We’ve all been there. You roll out a brand-new rug, or unroll one you had stored away, and the corners won’t stay flat. They curl up, flip back, and honestly? It’s annoying. I had this exact problem when I added a new rug to my living room. One side lay flat while the other corner popped up like a tent flap.
At first, I kept stepping on it to flatten it, thinking it would fix itself. But after a few days, it still looked the same, and I almost tripped on it. That’s when I knew I had to learn how to uncurl a rug properly.
Whether it’s a big area rug or a small runner, I’ve gathered some super simple ways to help you fix those curled edges for good. If you’re wondering how to uncurl a rug without stress, this post is for you.
Why Rugs Curl in the First Place?
Before you fix the problem, it helps to know why it happens. Rugs usually curl because they’ve been rolled or folded for a long time.
When stored tightly, the fibers in the rug start to form a “memory,” which keeps the edges bent. This happens a lot with new rugs shipped in tubes or plastic wraps.
Other Common Reasons Rugs Curl:
- High humidity or moisture under the rug
- Thin or low-quality rug backing
- Heavy foot traffic in certain areas
- The rug is being placed over uneven surfaces
Whatever the reason, the good news is—it’s fixable. Let’s walk through the most effective, safe, and easy ways to flatten that rug back down.
Simple Ways to Uncurl a Rug
There’s no need to struggle with curled rug corners when there are so many easy ways to fix them. I’ve tried several of these myself, and most take just a few minutes. Here are simple methods that actually work to help your rug lie flat and stay that way.
1. Reverse Roll the Rug
This is usually the first and easiest method I try. Lay your rug flat with the curled corner facing up. Then roll that corner backward, opposite from the way it was rolled during shipping.
Hold it tight and either secure it with rubber bands or carefully sit something heavy on top. Leave it like this for a few hours. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. If it’s still curling afterward, try combining this step with one of the others below.
2. Use a Warm Towel and Iron
This method works great if you’re dealing with stubborn corners.
Take a clean, damp towel and place it over the curled part of the rug. Set your iron to medium heat (no steam). Then gently press down on the towel for 10–15 seconds at a time.
Lift the towel, check the rug, and repeat if needed.
The heat helps relax the rug fibers. Be careful not to press too long or use high heat, as this could damage synthetic materials or melt rubber backings.
3. Flip the Rug Upside Down
Sometimes, gravity is your friend.
Flip your rug completely upside down and leave it that way for a day or two. This works especially well for larger rugs in low-traffic areas.
If needed, place a few heavy books or flat objects on the curled corners while it’s upside down. The weight helps force the rug to flatten in the opposite direction.
I’ve used this trick in bedrooms and guest rooms where I could leave the rug alone overnight. It’s a great hands-off method.
4. Use Rug Tape or Corner Grippers
When I really want a quick fix that lasts, I turn to rug tape.
Rug tape is double-sided and sticks the rug firmly to the floor. You can cut small strips and press them down at each corner. It works best on hardwood, tile, or laminate floors.
Corner grippers are another great option. These rubber or silicone pads attach to the back corners of the rug and hold them down using grip, not glue. They’re reusable and won’t damage your floor.
These tools are perfect if you have kids, pets, or just don’t want to deal with curling again.
5. Try the “Sun Method” for Natural Softening
This is one of my favorite methods during warm seasons.
Take your rug outside and lay it flat in the sun for a few hours. The heat helps relax the rug fibers and makes it easier to reshape the corners. After it’s warmed up, you can place weights on the curled edges or try reverse rolling again.
Just make sure to avoid leaving the rug out too long. Bright sunlight can fade some rug colors or damage delicate fabrics. Two to three hours is usually plenty.
6. Use a Hair Dryer
No iron? No problem.
A regular hair dryer can also help uncurl a rug using heat. Hold the dryer a few inches above the curled corner and move it back and forth slowly. As the area warms up, press the corner down flat and let it cool while weighted.
I like to place a heavy book or box on the spot right after heating it. That way, the fibers cool while staying flat.
Don’t let the dryer sit in one place for too long. And keep it on a low to medium setting to avoid burning the rug.
7. Use Furniture as a Natural Fix
This is what I ended up doing in my dining room.
If the curled area is near a sofa, bed, or table, place the furniture leg right on the corner. It presses the rug flat all day, every day, without you doing anything extra.
I wouldn’t rely on this alone for brand-new rugs, but for stubborn spots in lived-in spaces, it works quietly and effectively.
Bonus: No tools or heat needed.
8. Use a Rug Pad for Long-Term Control
If your rug keeps curling again and again, it may not be staying in place well.
Rug pads go under your rug and give it grip and support. They help flatten the rug, keep it from sliding, and even make it feel softer underfoot.
You can buy thin non-slip pads or thicker cushioned ones, depending on the rug and floor type. I use them under almost every rug in my house now, and the difference is huge.
Rug pads also protect your floors and help rugs last longer. Win-win!
9. Spray a Little Water With Caution
This works well for rugs made of natural fibers like wool or cotton.
Lightly mist the curled corner with clean water. Don’t soak it—just enough to dampen. Then place a heavy, flat item on top and leave it overnight.
The moisture helps loosen the fibers. But always test a small spot first to be sure it won’t stain or damage your rug. I once used this trick on a woven hallway runner, and it worked like a charm.
10. Give It Time (and Patience)
If nothing else works or you’re not in a rush, give the rug a little time.
Some rugs just need to relax on their own. Especially thicker ones or rugs with tightly woven backing. After a few days of laying flat, the corners might settle down naturally.
Try combining time with light pressure, like a stack of books, and let nature take its course. This is what finally helped my bedroom rug flatten out completely without any heat or tape.
11. Place the Rug Under a Mattress or Large Rug
If you have a large bed or a bigger rug in another room, you can lay the curled rug under it for a few days. The weight and flat pressure from the surface above help press down the curled corners without needing tools or heat.
I’ve done this with a hallway runner by sliding it under my guest bed—and it worked like magic. It’s a great passive way to flatten the rug while saving space.
12. Wet Towel and Heavy Object Combo
This is a trick I picked up after trying several other things. Dampen a towel with warm water, place it over the curled corner, and then set a flat, heavy object—like a book or wooden board—on top of it.
The moisture softens the fibers while the weight holds the rug flat as it dries. I found this worked especially well on jute and cotton rugs, where heat wasn’t an option.
Tips to Keep Rugs from Curling Again
After you’ve unrolled a rug, it’s important to keep it that way. A few small habits can make a big difference in how long your rug stays flat and neat.
These tips will help you prevent corners from curling again and save you the trouble of fixing it later:
- Avoid folding or tightly rolling rugs when storing them
- Use rug pads or corner grippers to hold them in place
- Clean and vacuum regularly so dirt doesn’t bunch up the edges
- Keep rugs dry—moisture can cause warping
- Place heavy furniture near the edges when possible
- These small habits can make a big difference in how your rugs look and feel over time.
To know more about how to prevent your rugs from curling, watch this video by @GatheredInTheKitchen.
What Not to Do?
While there are many good ways to uncurl a rug, some methods can do more harm than good. I’ve made a few mistakes in the past that damaged my rug instead of helping it. To save you the trouble, here are things you should avoid when trying to flatten a curled rug.
While learning how to uncurl a rug, I made a few mistakes too. Here’s what I recommend avoiding:
- Avoid soaking the rug with too much water, as it can damage the backing or leave moisture trapped underneath.
- Using high heat or steam directly on the rug can melt fibers or cause burns, especially on synthetic or delicate materials.
- Gluing or nailing the corners might seem like a quick fix, but it can ruin both the rug and your floor.
- Forcing a stiff or older rug to lie flat too quickly may lead to cracking or tearing.
Stick with gentle methods and test them on a small spot first.
Conclusion
Dealing with curled rug corners might seem small, but it really makes a difference in how your room feels. I’ve tripped on them, tried ignoring them, and even thought about replacing the rug once, but I’m glad I didn’t. Learning how to uncurl a rug using safe, simple methods helped me fix the problem without wasting time or money.
Whether you try the reverse roll trick, use a little heat, or just place something heavy on the corner, the key is to go slow and be gentle. Rugs are meant to add comfort, not cause stress.
So next time your rug curls up at the edges, don’t toss it aside. Give one of these easy fixes a try—you’ll be surprised how well they work.
Have a curled rug right now? Try one of these tips today and see what works best for you. And if you found this helpful, feel free to share it or save it for later.