How to make small area rugs (abt 5' X 3') stay in place on carpet--that is the question.

[Denzil_DC]

1. I've had success with self-adhesive velcro strips.

Attach the hooked strip to the rug, and it grips just fine (no need to use the fabric strip of the velcro on the carpet underneath, in case anyone misunderstands). I think you can buy them purpose-made, but anything of that type works as long as the adhesive's grippy enough (cheap to replace if it comes unstuck after a while).

The downside is if you ever want to rearrange the rug. Over time, the strips will leave a track on the underlying carpet, which you may be able to ruffle out, but I guess it'll depend on what it's made of. If the carpet's already worn, I guess that won't matter much.