Choosing And Placing Bedroom Carpet: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to place a carpet in a bedroom

A bedroom rug is the final touch to your interior design, enhancing the ambiance of your room by uplifting the furniture, floor finishes, and walls. When it comes to placing a rug in your bedroom, there are several factors to consider, such as the size of your room and bed, the placement of furniture, and the shape and size of the rug. The most common way to place a rug in a bedroom is at the foot of the bed, underneath the bed, or at the side of the bed. Let's explore the best practices for bedroom rug placement to help you get started.

Characteristics Values
Rug placement At the foot of the bed, underneath the bed, at the side of the bed, layering under the bed, accentuating furniture around the bed
Rug size Depends on the size of the bed and the room; bigger is usually better
Rug shape Rectangular or square rugs work best under any size bed; round rugs complement all bedroom layouts
Rug colour and pattern Depends on the style of the room; can add a splash of colour or cover up scratches and wear and tear
Rug material Cotton, silk blends, polyester, faux fur, and <co: 1,5>wool are common choices
Rug pad Optional, but can add cushioning, reduce noise, and insulate the room

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At the foot of the bed

Placing a rug at the foot of your bed is a common way to feature an area rug in your bedroom. Here are some tips to help you get the placement just right:

  • If your rug is smaller than or equal to the width of your bed, leave 12 to 18 inches of space around all sides of the rug for maximum impact.
  • If your rug is larger than the width of your bed, place the top of the rug just under the footboard of the bed.
  • If you only want to place the top few inches of the rug under the bed, this layout must be absolutely symmetrical. You should also have 12 to 24 inches of the rug on either side of the bed, so opt for a medium or oversized rug.
  • If you want to place three-quarters of the rug under the bed, this technique works best with larger area rugs in spacious bedrooms. Depending on the size of the rug, you can slide it completely under the nightstands or start the rug an inch before them. Ensure that at least 2.5 to 3 feet of the rug peeks out from under the footboard.
  • For a unique look, place a medium-sized area rug at an oblique angle underneath one corner of the bed. This layout works best in larger bedrooms and can help create a stylistic interior.
  • If you have a bench at the foot of your bed, make sure the rug extends at least 10 inches past it so you have a comfortable walking space.
  • If you're working with a smaller space, you can opt for a runner at the foot of your bed. A four-by-two-foot runner is a good option, just ensure it is wide enough to fit the bench.
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Under the bed

Placing a rug under your bed is a great way to add colour, texture, and design to your bedroom. It is also a good way to reinforce the bed as the focal point of the room. There are a few things to consider when placing a rug under your bed.

Firstly, the size of the rug is important. You should aim for at least 18 inches of rug on either side of your bed, so you can step onto it comfortably when you get out of bed. If you have a king-sized bed, an 8x10 rug is standard, but a 9x12 or 12x15 rug will give you a more dramatic look. For a queen-sized bed, a 6x9 rug will give you plenty of space, but an 8x10 rug will give you more coverage.

Secondly, you should consider how much of the bed you want on the rug. You can place the rug under the bottom third of the bed, the bottom two-thirds, or the whole bed. If you want the whole bed on the rug, make sure the rug is big enough to fit any nightstands as well. This will create a cohesive look and make the room feel bigger. If you only want the bottom third or two-thirds of the bed on the rug, you can use a smaller and more affordable rug.

Finally, you should consider the placement of the rug in relation to the bed. The rug should be placed so that it is centred under the bed, with at least 10 inches of space between the edge of the rug and the wall. If you have a bench at the end of your bed, make sure the rug extends past it so you have enough space to walk.

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Rug layering

Choose Complementary Colours

Select colours that lie on opposite ends of the colour spectrum, such as red and white, blue and orange, or green and burgundy. Alternatively, choose colours that are complementary or tonal, meaning they are different shades of the same colour.

Layer Different Textures

Layering rugs with different textures is a great way to add depth to your bedroom. For example, consider pairing a cowhide rug with a sisal rug, a sheepskin rug with a jute rug, or anything soft with a flat weave.

Experiment with Patterns

Layering patterned rugs can be tricky, but it's possible. Try to use colours of the same intensity and avoid mixing pastels with jewel tones. Different patterns can work together if they are in the same hue family. Tone-on-tone patterns can give a room depth and character without being too bold.

Highlight an Area

Layering a small rug on top of a larger one can direct the eye to a specific area in your bedroom. For example, you can layer a rug under a bench or a chest to highlight that piece of furniture.

Play with the Rug Placement

You can angle a top rug on the bias or at a 45- to 90-degree angle. The larger base rug should be placed straight and aligned with the furniture. You can then change the orientation of the smaller accent rug.

Prevent Tripping Hazards

Use a rug pad underneath the rugs to prevent them from sliding or bunching up. A piece of heavy furniture, such as a bed or a bench, can also help anchor the rugs and prevent tripping.

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Rug placement in a small bedroom

Placing a rug in your bedroom can be tricky, especially if you're working with a small space. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your rug and create a stylish and functional bedroom:

Choose the Right Size Rug

The most important factor when placing a rug in a small bedroom is ensuring that you choose the correct size. A common mistake is selecting a rug that is too small, which can make the room feel disjointed and cramped. Opt for a rug that is large enough to accommodate your bed and any surrounding furniture, such as nightstands. As a general rule, your rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond the sides of your bed. For a queen or king-sized bed, consider a rug that is at least 8 feet by 10 feet or larger. If you have a twin or double bed, aim for a rug that extends beyond the sides of the bed by at least 12 inches.

Placement Options

Once you've selected the right size rug, it's time to decide on the placement. Here are some options to consider:

  • Under the Bed: This is a classic choice, as it provides a cosy feeling when you get out of bed. Choose a rug that extends beyond the sides of the bed, or consider layering a larger, neutral-toned rug underneath if your main rug is too small.
  • At the Foot of the Bed: Placing a small runner or a rug at the foot of your bed is a great option if you have limited space. Ensure that the rug is wide enough to fit any bench or furniture at the end of your bed.
  • At the Side of the Bed: If your bed is pushed against the wall, consider placing a small or medium-sized rug beside it. This can help create a focal point in the room and add a stylish touch.
  • Layering: Layering rugs is a great way to add interest and contrast to your bedroom. Choose rugs that differ in shape, size, colour, and texture, and always place the lighter-hued rug underneath the bolder one.
  • Accentuating Furniture: You don't have to pair your rug with your bed. Instead, you can use it to accentuate other furniture pieces in the room, such as accent chairs, dressers, or freestanding pieces. This can help create unique styles and focused areas within your bedroom.
  • Shape Contrast: Consider the shape of your rug in relation to the layout and size of your bedroom and furniture. Round rugs, for example, can complement all types of bedroom layouts and are versatile in terms of size. Rectangular rugs create a sophisticated and sleek look, while square-shaped rugs may require more thought as they don't always complement the shape of typical beds.

Remember to leave some breathing space around your rug, especially in a small bedroom. Allow for at least 6 to 18 inches of floor space between the rug and the walls or furniture, to avoid making the room feel cramped or overwhelming.

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Rug placement in a large bedroom

If you have a large bedroom, you can get creative with your rug placement. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your space:

At the Foot of the Bed

Placing a rug at the foot of your bed is a common way to feature an area rug in a bedroom. If your rug is smaller than or equal to the width of the bed, leave 12 to 18 inches of space around all sides of the rug for maximum impact. If your rug is larger than the width of the bed, place the top of it just under the footboard.

Under the Bed

Another option is to place the rug underneath your bed. This is a classic choice, as it provides a cosy feeling when you get out of bed. Choose a rug that extends 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides of your bed. For a queen-sized bed, a 5-by-8-foot or 6-by-9-foot rug would work well. If your rug is too small, you can layer a larger, neutral-toned rug underneath.

At the Side of the Bed

Placing a rug at the side of the bed is an unconventional technique but works well in larger spaces. For bigger rooms, you can place small area rugs (3'x5' or 4'x6') on either side of the bed with 12 to 18 inches of bare floor around them. If you have limited floor space, consider using runners to create a similar effect.

Layering Under the Bed

Layering rugs is a great way to add interest to your bedroom. Choose rugs that differ in shape, size, colour, and texture. For maximum impact, always place the lighter-hued rug underneath the bolder one.

Accentuating Furniture

You don't have to pair your rug with your bed. You can use it to accentuate other furniture in the room, such as accent chairs, dressers, or any freestanding pieces. Create a cosy reading nook by placing a rug under an oversized accent chair, with an end table and a floor lamp.

Understanding Rug Shape

The shape of your rug should complement the layout, size of the room, and size of your furniture. Round rugs can work with all types of bedroom layouts, while rectangular rugs have a sophisticated and straight-laced effect. Square-shaped rugs require more thought, as they don't typically complement the shape of beds. However, they can be used to create beautiful accent nooks or layered with larger rectangular rugs.

Frequently asked questions

The preferred way of placing a carpet in a bedroom is to place it partially under the bed. This will give you a soft surface to step onto when getting out of bed.

The carpet should be laid perpendicular to the bed and pulled under, stopping a few inches before your nightstand. This will mean it's around halfway under the bed, with the bed centred on top.

The size of the carpet will depend on the size of your bed and the room. For a queen-sized bed, an 8' by 10' carpet is ideal, while a king-sized bed would require a 9' by 12' carpet. For a twin or full-sized bed, a 4' by 6' or 5' by 8' carpet would fit the bottom two-thirds of the bed.

Yes, layering a carpet over an existing carpet can add warmth, style, and personality to a space. However, the area rug should accent the space and not aim to cover the entirety of the carpet.

Written by
  • Lara Beck
  • Lara Beck
    Author Home Renovation Professional
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