rug backing?

[texaspeach]

we just bought an area rug to go over the hardwood floor in the living room. is there some sort of padded backing or something that is supposed to go under it or can it just sit on the floor as is?

[Benjismom]

We use these rubbery mesh-type things that go under the rug and keep it from sliding around. (They're kind of a bear to clean, since dirt likes to stick right to them and not come off but we've found if don't use them the rugs are liable to slip and be a little hazardous.)

Beth
DS (7), DD (4)

[hibana]

An old housekeeping book recomends sewing rubber gaskets (like the ones for a blender) to the bottom, usually at the corners and spaced along the ends. It works really well.