Home / Blog / Buying Guide
What Size Rug for a King or Queen Bed? A Simple Guide
A rug under the bed warms up the floor and makes the bedroom feel finished. The right size is easy to work out once you know a few measurements.
The short answer
- Queen bed: an 8x10 rug is the standard choice.
- King bed: a 9x12 rug is the standard choice, or a 10x14 for a more generous look.
- Full or twin bed: a 5x8 or 6x9 rug.
The numbers behind it
A queen mattress is about 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. A king mattress is about 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. You want the rug to extend roughly 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides and foot of the bed, so there is somewhere soft to step when you get up.
- Queen on an 8x10 (96 x 120 in): about 18 inches on each side.
- Queen on a 9x12 (108 x 144 in): about 24 inches on each side, for a more generous look.
- King on a 9x12: about 16 inches on each side, which works well in most bedrooms.
- King on a 10x14 (120 x 168 in): about 22 inches on each side, ideal in a large room.
An 8x10 under a king bed leaves only about 10 inches at the sides, so most people find it too small.
Where to place the rug
The most popular layout is to position the rug so it sits under the lower two-thirds of the bed. The nightstands stay off the rug (or have their front legs on it), and the foot of the bed has a generous strip of rug.
Center the rug side to side, so both sides of the bed get an equal border.
Other layout options
- Two runners. Place a runner on each side of the bed. A good choice when you want to save money or have a small room.
- Fully under the bed. All furniture legs on the rug. This needs a bigger rug and makes the room feel luxurious.
- A rug at the foot only. A narrow rug at the end of the bed adds color, but it does not give the same warm step out of bed.
Choosing the material
Wool is soft underfoot and wears well, which makes it the best choice for bedrooms. Jute and other natural fibers add texture and cost less, and since bedrooms see light traffic, they work well too. Whichever you pick, add a rug pad so the rug does not slide and stays comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug for a queen bed? An 8x10 is the standard answer.
What size rug for a king bed? A 9x12. In a very large room, consider a 10x14.
Should the rug go under the nightstands? Not necessarily. Most layouts leave the nightstands off the rug or with only their front legs on it.
Can I use a smaller rug under a bed? Yes. A 5x8 or 6x9 works for twin and full beds, or two runners can work for any size.
Related guides
The Kindred Weave editors. We write practical guides to handmade rugs and tapestries. Learn more about us.
