Tips for Adding Area Rugs to Your Bedroom
Posted by Ben Garelick (@BlueShirtBenny) on 22nd May 2025
Whether you have hardwood floors, tile or carpeting, an area rug can elevate the appearance and ambience of your bedroom. It adds visual appeal, introduces textural layers, breaks monotony in color schemes and defines distinct living areas.
However, choosing the perfect rug and determining its placement in your bedroom can be challenging because it needs to look fantastic while also being practical. To find the ideal rug for your bedroom, consider the room's dimensions, the size of your furniture, and aesthetics like color and material. We will guide you in determining how to choose area rugs for your bedroom.
What Size Area Rug Do You Need for Your Bedroom?
Consider the positioning of your area rug before thinking about its size. If you want to place a rug under a desk or seating area, choose a size that matches those dimensions. If you prefer to center the rug beneath your bed frame, ensure it extends beyond the frame to include the nightstands. For a king-sized bed, a typical rug size to aim for is 9x12 feet, while an 8x10-foot rug should work well for a queen-sized bed.
There are no strict rules for rug sizes. However, a useful tip is to opt for larger rugs that cover all your furniture. Small rugs that barely peek out from under the bed or dresser can have a less impactful design effect on the room.
What Color Area Rug Is the Best for Your Bedroom?
The color and style of area rugs in the bedroom are up to you. Some people opt for softer neutral colors, while others like bright, vibrant colors or geometric shapes and patterns. The color and style you choose depend on the look and feel you want to create in your bedroom. The following tips may help guide your decision:
- Consider the existing color scheme: If you are designing the room from scratch, you get to start fresh. Otherwise, choose an area rug that works well with your existing interior design elements. Consider the color of your walls, curtains, bedding, pillows and other decorative items in the room.
- Decide on a look and feel: Redecorating a room is exciting and gives you free rein to decide on a look and feel for your bedroom, whether you want a calm, cozy and relaxed feel or a vibrant and modern vibe. You can add a little personality by incorporating a color or pattern that you are especially fond of.
- Take the room size into account: Room size is another important factor to consider. Lighter colors work well in smaller rooms because light, neutral colors reflect light and create the illusion of space. Bright colors and patterns may make the room feel smaller or more cluttered.
- Consider timeless trends: A timeless color will add to the longevity of your rug. Should you change the design of the rest of your room, the chances are good that your rug will fit into the new design.

What Material Should You Choose for Rugs for Your Bedroom?
The type of material your bedroom rug is made of plays a role in both aesthetics and comfort. Consider these common options:
- Wool rugs: Wool is a preferred choice for many because it is soft, comfortable and adds warmth to your space.
- Silk or viscose rugs: If you want a luxurious look and feel, silk and viscose may be for you. They usually have a shiny and glossy feel to them.
- Synthetic rugs: Examples include nylon or polyester, which are available in various colors and styles. These tend to be more cost-effective and are easier to clean.
- High-pile rugs: High-pile rugs can add to the coziness of your bedroom.
Your bedroom is where you can prioritize comfort and coziness, as it tends to get less foot traffic than other areas of your home. Natural fiber rugs — such as good-quality wool, jute and cotton — and synthetic materials like nylon may help you balance aesthetics, comfort and durability in your bedroom. If you experience frequent hair loss or have pets around, choose a material that is easy to clean and maintain.
Where Should You Place an Area Rug?
There are various placement options for area rugs in the bedroom. Depending on your preferences, room size and furniture focus, an area rug can add an intriguing layer to different areas of your room. To determine the position of an area rug in your bedroom, consider the layout of the space.
In a small bedroom, using a large rug that covers the entire bed frame may overpower the room. In contrast, you can use multiple rugs to cover different areas in larger bedrooms. We will discuss popular placements for area rugs in the bedroom so that you can choose the option that suits your space best.
Underneath the Bed Frame
This is a popular placement for area rugs in the bedroom. Positioned this way, the rug becomes a grounding layer, directing attention to the comfortable bed. You have two options — either place the rug up to the headboard or align the rug's edge with the first leg of the nightstand. For practicality, it's advisable to position the rug perpendicular to the bed. This way, you can step onto the rug instead of the floor when you wake up in the morning.
To the Side of the Bed
Placing the rug along the sides of the bed is a great option for those who prefer smaller area rugs. This placement allows you to highlight the rug's style, pattern and color, as the bed frame won't conceal it. The size of the rug can vary depending on the available space. However, from a design perspective, choosing rugs that extend the length of the bed is a good idea.
At the Front of the Bed
In a narrow and long bedroom, placing a rug at the front of the bed can be effective. It adds a color contrast to the bed and helps define the space. For this layout, you can use a large area rug to highlight two distinct zones in the room. Alternatively, if the bedroom is not very spacious, you can opt for a smaller rug at the foot of the bed.
Under Seating Areas
Multiple rugs can create separate spaces in a spacious bedroom with multiple living areas. For example, if you want to separate your bed area from your desk area, the rug should cover the entire desk space, including the chair. To create cozy reading areas with loveseats or armchairs, the rug should be large enough to cover all the legs of the furniture.
Opposite the Bed
In a compact bedroom with the bed pushed into a corner, placing a rug on the opposite side of the bed can create the illusion of a wider space. This placement is particularly useful for small bedrooms where the bedframe is smaller than a king or queen size.
Ready to Choose a New Area Rug?
Choosing a new rug for your bedroom is a stylish and practical design choice that can add depth to the room's overall look. You can create a whole new aesthetic with a bold-colored high-pile rug, or go for a classic neutral option made of natural fibers. The position of your new rug can enhance the room's cozy and comfortable flow. Whether you prefer a large rug to encompass the bed area or a smaller, budget-friendly option to add dimension, area rugs can help you achieve your desired style.
Visit Your Nearest Carpet & Tile Mart to Choose Area Rugs for Your Bedroom
Ready to transform your bedroom with the perfect rug? Our friendly, knowledgeable staff at Carpet & Tile Mart is ready to help you find the perfect fit. Visit one of our locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania or New Jersey to see, touch and feel our beautiful collection of bedroom rugs — you just have to experience them firsthand!
You can also shop online from the comfort of your home. Our user-friendly website will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. With Carpet & Tile Mart, it is easy to choose area rugs for your bedroom!
