A Guide to Bedroom Rug Rules: Placement, Size, & Style

We’re all in on that first-toe-on-softness feeling. Rugs in bedrooms aren’t just for comfort (though, yes, they make 7 AM wake-ups a little less brutal) — they’re the unsung heroes that tie the whole space together. 

Think of them as the punctuation mark at the end of your bed’s statement.

Whether you’re puzzled about rug placement in the bedroom, figuring out what size rug for a queen bed, or hunting down rugs for bedrooms that can keep up with snack crumbs and zoomies — this is your no-nonsense guide to getting it right.

Where to place a rug in the bedroom?

Let’s get one thing out of the way: “under the bed” isn’t your only move. The beauty of rugs in bedrooms is that placement is as flexible as your Sunday morning plans. Here’s how to do it well — whatever your bed size or design mood.

Under the bed

This is the go-to, the tried-and-true bedroom rug placement. Lay an area rug in your bedroom so it sits under the bottom two-thirds of your bed. It should extend past the foot and sides — around 18 to 24 inches — giving your feet a plush place to land (no more cold-floor wake-up calls).

At the foot of the bed

For cozier bedrooms or when you've already got carpet playing nicely on the floor, a small to medium rug tucked at the very end of your bed is a genius move. It adds texture, anchors your space, and creates that “oh hey, I thought of everything” kind of vibe without overwhelming precious floor space.

Runners on each side

Want something symmetrical without committing to a grand area rug? Try a pair of narrow runners flanking either side of the bed. It’s a clever alternative, especially in tighter spaces or when you simply crave easy, soft access for both sides of the bed.

Layered beside a bench or ottoman

Got an ottoman or bedroom bench cozying up at the foot of your bed? Tuck a small rug underneath — around 3'×5' or 4'×6' often works wonders. 

This placement instantly anchors that piece, giving it a beautifully intentional spot while adding an extra layer of warmth and texture right where you might need it most.

Bonus points if it introduces a new texture or pattern. A natural fibre option brings subtle contrast and depth without overwhelming the space. 

Choose the right rug size for your bed

You’ve got the perfect spot in mind — now let’s talk size. 

A rug that’s too small can feel like an afterthought, while one that’s too large might just swallow your space whole. The goal? A rug that grounds the bed and pulls the whole room together.

Not sure what size rug for a queen bed or king bed? Here’s a quick guide:

Choose a rug material that fits your lifestyle

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat, not a room you tiptoe around in fear of a rogue crumb. Choose a rug material that supports your lifestyle, whether that’s cool and casual or cozy and kid-and-pet proof. Here’s how to find yours:

Wool rugs

If you’re after something plush, warm, and built to last, wool is your best friend. Naturally insulating and resilient, wool rugs are perfect for creating that sink-your-toes-in feeling with your very first step onto the floor each morning. 

It’s that little slice of indulgence that sets a blissful tone for the day ahead, making even early alarms feel a bit more bearable.

Try our Cora Wool Area Rug, responsibly sourced from New Zealand wool and handmade for a luxe, grounded touch. Imagine stepping onto its soft embrace after a long day, or watching your little ones comfortably play on its durable surface – it’s a tangible piece of comfort and quality in your busy home.

Cotton rugs

Lightweight and wonderfully breathable, cotton rugs are incredibly easy to wash and quick to refresh – basically, your fuss-free floor situation. 

They’re absolutely fantastic if you love switching things up seasonally or simply prefer a low-maintenance look that doesn't compromise on delightful softness. These beauties are perfect for casual, laid-back bedrooms that still know how to look effortlessly chic.

Jute rugs

For a touch of raw, unpretentious beauty that somehow just gets your space, look no further than jute. The Yara Jute Area Rug, handmade with a jute blend, brings organic texture into your space without overwhelming it. 

Tuck it under a bench or layer it beside your bed to subtly infuse your space with natural depth.

Performance and synthetic rugs

Need something a little more forgiving? Performance rugs, often made from synthetic fibres, are designed for real life – the one filled with spontaneous snack attacks, enthusiastic pet zoomies, and all those delightful, unpredictable moments. They’re easy to clean, stubbornly resistant to spills, and tough enough to handle just about anything your busy home throws their way.

Style your rug like you’d style your bed

Your rug isn’t background noise — it’s the base note in your bedroom’s symphony, bringing harmony to everything around it — from dressers and wardrobes to modern side tables and contemporary accent chairs.

So, use it to play up furniture, textures, and tones for a space that sings.

Go tonal for a seamless look

Choose a rug that echoes the tones and textures of your key furniture pieces. Pair cream wool rugs with light oak. Match sandy jutes with rattan or cane. When your rug layout in the bedroom flows with the room’s palette, the result creates visual continuity that feels intentional and polished.

Contrast to create visual interest

Feeling a little daring? If your furniture’s sleek and minimal, go for texture or pattern in the rug. A geometric print or a high-pile weave can add warmth and break up too many hard lines.

And if your bedroom’s full of visual flair? A neutral rug can be the calm eye in your design storm.

Match materials, not just colors

Beyond color, material matters too. A jute rug beneath a rattan cabinet brings out their shared earthiness, while a plush wool rug paired with velvet cushions or fabric wardrobes adds to the tactile richness of the room that just begs to be touched. 

It’s all about creating a symphony for the senses.

Don’t forget scale and function

Make sure your rug plays nicely with other furniture. For instance, if you have a wide dresser or wardrobe along one wall, ensure the rug leaves enough space to open drawers or doors comfortably. 

Runners or smaller rugs can also help define secondary zones, like a reading corner or vanity setup, without crowding the room.

Pro tip: If your bed and rug are already working together, look to your other furnishings for cues. Is your bedside table walnut wood? A rug with warm undertones will complement it. Got brushed gold handles on your dresser? Try a rug with subtle golden threads or a mustard-toned pattern.

Wrap up your room with the perfect rug

Whether you’re drawn to the earthy feel of jute, the cosy warmth of wool, or the easy care of cotton, the perfect rug should suit your space, lifestyle, and style preferences. From modern minimalists to maximalist dreamers, there’s a rug for every bedroom.

Frequently asked questions about rugs in bedrooms

What size rug for a queen bed?

For a queen bed, the sweet spot is typically a 6'x9' or 8'x10' area rug. These sizes leave enough space on all sides of the bed — ideally around 18 to 24 inches — so your feet land on something soft when you get up. 

It also helps frame the bed, anchoring it visually without overwhelming the room. If your space allows, size up for extra coziness.

How to layer rugs in the bedroom?

Layering rugs is less about rigid rules and more about visual rhythm. Start with a large, neutral base rug (think flatwoven or jute), then top it off with a smaller rug that adds texture or pattern, like a soft wool or cotton option under a bench or in front of your bed. 

Not only does it create depth, but it also lets you switch things up easily with the seasons or your moods.

How to place an area rug in a bedroom?

When it comes to rug placement, bedroom feng shui has a thing or two to say — and it’s not just about looks. Placing a rug under your bed doesn’t just create that plush step-out moment in the morning. It also helps ground the space, bringing a sense of calm and balance that supports better rest.

Want an even more anchored feel? Try a larger area rug that fits beneath both your bed and nightstands. This ties the whole sleep zone together and creates a more harmonious energy flow (bonus: it looks polished, too).

Prefer a lighter touch? Two matching runners on either side of the bed can symbolise balance, especially lovely in a shared space. Or place one long runner at the foot of the bed for a subtle grounding moment that won’t crowd the room.