How and Where to Place an Area Rug in Your Bedroom—Including the Right Size to Use

There are many reasons you might want to add an area rug to your bedroom—but figuring out where to place these floor coverings can be tricky. Ultimately, it's important to get it right: Proper rug placement can enhance the room's coziness and add much interest to an otherwise subdued design.

Deciding how to place an area rug in your bedroom depends largely upon finding the appropriate sized option for the space. "The 'right' sized rug for your bedroom can really make or break the room, but there are no fixed rules when it comes to rug selection," says interior designer Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design. "Think of your rugs as a functional piece of art—something that you want to enjoy, but that also is comfortable and useful—and you can't go wrong."

Consider the size and layout of the rest of your room to narrow down the rug dimensions that will have the biggest impact. From there, you'll be able to figure out the best placement option for your piece.

Rug Sizes for Bedrooms

Choosing the right size rug for your bedroom is contingent on the size of your bed, for the most part, since most people place area rugs under their beds. You'll want to aim for at least 18 inches of rug showing on either side of your bed so you have enough space to place your feet in the morning. For more dramatic displays or larger rooms, you can go much larger.

Minimum Rug Sizes for King Beds

Choose the following rug sizes if you have a king-sized bed:

• 8 x 10 feet
• 9 x 12 feet
• 12 x 15 feet

Going with an 8-by-10-foot rug is fairly standard, but if you have a good amount of space to cover or just like the look of a large area rug, a 9-by-12-foot rug or 12-by-15-foot rug will extend quite far on either side of the bed.

Minimum Rug Sizes for Queen Beds

If you have a queen-sized bed, consider these rug sizes:

• 6 x 9 feet
• 8 x 10 feet

Placed horizontally, a 6-by-9-foot area rug gives you plenty of space around the bed for the rug to sit, but if you're looking for a larger coverage area, an 8-by-10-foot will do the trick; of course, it's up to your personal preference. "For under a queen-sized bed, I'd look for at least 9- to 10 feet wide, so you have plenty of rug to step out of the bed onto," Curtis says.

Sizing a Rug for Next to the Bed

The length and width of the rugs depend on how much space you have; opt for longer runners that line the full length of your bed, or smaller accent rugs that offer a warm landing spot for cold feet in the morning. "Often, it's best to order a custom-length runner so that it fits the space precisely and has natural starting and finishing points," says Seuss. "A bigger rug is always better!"

How to Place an Area Rug Under the Bed

The most common spot for an area rug in the bedroom is under the bed, where it anchors the room's largest piece of furniture. If you have nightstands flanking the bed, decide whether you want the rug to go underneath them—all the way to the headboard—or stop before the nightstands' front legs.

"Running the rug to the end of your headboard allows for the rug to be underfoot when you get out of bed, instantly creating a sense of coziness," says James Seuss, CEO of The Rug Company. On the other hand, stopping short of your bedside tables adds soft layering to any space. "With this layout, it's best to display the rug perpendicular to the bed frame so there is plenty of comfort on each side and foot of your bed," Seuss says.

How to Place an Area Rug Next to the Bed

If you don't want to invest in a rug that will be almost entirely hidden by your bed, choose runners, instead. "If you can't [buy] the right sized rug for your room, then opt for two smaller sized rugs on either side of the bed," says Curtis. "You'll get to enjoy [their beauty], and they will also be soft on your feet when you get out of bed."

How to Place an Area Rug Under Furnishings

The other furniture in your room—including dressers and seating areas—can also influence the size and placement of your rug. As a general rule, any seating arrangement, such as a reading nook or desk, can use a rug to define the space and make it feel complete.

There are fewer hard and fast rules for the correct size rug to place under furnishings. "If the rug goes halfway under your dresser, that's ideal—if it clears it all the way, it might be too small for the room," says Curtis. Rugs that are too small will appear lost in your space rather than serve as a focal point. Instead, opt for a bigger size and let your rug flow beyond the measurements of your furniture.

Tips for Placing a Rug in Your Bedroom

Keep some of these helpful tips in mind when thinking about where and how to place your area rug.

Cover High-Traffic Spaces

There are certain areas of your bedroom that probably see more foot traffic than others—right next to your bed, or right next to your dresser, for instance. These are good places to consider adding a rug to protect the floor underneath.

Don't Go Too Small With Your Rug Size

A small rug under your bed, for instance, won't give you enough space to step out onto it from bed. Again, make sure you have a solid foot to foot and a half of rug on each side of the bed so you have a soft place to land in the morning.

Add a Pop of Color or a Playful Pattern

Don't be afraid to add some personality to your sleeping space with your area rug. It's a low-stakes way to add more depth and texture to your room.

Placing an Area Rug Over Carpeting Is Ok

It's not uncommon for homes to have wall-to-wall carpeting, including the bedroom. If you think you can't place an area rug in your room because you already have carpeting, think again. Adding an area rug over your existing carpet adds more depth and layers to your space (as well as protection for your existing carpeting), and there's nothing wrong with an added dose of coziness.

Consider Layering Multiple Rugs for a Unique Look

Rug layering can offer another, completely different look. Choose rugs that are not similar (whether in size, shape, or color), and layer them on top of each other. Place lighter rugs underneath darker rugs, and choose rugs on different ends of the color spectrum for a bold pop of color and texture.