How to choose the perfect Area Rug for your Bedroom
A Practical Guide
Rugs have the power to ground a space but it’s, unfortunately, a design element that many people tend to overlook. If a bedroom feels incomplete, it’s most likely due to the lack of that anchor. Perhaps that is why you are here, or maybe you already have a rug but something still feels off.
Regardless, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we are breaking down the exact rules and tips you will need to choose the perfect area rug for your bedroom.
There are four key elements we must consider to get this right.
FUNCTION
We want to be mindful of the fact that rugs can be quite the investment so it’s best to navigate this process with patience. Skip this step, and you will regret it.
How do you and your household function in your space?
In other words:
What do you need in a rug that will blend well with your lifestyle?
The type of rug you decide to purchase will be dependent on how you answer this question.
Do you have kids or pets? → Consider a rug that’s easily washable
Do you have carpet? → Consider a flat low pile rug
(It’s not recommended to place a rug on high pile carpet. It may look bulky and could potentially be a tripping hazard.)
Do you have a busy schedule? → Consider something low maintenance
Is your bedroom too narrow? → Consider a runner instead
The questions above are just a few of the many things to consider. The goal here is to establish a clear list of needs so you can narrow down your shopping
options. It is completely okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. Simply having this list will help you tremendously going forward.
You should now know what you need from your rug.
SPACE
When it comes to space, you may have very little or more than you know what to do with. Both can be a blessing and a curse in their own way. To find the perfect rug for your bedroom, it is important to analyze how much space you actually have.
Guidelines
Your area rug should extend 18-24 inches outwards from the sides of the bed.
If your bed is pushed off to the side or corner of the room due to a lack of space: Consider a runner that extends 18-24 inches outwards from the side of the bed.
If your bed is in the center of the wall but your room is too narrow for a full size rug or runner on the sides: Consider a runner at the foot of the bed following the same rule of extending 18-24 inches outwards from the bed.
Pro Tip: We don’t want your area rug to take over your space because it’ll just look like carpet. Pay extra attention to this if you have a small bedroom.
If you have nightstands, the best placement for your rug is to place it 6-8 inches in front of them although it is also acceptable to place the rug underneath them. Ultimately it comes down to preference.
You should now know what type of rug can fit in your space.
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions can now be taken after finalizing our decisions in the previous steps. Measure out the ideal length and width of your rug on the floor of your bedroom. Then, make sure to write these measurements down. You may also use painters tape on the floor to see if you like the layout.
Don’t forget:
Your area rug should extend 18-24 inches outwards from the sides of the bed.
Your area rug should preferably be 6-8 inches in front of your nightstands
You should now know what your ideal measurements are for your rug.
STYLE
Style is our most exciting step. Use the guide below to help you decide.
Budget: Since a good rug isn’t something you should have to replace often, it’s best to avoid buying a “temporary” option. I recommend investing in a high quality rug because it can save you money in the long run due to their durability. That being said, rugs can get expensive so it is important to set a budget before you choose a style.
Design styles are here to guide you but they are not hard rules. Most people have a mix of styles in their homes and when done right, it can look beautiful. Don’t be afraid to step out of your interior design style.
Rug Characteristics: Minimalist patterns, earthy tones, bold abstract art, high low pile heights, and geometric line art.
Common Materials: Wool, jute, viscose, and polypropylene.
Design Goal: To create an environment that is intentional and functional by eliminating clutter and visual noise.
Rug Characteristics: Heavily textured Moroccan shags, geometric tribal patterns, distressed vintage looks, and playful details like fringe or tassels.
Common Materials: Wool, cotton, jute, and sisal.
Design Goal: To create an environment that shows off your lifestyle, nature, and one that embraces maximalism.
Rug Characteristics: Neutral stripes, classic plaids, simple ticking patterns, or faded, low contrast vintage motifs in muted color palettes.
Common Materials: Chunky wool blends, durable cotton, jute, and sisal.
Design Goal: To create an environment that feels cozy by inviting in natural elements.
Rug Characteristics: Intricate oriental or Persian motifs, formal central medallions, detailed borders, and rich, deep color ways (like navy, burgundy, and sage).
Common Materials: Silk, high quality wool, and dense faux whip polypropylene.
Design Goal: To create an environment that is timeless, familiar, and elegant.
Rug Characteristics: Bold geometric shapes, iconic retro line work, atomic era bursts, and warm earth tones (mustard, olive, terracotta) paired with high contrast neutrals.
Common Materials: Low pile wool, dense tufted synthetics, and flat weaves.
Design Goal: To create an environment that prioritizes function through simplicity.
Rug Characteristics: Ultra clean minimalism, high texture micro shags, simple neutral monochrome grids, and muted pastel or bright monochromatic tones.
Common Materials: Undyed wool, organic cotton, and light jute.
Design Goal: To create an environment that embraces the concept of hygge (coziness) by prioritizing a bright and airy space.
Rug Characteristics: Monochromatic concrete tones, faded or heavily distressed vintage patterns, abstract iron/rust toned washes, and stark geometric grids.
Common Materials: Low profile polypropylene, durable nylon, and distressed hides.
Design Goal: To create an environment that embraces raw materials.
Rug Characteristics: Fluid organic shapes, asymmetrical wavy lines, tonal stone veined marble patterns, and rich textures like bouclé or silk sheen gradients.
Common Materials: Viscose, Tencel, modal, and fine wool.
Design Rule: To create an environment that feels fresh and comfortable while being inline with the current trends.
Wool comes from a sheep's coat.
Pros: Very high quality due to its longevity.
- Stain Resistant
- Fire Resistant
- Exceptionally Soft
- Natural Elasticity (It bounces back even after heavy furniture sits on it.)
- Eco- Friendly
- Hypoallergenic (Reduces allergy symptoms.)
The Cons:
- High Price Tag
- Constant Shedding for the First Few Months
- Sensitive to Harsh Chemicals
- Sensitive to Moisture
Cotton comes from the cotton plant.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Breathable
- More Budget Friendly Option
- Many are Machine Washable
- Soft Underfoot
The Cons:
- Wears Down Faster
- Can Curl at the Edges
- Can Slip and Slide (This can be treated by adding a thick rug pad.
- Prone to Stains
Jute is derived form the Corchorus Plant. Sisal is derived from the Agave Sisalana Plant.
Pros:
- Plant Based Materials
- Jute is Soft
- Sisal is Durable
- Often Base Layers for Smaller Rugs
The Cons:
- Highly Sensitive to Moisture
- Jute Sheds Fine Fibers Over Time
- Sisal is Quite Coarse and Scratchy
Silk is harvested from the cocoons of the silk worm.
Pros:
- Intricate Details in Design
- Highly Resistant to Natural Wear
- Can Increase in Value Over Time
Cons:
- Very High Cost
- High Maintenance
- Absorbs Moisture Rapidly
- Not for High Traffic Areas
- Fades in Direct Sunlight
Viscose is a semi-synthetic material derived from natural sources like wood pulp and bamboo cellulose.
Pros:
- Mimics Silk Well
- Soft Underfoot
- Has Design Versatility
The Cons:
- Extremely Sensitive to Liquids (This breaks down the fibers, causing them to permanently mat, yellow, and lose their silk-like sheen.)
- Prone to Crushing and Matting
- Required Professional Cleaning
Polypropylene comes from fossil fuels.
Pros: This high performance synthetic usually attempts to imitate natural materials like wool and sisal.
- Stain Resistant
- Fade Resistant
- Hydrophobic
- Budget Friendly
The Cons:
- Highly Flammable
- Low Melting Point
- Low Resilience (This material does not bounce back easily.)
- Attracts Oil and Dirt
- Can Have a Chemical Smell
- Not Eco Friendly
Polyester is derived from petroleum, natural gas, and petrochemicals.
Pros:
- Soft
- Vibrant Colors
- Affordable
- Stain Resistant
The Cons:
- Prone to Matting and Crushing Under Heavy Furniture
- Absorbs Oil Based Stains Easily
- 1-5 Year Lifespan
- Not Eco Friendly
Nylon is derived from petroleum based polymers.
Pros:
- Bounces Back Quickly
- Stain Resistant
- Vibrant Colors
- Resists Mold and Mildew
The Cons:
- Most Expensive Synthetic Option
- Prone to Generating Static Electricity
- Prone to Fading in the Sun
- Not Eco Friendly
This is the most common and the one that I will recommend. It offers the sleekest design and it is the easiest to work with. Especially in your bedroom.
This can be a beautiful shape but I would not recommend this shape for your bedroom. If you want to do it: Placing it at the foot of the bed or completely to the side of the bed will be your best options.
This can be for rooms that are more whimsical and fun. They are used mostly as runners or side rugs and rarely used as the main rug under the bed.
Patterns and colors may be limited with some materials but there are a plethora of options to choose from. Just check out some of these designs:
