What Size Rug Should Go Under a King Bed?

An area rug can instantly warm up a bedroom. Not only does it add to the design aesthetic of the room, but it can also help the space feel cozier and more welcoming. Deciding what size the rug should be—especially if you have a large bed like a king-size bed—can be daunting. You'll want to make sure the rug is well-proportioned to the room and covers just the right amount without overcrowding the space.

The right size rug to go under a king-size bed is generally 9-by-12-foot, but to help you choose the right size for your space, we compiled some tips for how to choose the best-sized rug for your king bed.

King-Size Bed Dimensions

Before we discuss rugs, it's important to note the dimensions of a king-size bed. King-size beds generally measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, California king-size beds are slightly longer, at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.

Keep your bed frame in mind while selecting an area rug because its size may impact how much physical and visual space it takes up in the room. A large platform or chunky wooden frame will add inches while an upholstered headboard on a sleek frame won't add inches to your bed size.

What Should Go On the Area Rug?

The first step in sizing is to decide what you’re putting on your rug. Key items to keep in mind are the bed frame, nightstands, and bench that might sit at the foot of your bed. It’s often said that all key furniture pieces in a room should fit on the area rug.

However, since king-size beds are so large, there are exceptions to this rule. There are several options for what to include on an area rug with a king-size bed:

• Only the bed frame goes on the area rug.
• The bed frame, nightstand, and bench all fully sit on the rug.
• The lower 2/3 of the bed and the bench sit on the rug. This leaves the head of the bed and the nightstands on the bare floor.
• The lower 1/3 of the bed and the bench go on the rug. This option is great for longer rooms and exposes more of the rug’s design.

Essentially, you’ll want at least the foot of the bed to be on the rug. With nightstands and benches, it’s all or nothing—you don’t want any legs floating off the rug as it will look imbalanced. The rug should also clear any doorways.

Additionally, the rug shouldn’t touch furniture near the walls, such as dressers or floor mirrors. It’s helpful to leave at least 2 to 3 inches between these items against the wall and the area rug.

How to Choose the Right Size

To choose the right size rug, consider the dimensions of your room along with your furniture placement. A smaller bedroom, which is less than 10 by 12 feet, might even benefit from a larger rug, giving it the illusion of more space.

A larger bedroom, which is more than 14 by 14 feet, gives you more flexibility. Here are some points of reference to keep in mind:

• Extend the rug 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides of a king-size bed.
• Keep 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the sides of the rug and the walls.

The ideal area rug for a king bed should be a minimum of around 10 feet wide by 8 feet long or 12 feet wide by 9 feet long, which will give you more rug underfoot. However, sizes outside of this framework can look good, too. Here are some options to choose from based on your preferences:

• An 8-foot by 10-foot rug works best for small to medium size rooms. The rug can be oriented with the 10-foot side running the parallel length of the bed, and the entire bed frame can sit on it, from headboard to footboard. In this case, the nightstands have to stay off or be slim to fit on the rug.
• An 8-foot by 10-foot rug can also be oriented perpendicular and go under the bottom 2/3 of the bed frame for a longer look, leaving the head of the bed and nightstands on the bare floor.
• A 9-foot by 12-foot rug fits well in a larger room. The bed frame and nightstands can sit completely on the rug. You can situate a bench at the foot, as well. This configuration makes a room feel more spacious.
• A 12-foot by 15-foot rug looks good with a California king-size bed. The bed frame, nightstands, and bench can all fit on the rug and the vignette looks well-balanced.
• A 5-foot by 8-foot or 6-foot by 9-foot rug sits best under the end of the bed. Place it lengthwise with 2 inches underneath the footboard to show off the rug design.

Tips for Non-Standard Rooms & Layouts

Of course, every room is different (or your bed size differs). It’s not always the case that one has hardwood floors or a centered bed. Here’s what to do if you have a unique layout or non-standard circumstance:

• If one side of your bed is against a wall: Opt for a 5-foot by 8-foot rug and tuck about 2 inches of it lengthwise under the open side of the bed. It gives the illusion of a bigger room while allowing plenty of plush comfort on the floor.
• If your room already has carpeted floors: Layer a 5-foot by 8-foot or 6-foot by 9-foot rug under the end of the bed lengthwise. Place 2 inches underneath the footboard, allowing most of the rug’s design to show adds flair to your space. You’ll have an extra soft landing for your feet in the morning since the floor is already carpeted.
• If you just want some rug under your feet: Keep two 8-foot-long runners on either side of the bed, maintaining 2 inches of bare floor between the sides of the rug and the bed. Use a rug pad or tape to prevent runners from slipping.