How to pick a rug for your bedroom

Rugs are fantastic practical items for homes, absorbing sound, stabilising temperature, and providing cushioning. Adding a soft landing in your bedroom also makes it that much easier to get out of bed every morning! Even if you have wall-to-wall carpeting in your bedroom, it's worth considering an area rug to add colour, pattern, texture and cosiness. Here, we share some tips for finding the perfect rug for your private sanctuary.

How to choose the right rug size for your bedroom

Generally speaking, when it comes to choosing the right rug size, bigger is better to create the illusion of more space. This especially applies to smaller bedrooms.

If you do choose a rug that fills up most of your bedroom, make sure you have around 20cm between the rug and the walls. The rug should also not push up against the edge or legs of large pieces of furniture (you want at least a 5cm gap), and there should be enough clearance for opening and closing doors.

Here are some commonly used rug placements:

1. Classic Bedroom

For a cohesive look, place a large rug under the bed, remembering that only pattern or colour at the outer part of the rug will be visible. Use your bed as your sizing guide, bearing in mind that the rug/s should extend about 45 - 60cm beyond all sides.
​

2. Layered bedroom

For a more eclectic bedroom look, use smaller rugs on either side or at the foot of the bed. Try beautiful natural hides coupled with plush wool for the ultimate comfort.



If you have a larger bedroom, you can either opt for one larger rug or several smaller rugs. Some placement options to consider include:

- Under the entire bed frame and bedside tables for the most dramatic statement 
For a king-sized bed, this will be around 300cm x 400cm (oversized rugs)
For a queen-sized bed, this will be around 240cm x 330cm (extra large rugs)

- Under only the lower two-thirds of the bed frame
For a king-sized bed, this will be around 240cm x 330cm (extra large rugs) 
For a queen-sized bed, this will be around 200cm x 300cm (large rugs)



- On either side, or the base, of the bed, either as a rectangular landing or floor runner, or two overlapping smaller rugs. 
This can also be applied to smaller rooms, especially if you don't have the space or budget for a larger rug. 

- Under a chest of drawers, dresser or tallboy

- In the corner as part of a reading nook

How to choose the right rug material for your bedroom

Since bedrooms are generally low-traffic private spaces, you could consider plush, high-pile rugs, cowhide rugs, sheepskin rugs or shag rugs for luxurious comfort. Having said that, perhaps you have pets or young children, in which case, a rug that can be easily maintained or resistant to stains may be a better option.



Here's a quick snapshot of some of the materials for consideration:

- Wool rugs - Soft, strong, luxurious texture, stain-resistant

- Synthetic rugs - Soft, durable, non-shedding, stain-resistant, easy to vacuum 

- Flatweave rugs - Bohemian feel, not as durable as pile rugs 

- Natural fibre rugs - Casual natural feel, not as easy to clean

How to choose the right rug colour & pattern for your bedroom

Obviously, colour and pattern comes down to personal preference and style, but since bedrooms are ultimately a place for rest, try and avoid anything too visually stimulating. Here are some suggestions for potential schemes:

Light neutral solid colours - to make a bedroom feel light and bright

Dark neutral solid colours - to balance feminine bedrooms, making them feel more grounded and contemporary; to contrast with white or light-coloured furniture and bedding  

Bold colours & patterns - to give a bedroom more personality; to add colour to mostly white rooms; contrasts well with wooden flooring and solid-coloured bedding   

Light colours & patterns - to soften industrial-style bedrooms

Black & white - to make a bedroom feel sleek and modern, but still light and bright

Shop by rug colour now. 



For more rug tips and information, check out our Guide to Rugs.