What Size Rug Should Go Under a King Bed?
The Spruce / Paige McLaughlin
If you are picking the right size rug to go under a king-size bed, typically a 9x12 is going to be the right fit. But the key is a rug that is well-proportioned to your entire room and complements your existing aesthetic. One that’s too big can make a room feel crowded, one that’s too small can look out of place, but the right size can define the bed within your room and add a warm, soft landing for your feet.
To help you choose the right size the first time, here are tips for how to choose the best sized rug for your king bed.
King Size Bed Dimensions
Before we discuss rugs, it's important to note the dimensions of a king-size bed. King-size beds generally measure out to be 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, California king-size beds are slightly longer, at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. The bed frame that you select might impact how much physical and visual space it takes up. A large wooden frame is going to add inches, while only selecting an upholstered headboard won't add significant space. Keep your bed frame in mind while selecting an area rug.
What Should Go on the Area Rug?
The first step in sizing is to decide what you’re actually going to put on your rug. Key items to keep in mind are the bed frame, nightstands, and bench that might sit at the foot of your bed. It’s often said that all key furniture pieces in a room should fit under the area rug. But, since king-size beds are so large, there are some exceptions when it comes to this rule. There are several options for what to include on an area rug alongside a king-size:
Only the bed frame goes on the area rug.
The bed frame, nightstand, and bench all fully sit on the rug.
The lower two-thirds of the bed and the bench sit on the rug. This leaves the head of the bed and the nightstands on bare floor.
The lower third of the bed and the bench go on the rug. This option is great for longer rooms and shows off more of the rug’s design.
Essentially, you’ll want at least the foot of the bed to be under the rug. But, with nightstands and benches, it’s all or nothing — you don’t want any legs floating off as it will look imbalanced. The rug should also be out of the way of doors; as doors open, you’ll want to leave clearance so the rug doesn’t get caught underneath. Additionally, the rug shouldn’t touch outer furniture like dressers. It’s helpful to leave at least two to three inches between these outskirt items and the area rug.
How to Choose the Right Size
To choose the right size rug, consider the dimensions of your room along with furniture placement. A smaller bedroom, which is less than 10x12, might benefit from a larger rug, giving the illusion of more space. A larger bedroom, which is more than 14x14, gives you more flexibility. Here are some points of reference to keep in mind:
A rule of thumb is that the rug should extend 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides of a king-size bed.
Keep 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the sides of the rug and the walls.
Tip
To test out the size of a rug in your room before buying, mark out the dimensions on your floor using painter’s tape. This helps to visualize if the rug size will work well and look balanced in your space.
When all calculations are said and done, this means that the ideal area rug for a king bed should be around 10 feet wide and eight feet long at a minimum, with a rug that is 12 feet wide and nine feet long gives you more rug underfoot. However, there are sizes outside of this mold that work, too. Here are some options to choose from based on your preferences:
An 8-foot by 10-foot rug works best for small to medium size rooms. The rug can be oriented with the 10-foot side running the parallel length of the bed, and the entire bed frame can sit on it, from headboard to footboard. In this case, the nightstands have to stay off or be slim to fit on the rug.
An 8-foot by 10-foot rug can also be oriented perpendicular and go under the bottom two-thirds of the bed frame for a longer look, leaving the head of the bed and nightstands on bare floor.
A 9-foot by 12-foot rug works best for larger rooms. The bed frame and nightstands can completely sit on the rug. You can situate a bench at the foot, as well. It makes a room feel more spacious and vast.
A 12-foot by 15-foot rug works best for a California king-size bed. The bed frame, nightstands, and bench can all fit on top while still looking balanced.
A 5-foot by 8-foot or 6-foot by 9-foot rug works best for the end of the bed. Place it lengthwise with two inches underneath the footboard to show off the rug design.
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Tips for Non-Standard Rooms & Layouts
Of course, every room is different. It’s not always the case that one has hardwood floors or a centered bed. Here’s what to do if you have a unique layout or non-standard circumstance:
If one side of your bed is against a wall: Opt for a 5-foot by 8-foot rug and tuck about two inches of it lengthwise under the open side of the bed. It gives the illusion of a bigger room while allowing you plenty of plush comfort on the floor to enjoy.
If your room already has carpeted floors: Layer a 5-foot by 8-foot or 6-foot by 9-foot rug under the end of the bed lengthwise. Place two inches underneath the footboard, allowing most of the rug’s design to pop out and add flair to your space. You’ll have a soft landing for your feet in the morning regardless, since the floor is already carpeted.
If you just want just some rug under your feet: Keep two 8-foot long runners on either side of the bed, maintaining two inches of bare floor between the sides and the bed. Use a rug pad or tape to avoid slippage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rug size fits under a king bed?
There are a few rug sizes that fit under a king bed. 9x12, 8x10, and 6x9 rugs are the most commonly used. The dimensions of your room play a part in which size you should choose. Keep in mind that you want to leave 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the sides of the rug and the walls.
Do rugs have to go under a king bed?
Rugs do not have to go under a king bed. With that said, there are many benefits of rugs. They provide a warm and soft landing for your feet, make a space feel more cohesive and cozy, and are easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpeting.
Is a 9-by-12-inch rug a good fit under a king bed?
A 9-by-12-inch rug is a good fit under a king bed, particularly in larger rooms. The bed frame and nightstands can both sit on the rug. Consider putting a bench or another piece of furniture at the foot of the bed.
How should you position a rug under a king bed?
Looking at the longer end of the rug, you can position the rug parallel or perpendicular to the king size bed. You can also run the entire length of the bed or only position it under the bottom two-thirds. The placement will depend on your room!
Read the original article on The Spruce.
