How to Pick the Size of a Rug Under a Bed

Picture this: You wake up in the morning, refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of the day. You stretch, throw your legs over the side of the bed, stand up, and.. jump back into bed and under the blankets, feet as cold as icicles! This challenging start to your otherwise glorious morning could easily be overcome with a nice area rug, large enough to give your feet a comfortable landing pad. Figuring out the right size for an under-the-bed rug does not have to be a difficult journey, and depending on your bedroom aesthetic, you have a few different options when it comes to size.

Quick Breakdown

For king-sized beds, a 9’ X 12’ is the best option. For queen-sized beds, an 8’ X 10’ is the most popular size. For full-sized beds, a 6’ X 9’ is a wise choice, and a twin bed would look good with a 5’ X 7’. These sized rugs will cover the width and length of the bed, leaving about 2’ of space on either side.

Other than those general size considerations, you also have some design options to play with:

Option 1: Bed Only

Let’s start with the basics. Measure your bed frame and then add at least 18” on each side for it to extend.  For a queen bed, a 5’ x 7’ rug would be the smallest, 7’ x 10’ would be the best for a standard-sized room, and an 8’ x 10’ is good for including furniture. One thing to consider is that if you go with a smaller size rug, trying to place your nightstands will make the area around your bed look and feel cramped. Your best bet, in that case, would be to place the rug so that the nightstands are off by moving the rug towards the foot of the bed.

Option 2: Furniture Friendly

Going with an 8’ x 10’ or larger means you can anchor your nightstands on the rug. This size gives you plenty of room for added comfort and shows more of the design and color of the rug, which will play into the overall aesthetic of your room. One thing you don’t want to do is have only half the legs of the nightstand on the rug, as this will create an unbalanced look.

If you have the space, consider going with a 9’ x 12’ rug, as this will allow for a more dynamic impact and give ample space for other furniture. This size gives the best proportions for king-sized beds and comfortably fits two nightstands and a bench at the end while still providing enough coverage for walking around.

When it comes to your dresser, the edge of the rug should not press up against the legs. Either place the entire dresser on the rug or choose a rug that will end 3”-4” before the dresser.

Option 3: Halfway There

If you fall in love with a smaller-sized rug, you do have options, such as moving the rug a quarter or halfway down the length of the bed. This is also a good choice if you have an ottoman or bench at the foot of your bed, as the rug will extend well past the end. For this style, you can go with a small rug, such as a 5’ x 8’, with the 8’ side going across the width of the bed and moving the rug halfway down the bed so that it extends 18” past the end.

Option 4: Runners

Runners are another option and a good choice if your room is asymmetrical. Find a runner rug that is slightly wider than your nightstands, and that won’t extend past the end of the bed. The runners should be placed on either side of your bed and without any furniture on top of them.

Last But Not Least

Choosing a too-small rug will make a larger room feel off-balance, while going with a larger rug can make your room feel more prominent. If you go with a larger rug, try and leave at least 8” of space between the edge of the rug and the walls. Measure the size of your bed frame, not just the mattress, and keep in consideration the size of your room as well to compensate for the 8” of space.