The Bedroom Rug Conundrum: Where Should It Go?

where to place rug in bedroom

Adding a rug to your bedroom can be a great way to showcase your personal style and add a sense of warmth and comfort to the space. There are many reasons to add a rug to your bedroom, but figuring out where to place it can be tricky. Ultimately, getting it right can enhance the room's coziness and add interest to an otherwise subdued design. The most common spots for a bedroom rug are under the bed, at the foot of the bed, or on one or both sides of the bed.

Characteristics Values
Rug placement Under the bed, at the foot of the bed, at the side of the bed, layering under the bed, near entrances and exits, under a seating area, in the middle of the room, under a dresser
Rug size Depends on the size of the bed and the room; for a queen-sized bed, a 5x8 or 6x9 rug is standard; for a king-sized bed, an 8x10 or 9x12 rug is standard
Rug shape Rectangular, round, square
Rug colour Depends on the room's colour scheme; choose a colour that balances the room's palette and tone
Rug material Cotton, silk blends, polyester, faux fur, wool
Rug maintenance Use double-sided carpet tape or a non-slip rug mat to prevent tripping; use a rug pad for cushioning and insulation

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Under the bed

Placing a rug under your bed is a great way to make your bedroom feel more homely and add an extra layer of comfort to your floors. Here are some tips for placing a rug under your bed:

Entirely Under the Bed

If you have a large bedroom, you can place the entire bed, including nightstands and a bench at the foot of the bed, on top of the rug. This option works best when you have a large bedroom so that there is still space between the walls and the edges of your rug. It is important to leave a minimum of 10-20 inches of space between the baseboard and the edge of the rug to avoid the rug looking like it is randomly floating in the middle of the room.

Partial Rug Under the Bed

If you don't want to invest in a large rug, you can choose a smaller rug that covers only a portion of the space under your bed. Place the rug so that the bottom two-thirds or one-third of the bed are on the rug, leaving the head of the bed and nightstands on the bare floor. This option works well if you are using a small area rug over carpeted floors to add colour and texture to the room.

Runner Rugs

If you are on a budget, you can opt for runner rugs instead of a large area rug. Surround the sides of the bed with 3 ft x 5 ft runners, which are smaller and more affordable. You can set your nightstands on top of the runners or leave a few inches between them and the edges of the rugs. You can also place a runner at the end of your bed to make it more comfortable.

Rug Placement

When placing the rug under your bed, position the edge of the rug about 2 feet from the end of the bed. You can then lift the bed frame legs to unroll the rug underneath. Finish unrolling the rug so that it lays flat, and if necessary, lift the top bed frame legs and nightstands as you unroll.

Layering Rugs

You can also layer rugs under your bed to add extra dimension to your space. Play with different styles and textures to make your room more interesting. For example, try using a natural fibre rug underneath a fluffy fur rug or a patterned rug on top of a solid-coloured rug.

Rug Size

The size of the rug you choose will depend on the size of your bed. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Twin or full bed: 6 ft x 9 ft rug
  • Queen bed: 8 ft x 10 ft rug
  • King bed: 9 ft x 12 ft rug

Other Considerations

  • If you have hard floors, use a rug pad or double-sided carpet tape to prevent the rug from moving around.
  • If your rug is under the weight of a bed, it may become indented. Turn your rug regularly and use an ice cube treatment to remove indentations.
  • Ensure your rug is the correct size so that it does not look lopsided or unbalanced. For example, if you are trying to fit all your furniture on top of the rug, opt for a bigger rug.

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At the foot of the bed

Placing a rug at the foot of your bed is one of the most common ways to feature an area rug in a bedroom. There are a few different approaches you can take:

  • 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.
  • Try sliding the rug under the bed so that only the top few inches (approximately 6 to 18 inches) are visible. This layout must be absolutely symmetrical, with 12 to 24 inches of the rug on either side of the bed as well. Medium or oversized rugs work best for this approach.
  • Place three-quarters of the rug underneath the bed. Depending on the size of your 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 bottom is peeking out from under the footboard. This technique is best for larger area rugs in spacious bedrooms.
  • Place a medium-sized rug at an oblique angle underneath one corner of the bed. This layout is preferable for larger bedrooms and is a great way to design a stylistic interior.

When placing a rug at the foot of your bed, it's important to consider the size of the rug in relation to your bed and the amount of space you want to leave around it. You can also combine this placement with a bench or other furniture at the foot of your bed, ensuring that all four legs of the bench are resting on the rug.

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At the side of the bed

Placing a rug at the side of the bed is an unconventional technique, but it works well in larger spaces. It's also a good option if your bed is pushed against the wall to free up space.

For bigger rooms, you can place small area rugs (3'x5' or 4'x6') on either side of the bed with 12" to 18" of bare floor around them. If you don't have the floor area for a full-sized rug, you can opt for runners to create a similar effect.

If your bed is against the wall, a small or medium-sized rug beside it can work well. In this case, the rug will likely take up all the central space and become the focal point of the room.

If you're unsure about the size of the rug to get, it's better to go bigger. A larger rug will give you the comfort of being able to fit all your furniture on it without it looking cramped.

You can also place two big rugs side by side with the seam under the bed. This gives you a large, plush base for the bed and transforms the vibe of the room by softening the acoustics. A low pile is a smart choice as it's easier to keep clean.

Another option is to place your rugs like runners around the bed. This solution makes vacuuming under the bed easy, and you can take the rugs out for an airing when needed.

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Layering rugs

  • Choose a good base rug: Opt for a neutral base such as jute, sisal, stripes, or a black-and-white pattern. These options work well on their own but can also be transformed by layering another rug over them.
  • Mix and match: Think of layering rugs like mixing pillow patterns or outfits. Combine a neutral rug with a patterned rug, or pair a small pattern with a large pattern. You can also mix and match colours, choosing rugs that are on opposite ends of the colour spectrum, such as red and white, blue and orange, or pink and khaki.
  • Layer rugs in large rooms: Layering rugs in spacious rooms helps anchor furniture and creates vignettes or separate spaces within the room.
  • Layer rugs over carpet: Don't be afraid to place a rug over carpeted flooring. It adds another layer of comfort, helps define areas in your space, and protects the carpet.
  • Be strategic with placement: Place layered rugs where your feet land daily, such as along your bedside, in front of a reading nook, or under your bathroom vanity.
  • Prioritize safety and comfort: Use rug pads to prevent slipping and add an extra layer of comfort. When layering, ensure that the base layer is the higher-profile or higher-pile rug, especially in high-traffic areas, to avoid tripping hazards.
  • Break the rules: Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to rug layering. If you like the look and it makes you happy, go for it!

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Rug placement in a small bedroom

If you're looking to add a rug to a small bedroom, there are several things to consider. Firstly, the size of the rug is crucial. A rug that is too small can make the room feel unbalanced, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the space. As a general rule, it's best to use one large area rug rather than several small ones to make the room feel more spacious. Aim for a rug that will come within 12 to 18 inches of all four walls, leaving some of your flooring on display.

The placement of the rug will depend on your bedroom layout and personal preference. Here are some common options:

At the Foot of the Bed

A rug placed at the foot of the bed can add a sense of warmth and comfort to your 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. If your rug is larger than the width of the bed, position it so that the top is just under the footboard. You can also try placing a small runner at the foot of the bed, especially if you have a bench at the end; this will ensure a soft landing for your feet when getting out of bed.

Under the Bed

Placing a rug under the bed is a classic choice. It's recommended to choose a rug that extends 18 to 24 inches beyond the left and right sides of the bed. This will give you ample space to step out of bed onto the soft rug. If your rug is too small, you can always layer a larger, neutral-toned rug underneath. You can also place the rug at an oblique angle, with just the top few inches under the bed, but this layout must be symmetrical.

At the Side of the Bed

For a more unconventional look, you can place a small area rug or a runner on one or both sides of the bed. This works especially well if your bed is pushed against the wall, as it adds depth to the space. Ensure there is 12 to 18 inches of bare floor around the rug.

Layering

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 the bed. Instead, you can use it to accentuate other furniture in the room, such as a dresser, accent chair, or a reading nook. Ensure the rug is big enough to fit under the entire piece of furniture, or leave 2 to 3 inches of floor showing between the edge of the furniture and the rug.

Shape

The shape of the rug should complement the layout and size of the room and your furniture. Round rugs are versatile and can work well in small bedrooms, while rectangular rugs have a universally sophisticated feel. Square rugs require more thought, as they don't typically complement bed shapes, but they can be used to create accent nooks or layered with rectangular rugs.

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Go for light colours and minimal patterns to make the room feel brighter and more spacious.
  • Select a rug with little to no texture, as too much texture can overwhelm a small space.
  • Keep the furniture minimal and choose pieces with clean, elegant lines.
  • Ensure there is enough space between the rug and the wall, usually at least 6 inches for a bedroom.
  • If your rug is near a door, opt for a low-pile rug that won't interfere with the door opening and closing.
  • Consider using sticky pads or a rug mat underneath a standalone rug to prevent tripping.

Frequently asked questions

The most common spots for a rug in the bedroom are under the bed or at the foot of the bed. You can also place a rug on one or both sides of the bed.

It's recommended to leave at least 6 inches of space between the rug and the wall. For a rug under the bed, it should extend at least 18 inches from the sides and end of the bed.

For a small bedroom, it's best to choose a rug that's large enough to nearly fill up the entire space. This will visually enlarge the room.

For a large bedroom, you'll want to make sure your rug isn't too small, as this will throw the space off balance. An oversized rug that fills up most of the room is a good option.

A square or rectangular rug works best under any size bed. Round rugs can also complement all sorts of bedroom layouts and bring a fun and eclectic vibe to the space.

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