Bedroom Rug Placement: 4 Ways To Style Rugs Under Bed

Rug placement is one of my favorite tricks when it comes to stylish home décor. And placing a rug under your bed is one of my favorite ways to bring the entire room together without taking up much usable floor space.

A rug under the bed can also make for a soft landing in the mornings 😉

I am going to break down all of the different ways you can place your bedroom rug and what size rug you should get, depending on your room size and bed size. (Graphics included to help you visualize!)

Bedroom Rug Placement Options

Layout #1

This classic option places the area rug toward the foot of the bed with only half of the bed sitting on top of the rug. It can stick out about one foot beyond the foot of the bed and off either side of the bed. The upper part of the rug sits at the center of the bed.

This is a good option for those with a small bedroom or in a bedroom with more furniture.

Layout #2

If you have enough space, then a larger rug that sits under the entire bed frame and also the end tables makes a cozy and show-stopping look. This works best for those with a larger room that allows for a foot of space (minimum) between the edges of the area rug and all surrounding furniture.

Layout #3

This rug placement option has the area rug under the bottom two thirds of the bed and extends out to the edges of the end tables. I like this modern yet cozy look, but it’s better suited for larger rooms.

Layout #4

This look breaks all of the rules about rug placement and I am here for it! It sits halfway under the end tables and doesn’t reach the head or foot ends of the bed. Instead, it extends out past the end tables to anchor the entire space together.

Rug Under Bed Rules

There are some general rules for styling a rug under the bed that work for many people and may work for you too. If you’re looking for something easy and classic, then these rules are great for you. Otherwise, my graphics of bedroom rug placement options should give you an idea of what breaking these rules looks like!

There are a few general rules to consider when placing a rug under a bed:

• The rug should be large enough to extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, creating a border around the bed. A general rule of thumb is to choose a rug that is at least 2 feet larger than the bed on all sides.
• The rug should be centered under the bed, with equal amounts of rug showing on all sides.
• If you have a small bedroom, you may want to choose a smaller rug that does not extend beyond the sides of the bed. This will help to keep the space from feeling cluttered.
• Consider the overall style of the bedroom when selecting a rug. A rug with a bold pattern or bright colors can be a great way to add visual interest to a neutral space, while a more subtle rug may be a better choice for a bedroom with a lot of pattern or color.

Rug Sizes For Bedroom

I recommend you take out your measuring tape and get solid measurements of your bed and surrounding areas just to be 100% sure about what you’re looking for.

To help you visualize, I’ve put together a few graphics with recommended rug size measurements 🙂

Here are common bed size measurements:

• A double bed, also known as a full-size bed, is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
• A queen-size bed is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
• A king-size bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.
• A California king-size bed is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.

Tips For Finding The Right Rug For Your Bedroom

• If you have a bench at the foot of your bed, then add the width of the bench to any recommendations I make in this post.
• If you have hardwood floors, then please use a rug pad safe for hardwood floors to protect your flooring from any damage.

How To Place A Rug Under A Bed

Here are some step-by-step instructions for safely placing a rug under a bed:

1. Measure the size of the bed and the size of the rug to ensure that the rug is large enough to extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed according to your design-eye. 
2. Move the bed away from the wall, if necessary, to make it easier to access the area where you will be placing the rug. I like to flip up the mattress and then move the bed frame to make it easier to adjust the area rug.
3. If you’re using a rug pad (recommended!), then lay the rug pad down first. Make sure that it is centered in your chosen placement.
4. Next, unroll the area rug and place it in the desired location under the bed.
5. Check that the rug is centered under the bed, with equal amounts of rug showing on all sides. (Or whatever placement you decide on)
6. Make any necessary adjustments to the placement of the rug.
7. Once you are satisfied with the placement of the rug, push the bed back into position.
8. Check that the bed is stable and secure on the rug. If the bed feels unsteady, you may need to adjust the placement of the rug or use a non-slip rug pad to keep the rug in place.
9. Arrange any other furniture in the room as desired.

Enjoy your newly decorated bedroom!

What Kind Of Rug Looks Good Under A Bed?

There are many types of rugs that can look good under a bed, and the best choice will depend on your personal style and the overall design of the room. 

Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a rug for use under a bed:

• Size: As mentioned earlier, you will want to choose a rug that is large enough to extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, creating a border around the bed. A general rule of thumb is to choose a rug that is at least 2 feet larger than the bed on all sides.
• Style: Consider the overall style of the bedroom when selecting a rug. A rug with a bold pattern or bright colors can be a great way to add visual interest to a neutral space, while a more subtle rug may be a better choice for a bedroom with a lot of pattern or color. A plush, high-pile rug is my favorite for a bedroom!
• Material: Different rug materials have different properties, so it’s important to consider which one will work best in your bedroom. Wool rugs are durable and resistant to staining, while natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal can add a rustic touch to a room. Synthetic materials like nylon or polypropylene are generally more affordable and easier to clean, but may not have the same level of durability as natural fiber rugs. 
• Quality: Pay attention to the quality of the rug you choose. A well-made rug will be more durable and last longer, and may also have a more refined look and feel. Look for rugs with a high knot count (for hand-knotted rugs) or a dense pile (for machine-made rugs).

Recommended: Use A Rug Pad

Depending on the kind of flooring you have, I recommend using a memory foam rug pad for extra cushioning and comfort. 

If you have hardwood flooring, then I recommend the Superior-Lock or Eco-Plush rug pads to keep your rug in place and provide extra cushioning beneath. 

NOTE: If you have vinyl flooring, then only use 100% Felt rug pads so that you don’t damage them.

Common Questions

I covered a lot about rug placement, but you’ve still got a few questions about placing that rug under your bed. I get it, same. I’ll answer them here and if you have any others, then drop them in the comments!

What if I have wall-to-wall carpeting?

You can totally place area rugs on wall to wall carpeting. In fact, please do! Low pile carpet is garbage to look at (IMHO) and even worse underfoot, so apply area rugs liberally. Just be mindful of the material of the rug backing. If it has cheap plastic, it could ruin your carpeting. Throw a 100% felt rug pad under your area rug for extra cushioning and zero damage.

Can you layer rugs?

Absolutely! I love layering area rugs, anyway. I like using area rugs made of natural fibers, like jute rugs or sisal rugs, as the base rug and then a softer patterned rug on top. You can also play with different shapes, like round rugs on a larger rectangular rug, for example.

What are some other rug placement options for the bedroom?

You don’t just have to put your rug under your bed (though that’s my vote). You can move it all around the entire space, including under other bedroom furniture. Here are the most popular bedroom rug placement options I’ve seen:

• Rug Under Bed. Putting a rug underneath your bed can add a bit of cushioning and make the area more inviting. Try using a rug with a low-pile to make the space feel warmer and cozier.
• Rug By Bed. Placing rugs on each side of the bed is a great way to add texture and warmth to any room. Be sure to leave about 3-4 inches between the rug and the wall to create a border.
• At the bottom of the bed: Placing a rug at the bottom of the bed will tie your room together. This creates continuity and makes the bed look larger while still giving the appearance of a nice, cozy area.
• By the door: Adding a rug by the door creates a barrier between the bedroom and the outside world, helping to separate and protect the sleeping area. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color and style to your entryway.