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Bedroom rugs

What Size Rug Should Go Under My King Bed?

Nikolett Papp
Nikolett Papp
May 24, 2023

The addition of an area rug helps to create a focal point and add texture, color, and visual interest to the room. "One that’s too big can make a room feel crowded, whereas one that’s too small can look out of place," shares Shagun Khare. So, what size rug should you choose for a king bed? 


Table of Contents


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Rug Size For King Beds: General Guidelines

  • A bedroom area rug should extend at least 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of the bed
  • Rug edges should remain at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) away from the wall
  • Bedroom size should be taken into consideration
  • Rugs should not cover air vents

King Bed Sizes

King beds are a popular bed choice. Generally, standard king beds are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm).

California King beds, on the other hand, are king beds designed for taller people. While it is commonly believed that California King beds are larger than the standard king, this is not true. California King beds are longer than the standard, yet less wide, measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long (183 x 213 cm). California King beds are 4 inches (10 cm) narrower and 4 inches (10 cm) longer than King size beds.


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Bedroom Sizes

King beds tend to work best in rooms that are at least 10 x 12, though they are also often used in rooms measuring around 13 x 13 or more. As with other larger beds, king beds are typically centred in the room with the headboard, or top of the bed, against one wall.

To find the perfect rug size for your king bed, you will have to consider not only the size of your king bed, but also the size of your bedroom. This will help you find the rug size most suited to your space.

What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Small to Medium Room?

King beds are the largest standard bed size, measuring 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 x 203 cm), though variations exist. "Usually, the King bed is positioned centered, against one wall to make the best use of the space," says an interior designer.

For a king bed in a small-to-medium room, choose a rug that is 8x10. An 8x10 rug will be the smallest size you should consider under your king bed in order to maintain the balance of the room.


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What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Medium-Sized Room?

The best rug size for a king bed in a medium sized bedroom (11’ x 14’) will likely be around 9x12. This rug size will allow for about 1’ of space between the walls and the edges of your rug. You will have a soft landing space on all three sides of the bed. With a 9x12 rug for your king bed, the top legs of the bed frame remaining off of the rug, as will any accompanying nightstands.


Photo by English Elm

What Size Rug For A King Bed In A Larger-Sized Room?

For a larger bedroom measuring 12’ x 16’ or more, you may choose to incorporate a rug that is large enough to accommodate the entire bedframe, as well as its nightstands. To place both a king bed and nightstands on the rug, choose a rug size of at least 10x14

For a California king-size bed, choose a 12x15 rug. This size will be able to accommodate the full bed frame, nightstands and any end-of-bed benches or other furniture.


Photo by Jess & Matt

Tips For Choosing Right Rug Size

According to interior designers, the standard rule is for rugs to extend 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) beyond the sides of a king bed. Additionally, you should keep at least 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) of bare floor between the sides of your rug and the walls.

An area rug for a king size bed should therefore be at least 112 to 124 inches (284 to 315 cm) or 10 feet wide. As a result, an area rug for a king size bed should be at least 8 x 10. An 8x10 rug under a king bed will work fantastically for a small or medium sized room.

If your room allows it, however, you will likely want a 9x12 or 10x14 rug under your king bed, as this will look particularly spectacular.


Best Rug Sizes For A King Bed

  • 8x10: This is the minimum rug size for king beds. An 8x10 rug has just enough length and width to frame the bed, without exposing too much bare floor. This works well for small to medium sized rooms (at least 10x12 in size). If you have a larger bedroom, opt for a bigger rug.
  • 9x12: This is the ideal size to accommodate a king bed, accompanying nightstands and an end-of-bed bench. This rug size works well under king beds in a room that is at least 11x14.
  • 10x14: This rug size works well with king beds in larger rooms that are at least 13x13, as this rug size can overwhelm the space in a smaller bedroom. A 10x14 rug under a king bed will accommodate your king bed and all surrounding furniture while still leaving plenty of rug exposure around.
  • 12x15: This size works particularly well in large rooms with California king beds, as this rug size will fit the bed and all accompanying furniture while still leaving rug exposure despite the California king’s longer size.
  • Runners: This is an excellent option to keep your room seeming spacious, airy and light. Runner rugs won’t be placed under a king bed but rather on the sides or foot of the bed, making them easier to lift during cleaning.
 

King Bed Rug Placement

Standard King Bed – Frame Bottom Two-Thirds of Bed

This is the most conventional interior design styling choice. With a standard king-sized bed (76 inches by 80 inches), centered and placed against the wall in a medium sized (11x14) bedroom, choose an 8x10 or 9x12 area rug. Place the rug under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the nightstands and top legs of the bed frame off the rug.

This will cover most of the floor while still leaving 1’ of space between the walls and edges of the rug. This placement will allow for your feet to touch down on the rug on all three sides of the bed.

Frame Entire King Bed

Choose a 9x12 rug and place it under your king bed. This will frame the entire bed, including all foot and corners, and allow for comfort underfoot. This will define the space and use your bed as a focal point, while still allowing for more visibility of beautiful hardwood flooring.

King Bed And Nightstands – Frame Bed and Furniture

Choose an area rug that is at least 10x14 to place an entire king-sized bedframe and nightstands on the rug. This will help to ground all the furniture and define the space, making the room seem larger. This placement has a particularly luxurious appeal and works well in rooms 12x16 or larger.

Runner Rugs

Place two 8-foot-long runners on either side of the bed. Maintain two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed. This will create a comfortable landing space as you step out of bed in the mornings. Alternatively, place a single runner at the bottom of your bed.

Rug Placement By Rug Size

8x10 rugs: Place the rug under the bed. A full king-sized bed frame can sit on this rug entirely. Nightstands will have to stay off the rug, or else be very slim. 

An alternative placement for an 8x10 rug is to place it under the bottom two-thirds of the bed, leaving the head of the bed and its nightstands on the floor. This placement will create the illusion of a longer look.

9x12 rugs: Place your 9x12 rug under your king bed. The entire bed frame will be able to sit atop the rug, as well as any accompanying nightstands. This size also allows for a bed bench to sit on the rug and creates the illusion of a larger and more spacious room.

10x14 rugs: Place your 10x14 rug under your king bed, including the entire bed frame and any nightstands. This placement grounds the furniture, creating a defined space and making your king bed the focal point.


Photo by @livingwithnic

Alternatively, you could also place your 10x14 rug one-third below the head of your king bed. Placing your rug on the bottom two-thirds of the bed, the top legs of your king bed and the nightstands will remain on bare floor. This creates a luxurious aesthetic while also allowing you to place a bed bench or chest atop the rug.

12x15 rugs: Place your 12x15 under the entirety of your California king bed. With all accompanying furniture sitting atop the rug, you will create an intentional, balanced look that will evoke a sense of harmony

Runner rugs: Place two runner rugs on each side of the bed to provide a soft landing spot when exiting the bed in the morning. You can also choose to place a single runner rug at the foot of the bed, keeping the bed legs off the rug. Keep two inches of bare floor between the rug and the bed.

FAQ

How Should I Choose A Rug Size For My King Bed?

It can be difficult to choose a rug for under your king bed since you need to be confident that the color, thickness, and style are all ideal for your room. Use DressMyCrib's Augmented Reality "See Rug in Your Room" feature to see bedroom rugs for your own king bed so you can be sure of your decision.

What Stores Or Platforms Sell Different Rug Sizes For King Beds?

Nowadays, it is easy to find many different sized area rugs at all price ranges for your king bed. You can use DressMyCrib's rug-visualizer to help you choose and then shop for them online from retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Ikea, and Walmart. With just a phone, you can preview any rug anywhere in your room - completely free!


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