Rug Size for King Bed: The Best Layouts You Can Try

Rug Size for King Bed: The Best Layouts You Can Try

A bedroom without a rug rarely appears complete. These pieces of fabric not only add comfort and warmth to a room but also play an important role in defining its look and feel. That’s why the rug size under the king bed makes one of the most frequent dilemmas our designers solve during consultations. So, if you’re on the hunt for a new bedroom rug and unsure what to choose, don’t worry: we are here to help. In this blog post, we will discuss bedroom rug issues and provide some valuable tips—read on to learn more.

How to Determine the Best Bedroom Rug Size

Symmetry and balance provide a sense of calm that’s particularly important in the bedroom. When it comes to choosing a rug for such space, proportion is everything. In other words, your bedroom vibes depend on the right rug size, which directly depends on the size of your bed. A rug that is too small will make the room look unfinished, while a rug that is too large can make the space appear cramped and feel weird.

Rug Under Bed Rules: Where to Put It

The typical position of the bed is against one wall in the bedroom. Underneath the bed, your rug should stretch evenly. You’ll want to have a sufficient surface to step on when getting up, while also considering the surrounding floor space. 

That means your bedroom rug should stop short of or extend beyond the main foot traffic flow. The reason is simple: you should walk on (or off) the carpet surface rather than its edges. In addition, make sure the carpeting does not block the path of your door.

For example, if your bed is standard 76″ x 80″, you could comfortably use a rug that is nine or ten feet wide by twelve feet long. The ideal size would depend on the bed design, as well as the dimensions of your bedside tables and whether or not you use a bed bench. 

This is what such a setup can look like:

A 12” x 10” rug size under a king bed with a large headboard and a bench
A 12” x 10” rug size under a king bed with a large headboard and a bench

But there’s another catch.

King Bed Sizes

Even though the bed sizes are seemingly determined by their names, in reality, the numbers are not so simple. There is no one-size-fits-all. For instance, despite the universal title, a “king bed” can range from 72 inches (~183 cm) to 108 inches ( ~275 cm) in width and from 80 inches (~203 cm) to 108 inches (~275 cm) in length. 

Here is a comparison chart:

King bed sizes compared
King bed sizes compared

These are the five most common king bed sizes in the market:

  • Standard King Bed: 76″ x 80″ or 193 x 203.5 cm  
  • California King Bed: 72″ x 84″ or 183 x 213.5 cm
  • Wyoming King Bed: 84″ x 84″ or 213.5 x 213.5 cm
  • Texas or Super King Bed: 80″ x 98″ or 203.5 x 249 cm
  • Alaska King Bed: 108″ x 108″ or 275 x 275 cm

Queen Bed Sizes

Contrastly to the king bed variety, queen beds are typically found in two different versions:

  • Standard Queen Bed: 60″ x 80″ or 152 x 203.5 cm
  • Olympic Queen Bed: 66″ x 80″ or 167 x 203.5 cm
Queen & king bed size chart
Queen & king bed size chart

The fool-proof way to determine the ideal rug size for your bedroom is by measuring your specific bed dimension plus two feet added to each side. Doing that will easily ensure that the rug is large enough to anchor the space and create a cohesive look. However, there is more than one setup that you could opt for.

What Sizes of Rug Can Go Under King Bed

Trendy rugs and patterns layering idea by Homilo
Trendy rugs and patterns layering idea by Homilo

The rule of thumb says you should never put a rug to cover the whole floor. Even if you have a wall-to-wall carpet, you can still enhance it by placing a rug under the king bed. If you choose this option, it will define the sleep zone, making the whole room appear more put together. You’ll also get bonus points for layering: it’s one of the hot trends right now.  

Let’s look at several different rug sizes and positions under a king bed in standard proportions.

Area rug under king bed
Area rug under a king bed
  • The first option is to have the entire setup on the rug, including bedside tables. In this case, you need to be careful with rug length, leaving at least 10″ between its edge and the bench. 
  • The most common arrangement comprises a slightly smaller rug placed at least 10″ away from the bedside tables. 
  • For purely decorative purposes, you can use something tiny, such as 9′ x 6′ rugs, or even go asymmetrical. 
  • A runner on each side of the bed makes a stylish yet functional alternative to a large rug.

The same under-the-bed rug rules apply to using a rug under the queen bed.

Area rug under queen bed
Area rug under a queen bed

An 8′ x 10′ queen bed rug size should work in most cases, leaving about 3 feet of free surface on each side. If you go for a conventional setup, this is probably the best solution. 

Break-the-rules asymmetrical rug under king bed in a bedroom by Homilo
Break-the-rules asymmetrical rug under king bed in a bedroom by Homilo

Finally, if you are blessed with ample floor space and inspired to break the rules, you could ditch the rug under the king bed idea altogether. Consider placing it elsewhere, like in this room. 

What are Other Rug-Under-Bed Rules?

A textured neutral rug under king bed adding a tactile dimension to a small contemporary bedroom, render by Homilo
A textured neutral rug under the king bed adds a tactile dimension to a small contemporary bedroom; render by Homilo

Once you have determined the right size of your rug under the king bed, the next step is to choose a style that fits your taste. If you’re going for a traditional look, a Persian or Oriental-style rug would be a great choice. For a more modern aesthetic, try a geometric print or color blocks. And if you want to add some personality to the space, opt for a rug with a unique, eye-catching pattern.

However, before you buy, consider the room’s function in relation to the desired color and pattern. A design too busy might prove too distracting in a space meant for relaxation. A neutral rug is a no-brainer in terms of creating a serene atmosphere.

Choose a rug with a low pile. A high pile rug will be more likely to bunch up and slide around, which is not ideal in a bedroom.

Also, if you have hardwood floors, look for non-slip backing to keep the rug from sliding.

Layered rugs under king bed render by Homilo
Layered rugs under king bed render by Homilo

No matter what style you pick, always check the composition label to know if the rug is made from quality materials. Not only will this ensure that your rug lasts for years to come, but it will also make it more comfortable to walk on and softer to the touch. Unless, of course, you love changing your rug after a couple of seasons. In that case, design is paramount. 

How to care for a rug under a king/queen bed?

A pair of 5” x 3” rugs on the sides of a king bed, render by Homilo
A pair of 5” x 3” rugs on the sides of a king bed; render by Homilo

You should rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear. When vacuuming, use the soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fibers. You can also have your rug professionally cleaned every 12-18 months to keep it looking its best.

If you have a rug pad, inspect it regularly and replace it as needed. A good-quality rug pad will prolong the life of your rug and help prevent slipping.

What rug under the king bed size and layout do you prefer?

Sometimes, conventional ideas are simply not tempting enough. If that’s your case, consult our experts free of charge and achieve something unique!

 

Featured image credit: [1]