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What Size Rug Should You Use for a Queen Bed?

How to choose small vs. large rugs for different bedroom layouts

By
Melissa Epifano
Headshot of Melissa Epifano
Melissa Epifano
Melissa is a news writer for The Spruce. She covers a wide range of topics including trends, decor ideas, and design tips.
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Updated on 02/02/25
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Illustration showing the different layouts for a queen bed and area rug sizes

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

In This Article

Finding the right rug to fit under a queen-size bed can be challenging. Investing in an area rug large enough to be placed under a queen-size bed can also be pricey. However, no worries if you're unsure where to begin when buying a rug.

Here's a helpful guide to determining the right rug for a queen-size bed. Although it will depend on the exact measurements of your mattress, a 6-by-9-foot rug is typically a great happy medium for covering the area beneath a queen-size bed.

Comparing Queen Bed Size to Rug Sizes

As a general rule of thumb, a rug placed under a bed should extend 18 to 24 inches beyond the edges of the bed. A typical queen-size mattress is 60 by 80 inches but measures twice. as some brands vary.

Below is a chart that shows how much of the rug you'll see depending on its size. This is based on the standard queen-size mattress dimensions, with the rug positioned horizontally perpendicular to the bed's orientation and laid 6 inches from the wall.

Rug Size Exposed amount on sides Exposure at foot
4 x 6 ft. 12 in. (6 in. each side) No exposure
5 x 7 ft. 24 in. (12 in. each side) No exposure
5 x 8 ft. 36 in. (18 in. each side) No exposure
6 x 9 ft. 48 in. (24 in. each side) No exposure
7 x 10 ft. 60 in. (30 in. each side) No exposure
8 x 10 ft. 60 in. (30 in. each side) 10 in.
9 x 12 ft. 84 in. (42 in. each side) 22 in.

It is also possible to vary the rug's position beneath the bed to allow for different degrees of exposure (see below).

How to Choose the Right Size

A room that's 10 feet by 10 feet is usually big enough for a queen-sized bed and a rug. You can position the rug however you like, but they're typically placed horizontally across your room and perpendicular to the bed. When you're browsing through rug sizes, keep these pointers in mind:

  • Area rugs measuring 4 by 6 feet are considered too small for a queen bed. That said, you can always layer small rugs or place one on each side of the bed.
  • If you have a small bedroom, a 5-by-7-foot or 5-by-8-foot rug could work under a queen bed. However, this is the smallest size you'll want to use.
  • In a normal-sized bedroom, a 6-by-9-foot rug is a good size to place under a queen bed. You'll have about 24 inches of rug underfoot on each side of the bed.
  • A 7-by-10-foot rug is likely the largest rug you'll use under a queen bed in an average-sized bedroom, giving you 30 inches of cushion underfoot on each side.
  • If your bedroom is larger, consider placing rugs measuring 8 by 10 feet or 9 by 12 feet under your bed. Both configurations allow you to put your nightstands on the rug and a bench or chair at the foot of the bed.
  • If your bedroom is tiny, consider placing runners or sheepskins on either side of the bed or at the foot of your bed. They'll add coziness and warmth without taking up too much floor space.
  • Round or elliptical rugs are not typically placed beneath a queen bed. If you do choose to use one, be aware that the portion of the exposed rug will be curved.

Tip


The best type of rug for your bedroom will be soft and comfortable. Consider a higher pile height and a cozy material such as cotton or wool for underfoot. Use a rug pad underneath for added cushioning and to prevent slippage.

Neutral bedroom with queen size bed and area rug underneath

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Where to Place a Rug in a Bedroom

Now that you've determined the correct size rug for your bedroom, the next step is determining the ideal furniture placement.

Tip

If you're having difficulty visualizing your space, use blue painter's tape to represent the footprint of your area rug, furniture, and other bedroom features. It's cheap, easy, and causes zero damage.

Feel free to get creative with rug placement. One of these ideas or variations can serve as a good starting point:

  • Consider placing a small area rug under the bottom two-thirds of your queen bed. That way, a few inches of rug will be exposed on all three sides of the bed.
  • An area rug measuring 7 by 10 feet can be placed under the bottom two-thirds of the bed or closer to the headboard, so your nightstands can also be placed on the rug.
  • Larger area rugs measuring 8 by 10 feet or 9 by 12 feet can accommodate your queen bed and nightstands. If you prefer to keep your nightstands off the rug, place it under the bottom three-quarters of your queen bed.
  • Very small rugs, like sheepskins or runners, should be placed on the sides or at the foot of the bed.

Finding the right rug size may seem like a decorating afterthought, but it can make or break a bedroom. Don't stress if you must bend a few decorating rules to create a cozy, comfortable bedroom that works for you.

When to Change the Rug

It may be time to change your old, outdated rug for a new one if its fibers are completely worn out, it has fraying edges, fading colors, or visible matting. Additionally, you can change out your rug seasonally to refresh your space without making over your entire space.