Rules for Rugs to Fit Under King Sized Beds
Finding the perfect area rug to anchor your king-sized bed can be a challenge. With so many sizes, shapes, materials and styles to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But having the right rug in your master bedroom creates a cozy and polished look. Follow these essential guidelines to smoothly navigate the rug-buying process.
The first step is understanding standard bed and rug dimensions. This allows you to calculate the ideal proportions to complement your existing layout. Read on for handy formulas, measuring tips and size recommendations when shopping for a king-sized mattress rug.
Measure Your King Bed Frame
It's impossible to know what size rug you need without first measuring the footprint of your bed. Start by noting the length and width of the mattress itself. A standard king size bed is 76" wide by 80" long (6'4" by 6'8"). Then factor in additional clearance.
Account for space needed around bed
- Measure from the outer edges of bedside tables or other surrounding furniture
- Add at least 18-24 inches of clearance on all sides. More space allows you to easily make the bed and access each side
- For tall platform beds with storage drawers, allow extra leeway for opening the drawers without catching on the rug edge
Calculate Minimum Rug Size
The measurements of your king bed frame dictate the minimum rug size needed. But first decide if you want the rug to run fully underneath the bed, or only extend partially.
Formulas for determining ideal rug dimensions
- Rug extending fully underneath: Length of bed frame + Allowance on short sides (at least 24") x Width of bed frame + Allowance on long sides (at least 24-36")
- Rug extending partially underneath: Length of bed frame + Allowance on short sides (at least 18") x Width of bed frame + Allowance on long sides (at least 18-24")
Consider beds with footboards or tall bed frames
If your bed has a footboard or exceedingly high frame, measure the vertical clearance to ensure a rug can fit underneath. A rug that's too thick may buckle and cause tripping hazards.
Choose the Right Rug Shape
Rectangular rugs are ideal for centering under the length a king-sized bed. But round, oval and runner shapes can also complement the surrounding space beautifully.
Rectangular rugs
- Most versatile option
- Usually 8' x 10' up to 9' x 12' for bedrooms
- Slot neatly under bed with even border on all sides
Round rugs
- Softer look than rectangular
- Diameters of 8 to 12 feet work with king mattresses
- Visually balance a bed that's floating in the room
Runners and area rugs
- Define the sleep zone without full coverage
- Flank both sides, end of bed or layer multiple sizes
- Add visual interest with patterns and texture
Determine Standard Rug Sizes
Once you decide on a shape, look for available dimensions that accommodate your space. These standard sizes make shopping simpler.
Typical dimensions for rectangular area rugs
- 3' x 5'
- 4' x 6'
- 5' x 8'
- 6' x 9'
- 8' x 10'
- 9' x 12'
Common round rug diameters
- 4 feet
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Standard runner sizes
- 2'6" x 10'
- 2'6" x 12'
- 2'6" x 15'
- 3' x 10'
- 3' x 12'
- 3' x 15'
Allow For Proper Rug Clearance
Measure to ensure enough clearance between the rug edges and walls, doorways and other furniture in the room. Leave ample perimeter space to access both sides of the bed.
Clearance from walls and doorways
- At least 12-16 inches away from wall edges
- 24 inches from any doors that swing open into room
Clearance underneath bed legs
- Rug pile height no more than half inch below bed legs
- Ensures bed posts sit flush on floor without wobbling
Clearance for opening drawers
- Pull-out drawers require wider berth so they don't catch rug edge
- Leave several extra inches beyond drawer width when extended
Pick A Rug Material
Optimal rug materials come down to lifestyle factors, personal preference and bedroom style. Each fiber has unique durability, texture and cleaning requirements.
Pros and cons of wool, cotton, synthetic
Wool - Naturally stain resistant. Soft, durable pile withstands high traffic. Easy to clean but avoid excessive moisture. Wool rugs work well if you allow food and drink in the bedroom.
Cotton - Natural fiber with medium pile height. Affordable option that's simple to clean. Absorbs spills easily so avoid eating and drinking around the rug.
Synthetic - Budget friendly but less durable over time. Easy maintenance since synthetic fibers are colorfast and stain resistant. Can appear flat or shiny compared to wool.
Durability and ease of cleaning
Wool and cotton rugs clean up well for years, while synthetic versions tend to show wear sooner. Wool offers the best stain fighting properties, quickly masking anything from wine to coffee. For low maintenance, synthetic is the best choice.
Match room decor
Make sure the aesthetic and texture complements your bedding, furniture and color scheme. Rugs act as foundational pieces that tie the entire room together.
Anchor Your Rug Properly
Prevent crinkling, buckling and slippage underneath bedroom furniture using rug pads and anti-slip techniques suitable for hardwood or carpeted subfloors.
Benefits of a rug pad
- Grips floor to prevent sliding on smooth hardwood
- Keeps corners firmly in place
- Reduces wrinkles for smooth appearance
Anti slip rug tape
- Affixes rug directly to floor
- Great for carpets and rough flooring
- Creates firm bond to hold position
Prevent buckling and slipping
Look for a thin, non-slip rug pad or double sided grip tape made for hard floors. This keeps the rug securely fastened in high foot traffic areas around the bed.
The placement of additional bedroom furniture impacts rug coverage area. Allow ample clearance around nightstands, benches and ottomans that border your king size mattress.