How to Choose an Area Rug Size for Your Queen Bed

Selecting the perfect area rug to place under or around your queen-sized bed can seem like an overwhelming task. With so many sizes, shapes, materials, and styles to choose from, it's easy to feel lost. But have no fear - this comprehensive guide will walk you through all the key considerations to take into account when shopping for an area rug for your queen bed.

We'll provide detailed tips on proper measuring techniques, calculations for ideal rug dimensions, pros and cons of various natural and synthetic rug fibers, placement guidance depending on your bedroom layout, and plenty of decorating inspiration to tie a rug in with your existing queen bedroom theme.

Measure Your Queen Bed and Bedroom

The first step is gathering detailed room measurements to determine what rug sizes will fit appropriately. You'll want to measure both the length and width of your mattress, as well as the perimeter of open floor space surrounding the bed.

Mattress Dimensions

A standard queen-sized mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. However, actual mattress dimensions can vary by a few inches depending on the manufacturer, mattress type, and bed frame used:

• Platform beds often accommodate 60" x 80" mattresses.
• Sleigh bed frames may require a slightly shorter mattress around 78 inches long.
• Bed frames with footboards can accommodate larger mattresses up to 84 inches long.
• Thicker mattresses may be a few inches shorter in length or width.

Use a tape measure to determine the precise length and width of your mattress. Don't forget to account for the bedskirt drop length if your bed has one. Record these mattress dimensions to use for area rug size calculations.

Bedroom Area Measurements

Next, assess the usable floor space surrounding bed. Measure the area where you could potentially place a rug, accounting for any furniture items like nightstands. Make note of doors, heating vents, or sloped ceilings that may impact placement options or useable rug space.

For small bedrooms, prioritize key walkways and allow ample room between the rug edge and walls for opening doors or navigating tight spaces. In larger bedrooms with plenty of floor area, you have more flexibility in rug size and positioning.

Calculate Appropriate Rug Size

To choose a properly sized area rug for your queen bed, some calculations are required based on your room and mattress measurements. The general recommendation is to select a rug at least 24 inches wider and longer than the dimensions of your mattress and bed frame.

Here are two commonly used formulas to determine ideal area rug sizes:

• Rug Width: Mattress Width + 24 inches
• Rug Length: Mattress Length + 24 inches

So for a standard 60" x 80" queen mattress, this formula suggests a minimum 84" x 104" (7' x 8'7") rug size.

• Rug Width: Bed Frame External Width + 36 inches
• Rug Length: Bed Frame External Length + 24 inches

If your queen bed frame (including side rails) measures 65 inches wide x 85 inches long, this second formula would recommend at least a 101'' x 109'' (8'5'' x 9') area rug size.

Recommended Area Rug Sizes for Queen Beds

Based on the standard queen mattress dimensions and typical bedroom layouts, here are some ideal rug sizes to consider:

• 5' x 8' rug (works for apartments or small bedrooms)
• 6' x 9' rug (fits with nightstands on both sides)
• 7' x 9' rug (leaves walking space on sides)
• 8' x 10' rug (provides substantial surrounding area)
• 8'6" x 11'6" rug (luxurious extensive floor coverage)

Shop Standard Rug Dimensions

Once you have target area rug dimensions, it's time to start shopping. Take your calculated ideal widths and lengths with you to the store or browse options online filtered by size.

Common Standard Rug Sizes

Rug sizes generally follow standard dimensions. Here are some of the most readily available sizes to look for:

• 3' x 5' (36" x 60")
• 5' x 8' (60" x 96")
• 6' x 9' (72" x 108")
• 7' x 9' (84" x 108")
• 8' x 10' (96" x 120")
• 9' x 12' (108" x 144")

The sizes highlighted in bold work well for queen beds. Pay attention to odd size dimensions too, as rug sizes can vary by retailer.

Consider Round Area Rugs

While most bedroom rugs are rectangular, round rugs deserve consideration too. Circular 8' and 9' diameter rugs sufficiently surround a queen bed. An oval 10' x 8' rug can also envelope the bed elegantly.

Choose Material and Style

Area rugs come in an array of color schemes, patterns, pile heights, and textures. Narrow down choices by selecting a material type and defining an aesthetic.

Fiber and Fabric Options

Wool, cotton, jute, and silk make nice natural fiber rugs. Synthetic nylon or polypropylene rugs shed less. Compare these materials:

• Wool - soft, durable, insulating
• Cotton - breathable, absorbent texture
• Jute - eco-friendly, casual look
• Silk - luxurious sheen, delicate
• Synthetic - affordable, easy maintenance

Pile Height and Density

Higher pile rugs feel plush underfoot - important next to a bed! But they show footprints more. The density of the woven piles also affects quality and longevity.

Colors and Patterns

Whether simplified solid hues or graphic prints, choose a rug color scheme and pattern tailored to your existing room decor. Pull accent colors from pillows or wall art into the rug design so everything flows cohesively.

Proper Placement Under Queen Bed

Laying an area rug properly under the bed pulls the whole room together. Use these guidelines for positioning in relation to room boundaries and furniture:

• Center rug under the bed with equal overhang on all sides
• Align front edge of rug with or slightly under the foot of the bed frame
• Leave 18-24 inches of floor space exposed around perimeter of rug

In small rooms, tuck rug right under bed to maximize open floor. In spacious rooms, extend rug borders out further for balance.

Take sightlines into account too. Use the rug's borders or corners to square up with walls and align to the tiles or wood floor planks visually. This creates a tailored pulled-together aesthetic.

Decorating Tips

An area rug adds warmth, comfort and personality to a bedroom. Integrate rug design into your queen bed decor with these enhancing ideas:

Define Sleeping Space

Use an area rug underneath the bed to distinguish the mattress as the main sleeping area. Contrast colors against the surrounding floor clearly mark this zone.

Coordinate With Room Palette

Tie rug colors and patterns into other bedroom elements. For example, adopt the same yellow and grey tones from throw pillows or window treatments into a graphic print shag rug.

Enhance Foot Comfort

Luxurious fiber like wool or soft synthetic pile feels heavenly under sleepy feet climbing into or getting out of bed!

Muffle Sound

Rugs dampen echoes and ambient noise in a room. This absorbing effect promotes better sleep.

Care and Maintenance

Proper floor rug care preserves quality and extends lifespan:

• Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris from woven piles
• Rotate periodically to evenly distribute wear in high traffic areas
• Professionally clean every year or two to revitalize colors and texture

Address spills and stains right away. Test cleaners on small hidden area first. Blot gently and allow to fully dry before walking on rug again.

Finding the perfect area rug for your queen size bed involves careful measurement, size consideration, material selection and proper placement. But the effort pays off with big impact! An artfully-positioned plush rug grounds and defines the main sleeping space while unifying the room decor through color and texture.

Use our detailed tips to feel confident evaluating dimensions and styles to create a warm, welcoming, and stylish queen bedroom oasis you'll love coming home to.