. So, for a rug that measures 63" x 90.6", choose a pad that’s around 59" x 86" — this leaves a neat border and prevents the pad from peeking out.
Installing a rug pad is quick but a few smart moves make it last. First, clean the floor surface so nothing abrasive sits between the pad and floor. Lay the pad with the textured or sticky side facing down, then center the rug on top. Trim excess pad with a pair of heavy-duty scissors if necessary — most pads cut easily along straight edges. For stair runners, secure with carpet tape at the top and bottom for added security.
Keep your pad in top condition by vacuuming the rug regularly and occasionally lifting the rug to clean the pad. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight which can accelerate material breakdown. If your pad shows signs of wear, brittle edges, or dye transfer to the floor, replace it. Most pads are affordable, and swapping them every few years keeps both rug and floor protected.
Concerned about chemicals and sustainability? Look for pads made from natural rubber, recycled felt, or certified low-VOC materials. Some manufacturers produce pads from recycled PET fibre — these provide cushioning without relying solely on synthetic latex. If you have pets or small children, non-toxic and breathable underlays are a wise choice.
Don’t buy a pad that’s too small — it won’t protect the rug evenly. Conversely, avoid pads that are too large and slip out from under the rug edges. Don’t assume every “anti-slip” pad is safe for all floors; some cheap rubbers can react with floor finishes and cause discoloration. Finally, match the pad thickness to the rug and furniture: thick pads under low-clearance furniture can make doors hit or furniture wobble.
Whether you’re buying a slim Bergavik anti-slip mat for a hallway runner, a cushioned Prima Stop underlay for a lounge rug, or a heavy-duty Kateha pad for a large open-plan living space, there’s a rug pad to suit every need. Think about slip resistance, cushioning, material safety, and correct sizing in inches before you buy. A small investment in the right underlay saves money and hassle later — it’s the tiny upgrade that makes your whole room feel finished and safe.
Rug pads are a simple upgrade with outsized benefits: safety, comfort, protection, and longevity. UK shoppers can choose from trusted products like Linie Design’s Prima Stop, Scandi Essentials’ Bergavik, and Kateha’s heavy-duty underlays — available in a range of sizes from roughly 24" x 47" to expansive 95" x 134". Use the tips above to pick the right material and size in inches, install it correctly, and maintain it for years of trouble-free use. Your rugs — and your floors — will thank you.
| Rug Pads | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Scandi Essentials Bergavik Anti Slip Mat 60x120 Cm | £ 9,90 | |
| Scandi Essentials Bergavik Anti Slip Mat 220x320 Cm | £ 56,90 |
