Bedroom rug guide: size and placement
A bedroom rug gives you a warm, soft first step in the morning. Here is how to size and place one for every UK bed size.
Three placements
- Under the lower two-thirds: a large rug laid sideways under the bed, starting just in front of the bedside tables. The rug shows on both sides and at the foot. The most popular look.
- Either side of the bed: two runners or small rugs, one each side. Good in narrow rooms or with a bed with a solid base.
- At the foot of the bed: a smaller rug or runner across the end, useful with a bench or ottoman.
Sizes for UK beds
| Bed | Mattress | Under two-thirds | Either side | At the foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | 120 x 170 cm | One 80 x 150 cm | 80 x 150 cm |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm | 160 x 230 cm | Two 66-80 x 200 cm runners | 80 x 150 cm or 120 x 170 cm |
| King | 150 x 200 cm | 200 x 290 cm (160 x 230 cm in a small room) | Two runners | 120 x 170 cm |
| Super king | 180 x 200 cm | 200 x 290 cm or 240 x 340 cm | Two runners | 120 x 170 cm or 160 x 230 cm |
Aim for 45 to 60 cm of rug showing at each side of the bed, so both feet land on it.
Softness and materials
- Shaggy: the softest, warmest choice. Shaggy rugs.
- Wool: warm, springy and naturally slow to catch fire. Wool rugs.
- Wool and viscose: a soft sheen; bedrooms are an ideal low-traffic home for this delicate blend. Wool and viscose rugs.
Tips
- Place the rug before you move the bed back; it is far easier.
- Use a non-slip pad so the rug does not move as you get in and out of bed.
- Bedrooms are good places for lighter colours, because they see less dirt.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug for a double bed?
160 x 230 cm, laid sideways under the lower two-thirds of the bed.
What size rug for a king size bed UK?
200 x 290 cm for a generous border; 160 x 230 cm in a smaller room.
Should the rug go under the bedside tables?
Usually no. Start the rug just in front of the bedside tables so they sit level on the floor.
What is the softest rug for a bedroom?
A shaggy rug, a deep wool pile, or a wool and viscose blend.
Shop the guide
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Natural
from £59.98
-
Fossay Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Izaline Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Green
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98
Related guides
- What size rug do I need? A room-by-room guide
- Shaggy rugs: how to choose and care for them
- Rug pads and underlays explained
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.