A Guide to Bedroom Rug Sizes

The bedroom is the true sanctuary in any home; it is the one place where we unwind peacefully after a long day, where we recharge for the adventures ahead, where we find peace, where we lose ourselves in a good book, and allow ourselves to truly be ourselves.

When it comes to decorating this special space, you should be doing it in a way that reflects your unique personality. But sometimes, even with the perfect paint colour and the most comfortable bedding, a bedroom can feel a little incomplete.

A rug is a well-known interior design element that can make any space feel like home.

A well-chosen rug can give the space a central point, it can define areas, and it will certainly add a pop of colour or provide a stunning pattern that brings your entire design scheme together.

With the seemingly endless variety of rugs for sale in South Africa, which include those luxurious hand-woven options as well as trendy kilim designs, finding the perfect one to express your style should be seen as an exciting, creative project rather than a chore.

But before you get swept away into catalogues and online shops filled with beautiful rugs, you need to know how to choose the right shape and size rug that will best suit your bedroom. The right rug can make your space feel warm, inviting, and polished, while the wrong size or shape can leave you feeling like something's just a little "off". And that is one vibe you don’t want in your bedroom.

 

Where to Place a Rug in Your Bedroom

The placement of a rug not only makes a world of difference, but it is also an important factor when it comes to selecting the rug size.

The ideal location for your rug will also depend on the layout of your bedroom, as well as the size of your bed.

 

The King Bed

For king-size beds, the ideal placement will be to lay the rug so that it extends at least 45cm beyond the foot and sides of the bed. This creates a visually cohesive look by making the bed the focal point of the room. This placement will have you sinking your feet right into a plush landing zone, giving you a rather luxurious experience from the moment you climb out of bed in the morning.

 

The Queen Bed

For queen-size beds, using a rug that extends 30-40cm beyond the bed on all sides is a great way to provide the room with a well-balanced look. This ensures that when you get out of bed, a significant portion of your feet will still be on the comfortable rug. Visually, it creates a defined space for the bed without overwhelming the room.

 

The Double Bed

For double beds, you can place the rug in such a way that it extends 30-40cm beyond the foot and sides of the bed. This placement creates a comfortable landing zone for when you get out of bed, and it will make the sleep area more defined and feel less cramped.

 

Three-Quarter Beds

For three-quarter beds, a 12 x 20 rug or a slightly larger 15 x 20 rug can work well (these measurements are simply examples, when you shop for your rug, look for measurements close to these sizes). You should position the rug so that at least two-thirds of the bed rests on it. This creates a sense of balance and prevents the bed from appearing dwarfed by the surrounding floor space.

 

Single Beds

For a single twin bed, a rug positioned strategically can go a long way to making the space look bigger. You can try placing the rug so that at least two-thirds of the bed rests on the rug, with the remaining third extending slightly over the edge. This can give the room a look of intentionality and it prevents the bed from feeling lost in a larger space.

 

While these are general guidelines, there's always room for creativity! In a spacious bedroom with a king-sized bed, you can use an even larger rug that extends further beyond the bed frame, to create that truly luxurious feel. For a more contemporary look, you can try placing the rug asymmetrically under the bed, with one side extending further than the other. This approach will make the room look unconventional and allow you to break away from the norm.

 

When visualizing how you will place your rug, use tape to mark out the dimensions of your desired rug size on the floor. This will help you get a feel for the scale in your specific space.

A rug that's too small can make your furniture look lost in the room, while an oversized rug can overwhelm the space, this is why the size of your bedroom, the placement of your furniture, and the overall feeling you want to create must be kept in mind when making your decision.

 

How to use rug shapes in your bedroom

While the size of your rug is going to be the most important consideration to make, because you will want to make sure that the rug actually fits, the shape of the rug can also make or break the comfort and the look you are going for.

• Rectangular rugs are the most versatile option, as rectangles can elongate a narrow room or balance a wide one.
• Square rugs are perfect for creating a sense of symmetry and grounding a seating area.
• Round rugs are a great choice if you want to soften a space with sharp corners or add a touch of playfulness.
• Runner rugs are ideal for hallways or for placing alongside a bed.

 

Creative Rug Placement and the Power of Colour

We've pointed out the importance of size and shape, but there's more to consider when selecting that perfect bedroom rug! Whenever you are doing a bit of home decorating, it is an opportunity to get creative and rugs are a safe and easy way to bring more elements that you love into your favourite space.

 

If you are looking to experiment with creative rug placement ideas, try this:

• Layer a smaller, patterned rug on top of a larger, neutral rug. This adds depth, texture, and visual interest, allowing you to play with colour and pattern combinations.
• Use separate rugs to define the different functional areas within your bedroom. For example, a large rug can anchor your bed, while a smaller runner can define a reading nook or dressing area.
• For a more contemporary look, use a rug that will only be beneath the bottom two-thirds of your bed. This creates a modern, clean line and it will make it easier for you to clean around your bed.
• In a small bedroom with limited floor space, a rug placed partially under the bed and extending out towards the bedside tables can still add warmth and texture without overwhelming the room.

 

Setting the Mood with Your Rug Colour and Patterns

The colours and patterns you choose for your bedroom rug can completely change the atmosphere that is felt in your bedroom. Just like a well-chosen outfit sets the tone for the day, a rug can influence your mood and create a space that reflects your personality.

For Tranquillity and Calm

Beige, grey, and cream are popular colours for creating a calming foundation, as these colours create feelings of peace and tranquillity. These colours can also act as a blank canvas, allowing the other elements of your bedroom décor to shine. To experiment with these colours, you can use a plush cream rug if your bedroom has natural elements like wood furniture and light or flowing curtains. This will create a sense of harmony with nature, making your bedroom the perfect place for unwinding and de-stressing.

 

For a Touch of Personality

Those who want to add some personality to the space should look at patterned rugs. Floral designs are a classic choice, famous for being exceptionally elegant, feminine, and rejuvenating. A rug featuring delicate floral motifs in calming blues and greens, for instance, can make a room feel fresh.

 

For a Modern Edge

Geometric patterns on rugs are popular for their contemporary appeal and will look great in your bedroom. Sharp lines and bold colours create a visually dynamic focal point, perfect for those who love that modern aesthetic. However, don't underestimate the power of classic geometric rugs. Black and white trellis patterns are timeless in the design world, while Moroccan-inspired rugs with intricate geometric details will always be considered rather exotic.

 

For a Play on Perception

Stripes can be a playful and versatile design element for your bedroom rug. Horizontal stripes can create an illusion of width in a narrow room, making it feel more spacious. Vertical stripes, on the other hand, can draw the eye upwards, making your ceilings appear higher. A popular rug option is to use a bold striped rug in shades of blue and white.

 

For Making a Statement

If you're someone who thrives on bold statements, a rug with a striking colour or pattern can be used as the centrepiece of your bedroom. If you opt for this look, remember to balance the rest of your décor when using a bold rug. You can do this by using neutral-coloured bedding and furniture to avoid overwhelming the space.

 

For a Sense of Spaciousness

For smaller bedrooms, a light-coloured rug with minimal patterns can be your best go-to. Light colours, such as pale ivory or soft yellow, reflect light and create an illusion of a more open and airy space. This is particularly effective when paired with light-coloured walls and furniture.

 

For Cozy Comfort

Darker-coloured rugs, particularly those in warm tones like red or orange, can create a sense of intimacy and warmth in your bedroom. This combination can create a feeling of luxury and you will certainly feel as though you are sinking into a cocoon of comfort at the end of each busy day.

Always take into consideration the existing colour scheme of your bedroom when selecting a rug. A rug that complements your bedding, curtains, or artwork will always be neat and beautiful.

 

Find Your Perfect Bedroom Rug Online in South Africa

With so many amazing options available online, finding the perfect rug to complete your bedroom is easier than ever. And at Rugs Original, we have one of South Africa’s most extensive selections of beautiful rugs for sale, specifically for the bedroom. Shop online today!