How to flatten a rug

Give it time

A rug that arrived rolled or folded remembers that shape for a while. Lay it out in the room where it will stay, pile side up, and leave it for a few days. Foot traffic and room warmth do much of the work.

Roll it the other way

For a stubborn curl, roll the rug tightly in the opposite direction, with the pile facing out, and leave it for a day. Then unroll it and lay it flat again. Repeat if the curl returns.

For a single curled corner, fold it gently back the other way and hold it under weight. Never press a hard crease into the foundation of a handmade rug.

Add weight and warmth

Place heavy books or furniture on a curled corner or edge for a day or two. A warm room helps the fibers relax.

Some guides suggest steam or an iron. On wool, use only low heat through a damp cloth on the back of the rug, and test a small area first. Never put an iron directly on the pile, and do not use heat on synthetic rugs, which can melt.

Keep it flat

A rug pad cut about an inch smaller than the rug on each side holds the edges down and stops the rug from creeping and bunching.

For corners that keep lifting, use corner grippers or rug tape made for the floor you have. Test any adhesive on a hidden spot of the floor first.

Why some handmade rugs curl

On a hand-knotted rug, an edge that curls or ripples often comes from the weaving itself. The side cords may be pulled tighter than the body, or the wool may have shrunk unevenly after a wash.

Weights help for a while, but the lasting fix is professional blocking: a rug cleaner or restorer stretches the damp rug on a frame and lets it dry square. Ask about it when you have the rug washed.

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