The Right Way to Place a Rug Under Your Bed

An area rug can tie your bedroom together in ways that even your favourite throw pillow can’t. It adds warmth. It defines the space. It completes that carefully curated furniture story. 

But figuring out how to place a rug under a bed without it looking awkward or out of place? That’s the real head-scratcher.

Good news is we’ve thought about this long enough so that you don’t have to. In this guide, we’ll unroll everything you need to know to master the art of rug placement under your bed — because a poorly placed rug is one design mistake your soles (and soul) shouldn’t suffer.

Why bother with rugs under the bed?

So, what’s the big deal with putting a carpet underneath the bed? Besides looking great, there are many practical benefits to using a rug that you might just fall in love with:

• Cosy on contact: Stepping onto soft, plush fabric when you get out of bed is a whole different level of morning luxury. A small luxury, but one we absolutely live for.
  
  

• Sound control without trying too hard: Wood or tile floors love to echo. A carpet underneath the bed works like a mute button, softening sound and creating a calmer, more private retreat.
  
  

• Anchoring power: Your bed might be the star, but without a rug to anchor it, it can feel like it’s floating. The right rug grounds the room and visually holds everything together.
  
  

• Floor protection: Let's be real, life happens. Rugs catch the messes before your floors do. Think scuffs, dents from bed legs, or that time you spilled coffee during a sleepy Sunday scroll.

These turn a simple rug into a bedroom essential. Getting this detail right means creating better mornings, quieter evenings, and a comforting space. Isn't that what a truly lived-in bedroom is all about?

The five golden rules of rug placement under a bed

Now for the nitty-gritty, the stuff that separates the rug-savvy from the rug-regretting. This is our cheat sheet for how to place a rug under a bed without any measuring tape meltdowns. 

Forget rigid geometry, we're talking about visual harmony and a bit of common sense.

Rule 1: Give your rug room to breathe 

This is where we get a little fussy, but for good reason. Your rug should never touch the walls. Ever. Always leave a margin of at least 15 to 30 cm between the edge of your rug and your bedroom walls. 

A rug crammed up against a wall looks like it’s trying too hard to fit in, and it makes the room feel smaller and less polished. Give your rug (and your room) space to breathe; it makes the entire space feel more expansive and thoughtfully designed. 

Rule 2: Your rug must be big enough to anchor your bed

A rug that's too small will look like a sad postage stamp under your grand bed, completely disconnected from the furniture it's meant to anchor. You need a rug large enough to anchor the bed and define the zone around it.

Rule 3: Give yourself space to land

What’s the point of a rug if it doesn’t even show up when you step out of bed? Your rug should extend far enough beyond the sides and foot of your bed to provide a plush surface when you step out. 

We're talking a minimum of 45 to 60 cm of rug showing on all exposed sides. Anything less and you'll find yourself half on, half off the rug — and what's the point of that? This ensures maximum cosy factor and truly grounds your bed within the space.

Rule 4: Ground your bedside tables (or don’t)

This is an important choice that impacts the overall look and feel of your bedroom. There’s no right or wrong here, but you do have to commit to a specific look.

Do you want your rug to go all the way up, tucking under your bedside table and reaching towards the headboard? Or do you prefer it to stop just before your bedside tables, starting roughly two-thirds down the length of your bed? 

Both are valid, but choose intentionally. Placing it under the bedside table creates a more cohesive, expansive look, while stopping short can work in smaller bedrooms or if you want to highlight more of your flooring.

Rule 5: Don’t block the door (seriously)

This one might seem obvious, but it's a trap many fall into. Before committing to your rug, always check your bedroom door’s clearance.

Nothing's worse than finding the perfect rug only for it to act as a giant, frustrating speed bump. Measure the clearance from the bottom of your door to the floor, especially if you have a thick pile rug. A little foresight here saves a lot of head-scratching later.

Minimum rug sizes for your bed size

We cannot stress this enough: do not go too small. A small rug peeking out from under your bed is the design equivalent of wearing shoes two sizes too small — it’s awkward, uncomfortable, and frankly, makes the whole room feel off. 

When in doubt, always size up above your bed dimensions. You'll thank us later when you're sinking your toes into that glorious expanse of softness every morning.

What size should your rug be under a king bed?

For a king-sized bed, you need a rug that can match its grand scale.

• 8 x 10 feet: This is the minimum we'd suggest, providing a basic soft landing around the bed.
  
  

• 9 x 12 feet: This is the sweet spot for most king beds, offering generous coverage that truly anchors the space and allows for ample rug to step onto on all sides. 

What size should your rug be under a queen bed?

For a queen-sized bed, we recommend the following rug sizes.

• 6 x 9 feet: This size works as a good starting point, providing a cosy landing pad around the bed.
  
  

• 8 x 10 feet: This is the generally preferred size for a queen bed, offering significantly more rug to step onto on both sides and at the foot of the bed.

What size should your rug be under a single bed?

For a single bed, you have a few practical options.

• 5 x 8 feet: This is a versatile option if you want the rug to extend comfortably beyond the sides and foot of the single bed.
  
  

• 3 x 5 feet: For smaller rooms or if the bed is against a wall, a 3x5 rug can be placed partially under the bed (e.g., the bottom two-thirds) or positioned beside it for a cosy landing.

A quick cheat sheet for rug placement under a bed

Sweet dreams, soft landings

Mastering rug placement under your bed isn’t just about style — it’s about creating comfort, quiet, and cohesion in the room you spend the most time in. It’s a subtle move, but when done right, it turns your bedroom from “just a room” into your personal sanctuary.

The perfect rug doesn’t just sit there. It welcomes you, cushions you, defines your space — and yes, it completes the vibe.

Frequently asked questions about rug placements under beds

Which way should a rug go in a bedroom?

Ideally, a rug should be placed horizontally under the bed, perpendicular to its length. This lets the rug extend outwards on both sides and the foot, for ample soft landing space when you get in and out.

What is the rule of thumb for rugs under the bed?

The main rule of thumb is to ensure the rug extends at least 45 to 60 cm beyond the sides and foot of your bed. This grounds the bed, provides comfort, and makes the bedroom feel more expansive and cohesive.

How to layer rugs in the bedroom?

Start with a large neutral rug, like jute or wool, then add a smaller, patterned rug over it for visual contrast. Place the top rug slightly off-center under the bed or in a seating area to keep it feeling effortless.