Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Bedroom Area Rug

The essential role of a bedroom rug is to give you a wonderfully soft surface to step onto when you get out of bed. A cold hardwood or tile floor is the last thing you want to step on first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night. And in place of that, a wool and silk rug is something that fits in super cool! An area rug immediately makes a room cozier – and that’s exactly the feel you need in a bedroom. Area rugs absorb sound – nobody wants an echoey bedroom; and adds a warm, welcoming texture.

The space of rugs also prevent slips and fall if you need to get out of bed in the middle of the night. And of course, area rugs look wonderful! Rug can add an accent of color or complement the existing decor in your bedroom. They unify your bed and nightstands together, creating the ultimate sleeping zone. Oriental rugs are also the perfect opportunity to add a touch of your personality to the most intimate room in your home. Before you choose a bedroom area rug, take a step back and consider a few things. Think about what you like, what you need, and what’s possible in the space you have. Which rug do you want to wake up to every morning? Who thought that picking an outdoor rug for your room could be such a hassle?

Fortunately, we're available to take you through the procedure. There may appear to be a confounding measure of terms to think about when you shop, from silk to sisal, woven to hand-made, contemporary to Oriental—yet for your room, there are things you need to keep in mind!

 

Choose Bedroom Area Rug Size

What Size Bedroom Area Rug do I need? When it comes to bedroom furnishings, the bed is undoubtedly the star. Any other style decision you make, including what sort of area rug to buy, depends on what type of bed you have and wherein the room it’s located. For example, a bedroom with a central, king-size bed requires a very different approach than a kid's room with two twin beds.  When your feet (sadly) leave the warmth of your bed, they want to step onto a luxurious rug, not a cold floor. To make sure you have happy feet, the rug needs to extend about 24” from your bed. Take this measurement into account when you’re choosing your bedroom rug – and we’ll give you some size suggestions! Don’t feel restricted if you’re buying an area rug for a small bedroom - Houzz has plenty of options. Don't hold back with design ideas simply because your room is smaller! Another thing to think about is whether or not you want to rug to go under your nightstands - this is simply a matter of personal preference. Again, we’ll give you some suggestions for both options.

How Big Is My Bed?

The main thing you need to keep in mind when choosing a bedroom rug is the size of your bed. The standard mattress sizes in the US are as follows:

• King size, 76” x 80”
• California King, 72” x 84”
• Queen size, 60” x 80”
• Full bed (sometimes called a “double bed”), 54” x 75”
• Twin bed, 39” x 75”
• Twin XL - designed for taller sleepers, this bed measures 80” long

This will save you measuring your bed but take into account that large-framed beds will be a bit bigger than the mattress measurements. After you know the size of your bed, you should add an extra 24" to both sides. We suggest actually drawing a plan of your bedroom and its furnishings to make sure you can accommodate your chosen rug. Looking at one bed at a time, here are our recommendations for bedroom rug layouts and sizes!

King Size Bed

The smallest rug suggested for a king size bed is a 7’ x 10’ style, which gives you a nice warm edge to step onto and goes up to (but not under) the nightstands. If you have a California King, you’re going to need a bigger rug! The minimum size recommendation for these mighty beds is a 9’ x 12’ style. Choose a rug with a stand-out border, as this will be the main detail on display. For me, I would love to go on with a Bokhara rug since it comes with very elegant yet attractive border work. If you would rather not have a border across your bed’s footprint, which you will have if the rug doesn’t go underneath the nightstands, try something like this luxurious wool and silk rug.

Queen Size Bed

If your room is big enough, and you want that extra touch of luxury, you can keep to the same sizes that we’ve suggested for the king size bed. After all, if it’s good for the king, it’s good for the queen! And besides all this, It will add a flair of exquisiteness to your interior design as well! If you’d prefer to have a slightly smaller rug, the ideal size for a bedroom with a queen bed is 6’ x 9’. This size will take the rug up to the nightstands and give you an essential, comfy border for your feet. A patchwork rug would look incredible in a contemporary-style room, especially against pale-colored baseboards!

Full Size Bed

A full size bed, sometimes called double beds, are usually used for a single occupant. With this style bed, the rug you’ll need depends on how the bed is placed in the room. If it’s pushed up against one wall, you may choose to have a smaller rug next to it, rather than underneath it. If you want the rug to go under the bed, go for the same size you would for a queen bed, 6’ x 9’. We love the stunning shade of this modern Ikat rug, which would give you plenty of rug space around the bed. To go under the nightstands, again, copy the Queen with an 8’ x 10’ rug. This will take up a lot of the floor space of a smaller bedroom, so think about your room border and the positioning of your other furniture as well. A quick summary of these sizes:

• To go up to the nightstands, 6’ x 9’
• To go under the nightstands, 8’ x 10’
• A single rug next to the bed, 4’ x 6’ or 3’ x 5’ each

Twin Bed

The type of area rug you choose for a twin bed (called a “single bed” in the UK) depends on the dimensions of the bedroom just as much as the size of the bed. If it’s a small bedroom, a 5’ x 8’ area rug in the portrait position looks great and maximizes your space. A striped design, like a Kilim rug, will help to make the area look a bit bigger. Or, if you want to see more rug, flip it around into the landscape position (so the bed and the rug form a cross shape), and you’ll have plenty of rug room to step onto. If the bed is against the wall, again, a neat 4’ x 6’or 3’ x 5’ positioned next to it will look good! In a larger bedroom, a 7’ x 10’ rug like this lovely gold Ziegler rug, gives you a beautiful result. Try it either landscape or portrait, depending on the shape and size of your space. A quick summary of these sizes:

• For a small bedroom, 5’ x 8’
• For a larger room, 7’ x 10’
• A single rug next to the bed, 4’ x 6’ or 3’ x 5’
• Twin Beds in one room

There are several ways you can lay a rug in a room with two twin beds. The obvious option is to put your rug between the beds, and this is especially good in a smaller room. Try a 3’ x 5’ rug, or if your space is more generous, try a 4’ x 6’ rug. These modern designs look wonderful in children’s or young persons’ rooms. If your two sleepers get territorial about their rugs (and you have the space), you may want to buy a pair of rugs! If space between the beds is tighter, go narrower by a foot. Another option is to have both beds on one larger rug (pictured above), which has the effect of drawing the furniture together. If the sleepers are happy with a soft rug on just one side of their beds, an 8’ x 10’ will be perfect. If you want a more opulent look and feel, go for a 9’ x 12’ style, allowing for a border of rug on both sides of the beds and more room at the feet. This funky, retro Ziegler rug would make a really lively and unusual floor covering for a modern bedroom, or try something more calm and natural such as this Peshawar Ziegler rug. A quick summary of these sizes:

• A rug between the beds, 4’ x 6’ or 3’ x 5’
• A rug to go under the beds (with no side border), 8’ x 10’
• A rug to go under the beds (with a side border), 9’ x 12’

Right Bedroom Area Rugs

It always helps to mock up an area rug before you commit to buying one, even after you’ve worked out the size and proportions.

1. Mock Up The Area Rug

This can help you decide whether you want a more generous border for example, or help solve the age-old dilemma of on or off the nightstands. It may be that you want to relocate some furniture before you add a rug. As we’ve suggested before, laying out a bed sheet on the floor can give you a great idea of the area of your potential new rug. This isn’t so easy in a bedroom, as a bed is a heavy piece of furniture to move and you don’t want to shift it until the actual rug arrives! Instead, mark out areas with tape to give you an idea of where the rug will sit. Practice getting out of bed to make sure your feet automatically land in the cozy area! If they don’t, it’s time to rethink the rug size.

 

2. What Style Do You Like?

One of the biggest choices you’ll make is whether to go for a traditional or modern style rug. Look around your bedroom. Is it a clean, contemporary style room, or more charmingly cozy? For modern rooms, bold colors and geometric patterns are excellent choices! In older-style homes, highly patterned Oriental rugs look just right. Color is often the biggest influencer when it comes to choosing the design of an area rug. Most of us select our rug’s color based on our existing decor. You can choose a rug by either matching the base color or its accent colors. If you are going for a decorative Oriental rug, you’ll have a lot of lovely, vivid shades to play with. Look at these wonderful Ziegler rugs – you could either work with its warm natural tones, or pick out those scarlet splashes. You can also use color to add drama. If you want the rug to be center stage, a stunning piece like this overdyed rug is perfect. However, if you want your bed or perhaps a painting to be the focal point, go for a more subtly beautiful area rug such as this delicate beauty.

3. Create That Vintage Vibe!

Who said that something vintage can't go well with your bedroom in today's age? A delightfully made Oriental jute rug never gets old and can be shockingly flexible. With a huge number of alternatives as far as shading, texture, scale, and style is concerned, there's an Oriental carpet out there for each space. Regardless of whether you're hoping to highlight a rich English-roused library or your bedroom. Choose your bedroom area rug in accordance to the furniture, walls and the lighting of the room that could either be warm or cool as per your choice. With regards to structuring with Oriental carpets, pursue these tips: Go monochromatic with the room's residual stylistic theme. Coordinate furniture to the shades of the jute rug; and always mix up patterns. Contemporary styles today mix well with a touch of vintage. Placing an area bedroom rug that is a fine mixture of the modern and the conventional era is a pleasant way to create a dramatic touch to the bedroom. The existence of an antique Persian rug in a contemporary room could act as a beautiful addition. Especially, if the shade of the rug suits the room's palette. Like this one!

 

4. Put Together A Hip Mid Century Space!

Animal patterned rugs have been in style for whatever area you plan to highlight in your living space. The interesting thing with such animal patterns is shapes other than the basic geometric ones you generally find. For instance, this Zebra stripes area rug adds a touch of personal style. With its animal-like outline shape, while also giving it a modern stylish look. Similarly, a limited yet funky sitting space could become more inviting if placed right with an appropriate size. For instance, the furniture below is not directly placed on the rug. Nonetheless, it still complements the overall look just by proper placement of the rug directed towards the stairs.

 

5. Play With Shapes!

Bedroom rugs shouldn't be mainstream, you can play with the shapes always! Round area rugs add some dimensional variety in an otherwise very angular space. You could choose to go with a simple white round area rug and it would go well with most of your interior. White round area rugs add a very posh touch to any room decor. Pair it with a monochromatic scheme and make a statement of your own!

6. Plan Minimalist Bedrooms

If you're looking for a large bedroom rug, such types of area rugs would look great in rooms with neutral tones. The interior of the bedroom, as well as the rug, add a very modern and classy touch to the room. You can choose the area rug to directly match with the shades of the bed. Also, since it's in contrast with the wooden walls, it adds a great minimalistic touch to the bedroom.

 

7. Design Snug Little Spaces With Shag!

If you plan on giving a limited space in your house a cozy touch, opt for a comfortable shag or fur! Soft fur area rugs are sure to add a certain warmth to your room. Whether you like placing yours at the foot of the bed, by the nightstand or just for decorative purposes. These can be practical with the added benefit of bringing the whole space together. Such area bedroom rugs can work either in a king-size bedroom or a kid's bedroom. They add a beautiful texture to the room and give the room a more comfortable and relaxing feel. You can either match the area rug's color with the walls like in the picture below or go in contrast with the interior of the bedroom. Either way, you can never go wrong with this one! Adding a shag area rug that matches the light color tone of your bedroom gives the room a comfortable and calm ambiance. Pair this with a different colored element in your interior and the room will have an interesting depth to its decor. Or you could add a shag area rug in contrast to the color theme of your bedroom like this white rug has been set with the overall dark brown color tone. Such subtle contrasting themes can make your room look very chic.

 

8. Go Monochromatic

In a minimalistic setting, the use of colors and sizes in a rug can contribute a great deal to the feel of the room. A small round area rug like this, at the foot of the bed looks perfect in contrast to the interior of the room and unifies the room together. This muted gray design of the rug makes a great combination with whatever interior you are planning for your living space. Whether the walls are orange, blue, brown or grey and regardless of your furniture style, a muted grey area rug is a classic option. Similarly, a grey shag rug could be also a great option for your space. Pair it with a similar tonal combination of the rest of the setup or a contrasting one. A grey area rug will always be in style! With a unique boho green colored wall like this, you could go with a neutral-toned area rug like grey or white, to balance out the colors of the room.

 

9. Color And Pattern Coordinate Your Area Rugs!

This is an area rug that will give the whole area a vibe that is completely firm and simple to work with. Rooms that have a separate sitting area are generally bigger in size. For larger bedrooms, it is important for you to choose an area rug that is significant in size. You could add up a mixture of colorful furniture with modern decorating and an area rug that is in contrast to the rest of the bedroom.The other alternative is to go for 6′ x 9′. This will be ideal for having the front legs of your sitting area furniture set on the rug. It's a fantastic decision if you're looking to unify the room together with its interior. Pay attention to your bed frame's covering, your side tables, or your bedding. If the majority of your room is covered in a strong shading, it's smart to choose a pattern that brings out a lively atmosphere.

 

10. The Ideal Mix; Stripes And Geometrics!

Adding neutral shades of black, white and grey can instantly transform your space into a modern setting. Moreover, these shades work well with a lot of themes out there. Don't be afraid to go experimental with chevrons, stripes or geometrics for they can work equally well with any theme!The flexibility of high contrast stripes enables them to be presented in an assortment of settings. Be it seaside or nautical-themed space, a Nordic style, a rural setting or a moderate, present-day space. It will compliment all these settings in its way. In your bedroom, you can use a striped black and white area rug to complement a black painting on the wall. This works just as well as with a black bed and nightstands, studying table or even a rack! If plain stripes aren't your cup of tea, you can find inspiration in area rugs like the one in the picture below. A striped rug like this one will give your kid's bedroom a geometrical theme. While also adding a stylish feel and versatility to the room.

 

Contemporary Twist To Your Space

We all know white is an elegant color and can make your bedroom look sophisticated. So if your room's interior is all white, a white shag rug will only add to the elegance while also giving your space a cozier look.

A Modern Cowhide

Cowhide area rugs will surely add a rustic elegance to your bedroom. There is so much to play with in terms of color combinations with a cowhide area rug. For instance, a black and white patterned cowhide rug can be put in place with both solid and textured or patterned upholstery for your furniture. Or, to give your bedroom a stronger look, go with ties in brown and beige. This will complement your sleek more modern furniture.

 

Aim For Classic Elegance

If you are opting for a more subtle overall look for your room, go for a muted pattern in a similar tonal variation. This could add to the elegance of all your elements of the decor put together. A muted pattern like this area rug gives an overall elegant feel to the bedroom. In addition, it also covers a good portion of the hardwood floor.  When you have a very minimalistic set of furniture items for your room, make sure to add a fluffy more comfortable for the furniture to place on.

Place Small Area Rugs

If you are planning to highlight the rest of the furniture and theme of the room, play with minimal sizes in terms of rugs. Small area rugs like this one can make a huge statement in your bedroom. A muted pattern in Aztec red and brown in combination with the loud solid colored furniture and walls enhances the vibe. Or you could experiment with the placement and instead of keeping everything so centralized, opt for an off-center placement!

Transform Your Kid’s Space Into A Subtle But Fun Haven

Decorate your child’s nursery room through the use of rugs. A little pop of color and pattern could induce a warm yet energetic vibe for the child. The black wall along with the pink and striped area rug adds a very posh look to the room. For your little girl, a single color themed bedroom with a light colored rug in the same scheme could be the perfect setting if done right! The light pink fluffy area rug matches the pink-themed bedroom perfectly!

 

Durability And Care

The area rug in your bedroom does not get walked on as much as its counterpart in the living room. A bedroom does not get as much footfall as a living room or hallway, and you’re more likely to be barefoot or in soft-soled slippers than in outdoor shoes. However, yes, the rug still needs to be durable for several key reasons. The first one is walking routes. Our passage around our bedrooms is predictable. We probably all follow the same path every single day: between the door and the bed, in and out of bed, the quickest route from the bed to the closet. As you can imagine, it would be easy to wear a track in your rug. Your bedroom area rug will need to be good quality to deal with your daily walking patterns. Second, and especially in a bedroom, you want your bedroom carpet to be comfortable. A thin rug that instantly flattens is not welcoming for bare feet first thing in the morning. A robust rug won’t go bald on you. Finally, you want your rug to last. It’s always a false economy to buy a cheap product that wears out quickly and a real hassle to regularly replace your floor covering. As we alluded to earlier, a large bed is an unwieldy piece of furniture to move. When the rug’s down, it’s staying down!

 

Choose A Hand-Knotted Rug

If you want a top-quality area rug that will last, go for a hand-knotted one. These are made by expert artisans, who often come from families of highly-skilled rug makers. These rugs are made on specialized looms, and each knot is tied by hand. There can be as many as 200 knots per square inch in a high-end area rug (look out for the term KPSI to find out how many knots a particular rug has). This painstaking process produces tough, durable rugs which last for years. Much as rug-making skills have been passed down through the generations, so will your rug! Some people feel that because it’s “just a bedroom” with limited footfall that a machine-made rug will do. To some extent, it will. However, the first time you walk across a machine-made rug in bare feet and realize that the springiness has all been squashed away, you’ll start to appreciate that you get what you pay for.

 

Caring For Your Bedroom Area Rug

A bedroom area rug is less likely to suffer at the hands of kids and the paws of pets, and spillages are infrequent in a room that doesn’t see much food and drink. However, you’ll still need to take some simple preventative measures to look after it. The main enemy of the bedroom area rug is UV light which can fade its colors over time. You may have windows that have low-e glass or have been coated in UV protection, which really help preserve your rug’s vivid colors. If you haven’t, think about closing the blinds when strong sunlight is streaming in. Rotating the rug is another solution. We appreciate that this won’t be an easy task if your furniture is standing on the rug, however it’ll be worth the effort to avoid patchy fading! If there’s a quality area rug in the kids’ bedrooms, it will no doubt need some extra cleaning to deal with spillages and general mess. Of course, it’s not just the children that may occasionally spill things on the rug – watch out for the cup of coffee on your nightstand!

 

Budget For A Bedroom Rug

Given the incredible care that goes into its manufacture, it’s not a surprise that a hand-knotted area rug costs more than its machine-made equivalent. It’s up to you to decide whether you are happy to regularly replace your rug as it wears out, or if you’d prefer to pay for a top-quality item that will last for years. Long-term, a quality hand-knotted rug is an investment rather than an expense. Once you've bought it, you won’t need to think about buying a new rug for ages - possibly ever, as hand-knotted rugs are often handed down to children and grandchildren. A machine-made rug may be an initial bargain – but if it’s not up to the job and soon needs replacing, it's a false economy. And of course, as well as cost, there’s the hassle of choosing a new rug, recycling the worn-out one, shifting all your furniture – again. So, when you’re budgeting for a rug, there’s more to think about than the initial outlay. If you have a tight budget, but still want to invest in a quality hand-knotted rug, you can always go for a smaller size.

 

A bedroom rug can be a game-changer for your sleep, health, and overall well-being. A good rug will keep you cozy in the winter months and provide a soft place to rest your feet at night. It also adds a touch of style to any room! Most people like to decorate their bedroom with their favorite color, pattern, or different prints and patterns. However, there are many other options and different color combinations to choose from. RugKnots have compiled 100 bedroom area rugs that will make your home a warm and comforting place. Choose one that matches your style today! Your feet will thank you for it later on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedroom Rugs

1. What Type Of Rug Is Best For The Bedroom?

There are many different types of rugs that work for the bedroom, it really depends on what you're looking for when picking your rug! If you want a soft feel underfoot then we recommend going with wool or natural fibers like cotton and linen. Wool is naturally hypoallergenic which means if someone in your family is allergic to certain materials then you'll want to stick with wool.

2. What Is A Good Size Rug For A Bedroom?

A good size rug for a bedroom is usually about the size of your bed, so it's best to measure the length and width of your bed before you go shopping. If you don't measure your bed accurately then you might buy a rug that's too short or too long, and we know how much effort it takes to return something!

3. What Is The Difference Between Carpeting And Rugs?

Carpeting generally refers to thicker woven materials like wool while area rugs refer more broadly to everything from lush pile knits to wool-blend chenille while rugs are thinner, usually made of wool or cotton.

4. Where Should An Area Rug Be Placed In A Bedroom?

An area rug should be placed on the floor in front of your bed, and maybe at the foot if you don't have a lot of space. But, if you have a smaller bedroom you might want to use area rugs on the floor in front of your bed and across from it, or maybe one at each side if there's enough room. Also, you can use it on walls, like a headboard, or to soften up hard surfaces.

5. What Color Should I Get For My Bedroom Rug?

The best answer is that any color will work as long as it coordinates with the rest of your space. Colors play an important role in setting moods and feelings. But, if it's for a bedroom you might want to go with pastels or light colors like beige, cream, or taupe because they're less visually heavy than darker tones. A lot of people think that brighter colors are more energizing while dark shades can make you feel down, but it's really up to you what feels right for that space.

6. Which Material For The Rug Is Best For The Bedroom?

The best material for a bedroom rug is going to depend on the use of that space and what you're looking for in terms of durability, texture, or softness. There are so many different materials out there with advantages and disadvantages but it's important to note that if you want something really plush feeling then wool rugs would probably be your best option.

7. What Should I Do If My Rug Is Too Large For My Bedroom?

Sometimes a rug will be so big that the edges won't even reach the walls or furniture. If this happens to you, don't worry! All you need is a rug mat under your rug and that will help it fit better into the space. You can also replace the rug and have it cut to size if you need it shorter.

8. What Should I Do If My Rug Is Too Large For My Bedroom?

If your bedroom already has carpet then we recommend getting an area rug that can be placed on top of it. This will add style and texture to your room and it will make your place even more cozy and comfy.

9. What Should I Do If My Bedroom Is Too Cold?

If your room feels a little too chilly then you can always heat it up with the help of a rug! Rugs will create more warmth in any space, and they're also nice to walk on when you have bare feet. So having one underfoot could be just the thing you need.

10. What Are Some Ways To Style My Rug?

A small and sleek rug can be styled by placing it in front of your bed, with a modern pouf at one end for reading or entertaining guests. A larger area rug can be paired with an upholstered bench near your entertainment center. Or, if you like to change up your décor frequently, a large rug can be styled in more than one way.

11. What Should I Do If My Bedroom Has A Balcony?

If you have a bedroom with a balcony then you can also decorate your bedroom balcony. If you want to decorate with rugs on the outside then we recommend getting a rug made of natural materials such as cotton, wool, or bamboo that can handle outdoor conditions better than other types of material for example synthetic or man-made. You can find many Outdoor rugs on our website as well so, if you don't see what you are looking for on this list, then we recommend checking out our other products.

12. Where Can I Find Rugs Online For The Bedroom?

You can find rugs for the bedroom at many different retailers, but it's our experience that if you don't see what you are looking for elsewhere then we recommend checking our website RugKnots. Here you will find good quality bedroom rugs with free shipping. We also have sale and discount offers so check out our website.

The bedroom is a more forgiving room for this than the living room. A small rug in a large room simply doesn’t look right; however, in the bedroom, a pair of small rugs on either side of the bed may cost less than a single large one, and will still give a marvelous effect. Of course, you can look out for one of our sales, and choose your perfect rug at a fantastic price! And when you have a shortlist of rugs that meet these criteria, ask yourself the most important question of all – which one do I love the most? If you have any queries feel free to email us at info@rugknots.com or call us at (301) 660-7046‬.