Easy Tips for Placing Rugs Under Beds

Looking to add some coziness and style to your bedroom? Putting a rug under your bed is an easy way to make the space feel more inviting. The right rug can also help define the layout, absorbing sound and softening your steps.

Choosing an area rug specifically for under-bed use does require some special considerations regarding size, material, and installation method. Follow this guide for handy tips to make placing rugs under beds a breeze.

Benefits of Putting Rugs Under Beds

Sliding a plush rug underneath your bed frame provides both aesthetic and practical perks. Visually, it can help anchor your bed, tie together bedroom zones, and add color or pattern.

On a functional level, rugs under beds help muffle noise like creaky floorboards when you walk around the room. The extra padding also makes getting in and out of bed more comfortable.

Area rugs placed strategically under beds define spaces without visually overwhelming a room. This makes them ideal for studio apartments or bedrooms with an open floor plan.

1.1 Noise Reduction

Hard surface floors like wood or tile, while great for easy cleaning, can generate bothersome noise. The soft cushioning of a rug underneath your bed can help absorb the sound of footsteps.

This comes in handy if your or your partner's different sleep schedules cause late night or early morning pacing that disturbs the other person.

1.2 Thermal Insulation

Rugs provide thermal insulation against cold hardwood or tiles. When getting in and out of bed, cold floors can be quite unpleasant!

The plush fibers of a rug retain heat and make a cozy surface for your feet to land on. This effect helps you fall back asleep faster if waking during the night.

1.3 Defining Bedroom Zones

Using an area rug underneath beds is a discrete way to distinguish sleeping areas from other activity zones in a room.

Try defining a reading nook with a small rug under a chair nested beside your bed. Or use a larger rug to connect nightstands and dressers to the bed in one unified space.

Choosing the Right Rug Size

Pay special attention to bedroom and rug measurements when selecting an area rug for under bed use. You want one wide and long enough to fit while leaving a border.

2.1 Measuring Your Bed Frame

First, accurately measure your bed frame's length and width. For best results, do this without mattresses or bedding in place.

Note the exact inner dimensions where the rug will sit flush underneath. Give the height clearance as well, in case a thicker rug is desired.

2.2 Allowing Extra Space Around Bed

Generally, its best to choose an area rug at least 12 inches wider and longer than your bed frame.

This provides sufficient border space so bed legs sit completely on rug. Just be sure to leave walking space between rug edges and walls or furniture.

For non-standard bed sizes, scale rug dimensions up or down. But always allow a buffer margin so rug edges don't peek out from bed.

Selecting a Suitable Rug Type

Rugs come constructed in various ways and from many different textiles. Which construction, fiber, weave, and pile height options work best under beds?

3.1 Consider Material

Look for rug materials with durability and some natural resistance to moisture and mildew. Top choices include wool, cotton, synthetic blends, or natural fiber seagrass.

Wool's resilience handles heavy furniture well. Cotton offers softness. Synthetics are budget-friendly. Seagrass gives a beachy feel.

3.2 Evaluate Thickness

A thicker rug pile allows for more cushioning comfort underfoot. But too thick and moving furniture on and off it becomes difficult.

For under bed use, a mid-range pile height between 0.25-0.5 inches is ideal. This balances plush softness with reasonable mobility.

3.3 Assess Texture

A rug's texture impacts its suitability for high traffic areas like beside beds. Tightly woven low pile rugs hold up better over time.

Subtler organic textures in sisal, jute, or flatweave wool blend well without competing visually. Prioritize service over showy looks.

Preparing the Rug and Bed Area

Once you select the perfect rug, prep both it and your bedroom floor before attempting to slide it under the bed.

4.1 Vacuuming the Floor

Start by clearing a wide access path around your bed. Vacuum the floor space thoroughly where the rug will be placed.

Remove all dust, dirt particles, pet hair and debris. Any bumps or crumbs under the rug can damage its backing over time.

4.2 Clearing Under Bed Space

Also peer under your bed frame and tidy up. Remove shoes, storage bins, or other items stashed underneath.

Smooth any wrinkled plastic or bed skirts. Check for loose bed parts that may snag the rug during positioning.

Sliding the Rug Underneath

With prep work done, have a friend help lift your mattress so you can slide the rug into the desired spot.

5.1 Lifting Mattress if Needed

Depending on your bed height and rug thickness, temporarily removing the mattress may be required.

For low profile platform beds, simply lift the mattress enough to wedge rug underneath. Enlist a helpers aid for larger mattresses.

5.2 Easing Rug Into Place

Gently roll out or push the rug until it sits squarely under the length and width of bed.

Make sure no parts hang over the edges. Adjust positioning until rug lies smoothly without buckles or wrinkles.

Securing the Rug

To prevent sliding, use a special under-rug gripper made for layering rugs.

6.1 Using Rug Grippers

Rug gripper mesh helps anchor area rugs in place on hard floors without damage.

For under-bed use, secure all four outer edges of rug to the floor. This prevents sideways movement over time.

6.2 Trying Double-Sided Tape

On carpeted floors, opt for wider double-sided tape with a permanent adhesive film.

Apply strips underneath the perimeter of the rug for incredibly stable positioning under beds.

Styling and Decorating Tips

Pull your under-bed rug into the overall bedroom decor with color and creative accents.

7.1 Coordinating With Room

Choose a rug hue that complements your existing color scheme. Echo hues found in bedding, walls or furnishings.

Or intentionally contrast it - like layering a pale rug under a dark metal bed frame to create interest.

7.2 Adding Accent Pillows

For another way to tie in an area rug's pattern or colors, arrange coordinating accent pillows against the headboard.

If using two rugs under either side of the bed, select identical or complementing styles to visually connect the space.