Bedroom Rug Buying Guide: Colours, Sizes, Styles, and Budget Tips

While often overlooked when it comes to bedroom décor, rugs can instantly transform your room into a calm but stylish retreat - so we’re here to show you why finding the perfect bedroom rug is a must. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right colour and size to finding a style that suits your space—and your budget.

Why Rugs Matter in the Bedroom

Rugs are important in the bedroom for both aesthetic and practical reasons. The practical benefits include:

• Rugs absorb sound and noise of footsteps, making your bedroom quieter.
• Rugs provide warmth and comfort, keeping your feet warm on wooden floors, especially in the Winter months.
• Lastly, rugs protect your floors from everyday wear and tear, increasing the floor’s lifespan.   

The aesthetic benefits include:

• Rugs add visual interest to your bedroom and often anchor the rest of your room, creating a cohesive look.  
• In larger bedrooms, rugs can also help define zones, such as separating the sleeping area from a workspace, bringing structure and balance to the room.

What Size Rug is Best for Your Bedroom?

Rug Size for King Bedrooms

The right size rug ultimately depends on how big or small your bedroom is. For king-size bedrooms, we usually recommend a rug 200cm x 300cm or larger. As a general guideline, the rug in the bedroom should be 60-90cm beyond the foot and edge of the bed to allow space to step on the rug when you get out of bed.

Large Bedroom Rug vs Small Rugs for Bedrooms

Choosing between a large rug and smaller rugs depends on both your room size and bed size. In spacious bedrooms with queen or king beds, a large rug—such as an 8x10 or 9x12—helps anchor the entire space, providing a unified and balanced look. In contrast, small rugs or runners can work well in compact rooms or when placed beside the bed, offering comfort without overwhelming the layout. Consider how much floor you want covered and whether you’d like the rug to sit under all or part of your bed. Matching the rug size to your layout ensures the space feels well-proportioned and thoughtfully designed. If you're working with a smaller room, you might also find these tips helpful in our blog on how to use rugs to make your room look bigger. 

Bedroom Runner Rugs

Bedroom runner rugs are a great option for adding comfort without needing a large area rug. They work particularly well in smaller or narrower bedrooms where a full-size rug would overwhelm the space. Perfect for placing along the sides of the bed, runners provide a soft landing underfoot when you get in and out of bed.  You can also create your own custom bespoke runner rug with us at Des Kelly Interiors, allowing you to choose the exact size that best fits your bedroom space.

Rug Placement in Your Bedroom

Rugs Under Beds: What You Need to Know

Placing a rug under your bed is the most effective way to anchor your bedroom. To achieve this, the rug should be 60-90cm beyond the foot and edge of the bed to allow space to step on the rug when you get out of bed. Avoid placing the rug too close to the wall, and try to place the rug horizontally under the bed as it frames the bed naturally, giving the room a grounded and symmetrical look. Following these guidelines will enhance comfort while also tying your bedroom together. For more tips on how to place rugs throughout your home, check out our blog on rug placement for every room. 

Where to Put Small Rugs in a Bedroom

Small rugs can make a big impact when placed thoughtfully around the bedroom. Consider placing a small rug alongside your bed or under a bedside locker to add warmth and cushion your step in the morning. A small rug in a cosy corner where there might be a chair or vanity desk can help define the space and add a layer of texture. These smaller placements are perfect for adding personality and practicality, especially in tighter spaces or when working with a budget.

Positioning a Large Bedroom Rug

To effectively anchor a bedroom with a large rug, position it to encompass the bed and surrounding furniture, creating a defined area. This usually involves placing the rug under the bed and extending it at least 60 cm on either side and at the foot of the bed. For a larger bedroom, consider extending the rug further to encompass bedside tables. This setup helps ground the space, adds warmth underfoot, and ties all elements of the room together effortlessly.

Avoiding Common Rug Placement Mistakes

Badly placed rugs can affect the whole look of your bedroom: 

• Ensure to avoid blocking any furniture - position the rug so it supports either the entire furniture piece or at least the front legs of larger items such as the bed.
• Be careful of awkward sizing, as a rug that's too small can make the room feel disjointed, while one that's too large can overwhelm the space.
• Blocking vents with rugs can hinder airflow and reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
• Avoid positioning the rug too close to the walls, as this can make your bedroom feel cramped and overcrowded.

Rug Materials and Pile Height: What’s Best for Bedrooms?

Choosing the Right Rug Material

The material of your rug affects how it feels, wears, and how easy it is to clean. For a soft and luxurious feel, wool is a top choice—it's warm, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. Synthetic options like polyester or polypropylene are more budget-friendly, still offer comfort, and are easy to maintain—great for busy homes.

Low vs High Pile Rugs: What to Know

Pile height plays a big role in both comfort and practicality. High-pile rugs, like shag styles, are plush and cosy—great for creating a soft, luxurious vibe. However, they may be harder to clean and not ideal for high-traffic areas. Low-pile rugs are flatter and firmer, making them easier to vacuum and better suited to placing furniture on top without wobbling. For bedrooms, a medium-pile rug often offers the best of both worlds: soft enough for bare feet, yet easy to care for.

Colours and Patterns: What Works Best?

Neutral Tones

Neutral tones always work great in the bedroom as they naturally create a calm, soothing atmosphere that promotes relaxation. Shades of ivory, beiges and light greys are the perfect choice for this, and they also go well with a wide variety of décor from minimalist to traditional. Our Nova Rug offers an effortless way to introduce neutral tones into your bedroom— available in two stunning styles, Galaxy and Venus, both offered in a warm beige tone. The Nova range works well with many bedroom designs, helping you create a relaxed and cosy space.

Bold Tones 

If you want to bring energy, a bold, coloured rug is perfect as it will instantly liven up your bedroom. A pink rug for the bedroom, for example, can add a playful yet stylish touch, while deeper shades like green or blue add depth and create warmth. Our Vienna Rug range is perfect for those who aren’t afraid to embrace colour, offering a variety of eye-catching designs such as Aurora, Starburst, Oriental, and Sahara. Available in multi-coloured and vibrant hues, these rugs bring energy and individuality to any space—ideal for turning your bedroom into a bright space that shows your personality.

Plain vs Patterned

Before choosing between a plain or patterned rug, it’s important to consider what kind of vibe you want to create in your bedroom. Do you want a clean, minimal look or a bold-eye catching look? The answer will help you decide which type is best for your bedroom. A plain coloured rug will provide a clean, minimal backdrop that allows you to add whatever other style of décor you please. While a patterned rug adds personality and visual interest to a room, perfect for bringing a burst of energy. We have many patterned rugs available online, so whether you prefer a modern or traditional look, there’s one to suit every bedroom. For example, our Montreal Rug range is ideal for those who love a bit of traditional or modern design flair,  featuring multiple pattern options that suit both decors.

Budget Tips for Buying the Right Bedroom Rug

When buying a rug for your bedroom, it’s important to measure your space before you buy. You need to account for bed size, and as previously mentioned, we recommend leaving 45- 60 cm of space between the rug and the walls or furniture. Measuring your space before buying will prevent any costly mistakes. Next, consider where you should splurge vs when you should save when buying a rug for your bedroom. We recommend splurging on materials like wool as they are extremely durable and will last for years to come. If you're decorating on a budget, synthetic options like polyester are soft, cosy, and affordable. Whether it's better to shop online or in-store is down to personal preference, as both come with their benefits. Online can offer a wider range of rugs, but on the downside, you can’t see the true colour or feel the texture of the rug. Whereas shopping in-store allows you to do this and also get expert advice from the staff.

Find the Perfect Bedroom Rug for Your Style and Space at Des Kelly Interiors 

From size and placement to colour, style, and material, choosing the right rug can truly elevate your bedroom. Whether you’re after a bold statement piece or a soft, subtle touch underfoot, the right rug brings warmth, personality, and balance to your room. At Des Kelly Interiors, we’ve been helping customers create beautiful homes for over 50 years, offering a wide selection of quality rugs to suit every space and budget. Visit one of our showrooms or speak to our expert staff, who are always happy to guide you in finding the perfect rug. We offer custom sizing and bespoke rug service – more information here.  Contact us today or visit one of our 9 showrooms to find your perfect bedroom rug.

FAQS

Can I layer rugs in a bedroom?

Yes, layering rugs in a bedroom adds texture and depth. Try placing a smaller rug over a larger one for contrast and style.

Should a rug go under the entire bed?

Ideally a rug shouldn’t go under the entire bed, we recommend 60-90cm beyond the foot and edge of the bed to allow space to step on the rug when you get out of bed.

What colour rug is best for the bedroom?

Neutral tones like beige, grey, or soft pastels are versatile and calming, ideal for bedrooms. Bold colours can also work if you want to make a statement.

What are the best rugs for children’s bedrooms?

The best rugs for children’s bedrooms are soft, durable, and easy to clean—think low-pile options made from materials like cotton or synthetic fibres. Fun colours or playful patterns can also brighten the space.