Underlay

An underlay is a thin pad laid under a rug. It cushions the rug against an uneven floor and the weight of furniture, helps it lie flat and stops it slipping. The British Antique Dealers' Association advises never laying an antique rug straight onto a hard floor.

Also rug underlay · rug pad · carpet underlay · underpad · underpadding

See also Rotating a rug, Moth damage

Last reviewed November 2026