When choosing a rug to place under your bed, there are a few key factors to consider: size, material, color/pattern, and budget. The rug under a bed serves both functional and aesthetic purposes – you want something that fits the space properly, feels nice underfoot, and complements your existing decor. Taking the time to find the right rug can really tie a bedroom together!
Size
The most important factor when selecting an under-bed rug is getting the right size. You’ll want a rug that comes close to the edges of the bed frame or is slightly larger. Having a rug that is too small compared to the bed will make the room look awkward and feel unbalanced.
Some general size guidelines:
– For a twin bed, look for a rug in the 3’x5′ to 4’x6′ range
– For a full or double bed, 5’x8′ rugs work well
– For a queen bed, 6’x9′ or 7’x10′ rugs are ideal
– For a king bed, 8’x10′ up to 9’x12′ rugs are best
Take measurements of your bed and available floor space before rug shopping to know what dimensions will fit the area. Also account for bedside tables, benches or other furniture around the bed when choosing a size. You want the rug to extend 18-24 inches out from all sides of the bed frame.
Material
The material of your under bed rug impacts appearance, durability, and comfort. Here are some top options to consider:
Wool – Wool rugs are soft, comfortable, and very durable. They come in a wide range of patterns and colors. Wool is also naturally stain resistant. The downside is wool is more expensive than synthetic rugs.
Cotton – Cotton rugs have a lighter, casual feel. They come in flatweave, shag, or braided styles. Cotton is soft but less resilient than wool. Prone to shedding and pilling over time.
Jute – Jute has a natural, earthy look. The coarse fibers make jute rugs very durable but not as soft. Jute can be scratchy for bare feet. It’s also prone to shedding.
Silk – Luxurious and lustrous, silk rugs feel sensational and make a statement. The fibers are very delicate though – silk rugs require special care. An expensive high-end choice.
Sisal – Sisal is a popular natural fiber for rugs. It has a nubby, informal texture. Sisal is tough and durable, though not very cushy underfoot. Works well for high-traffic areas.
Synthetic – Rugs made from nylon, polyester, acrylic, viscose or olefin are affordable options. Synthetics range from basic polypropylene rugs to faux silk. They resist stains but may not be as resilient as natural fibers.
Consider your lifestyle and needs. Wool and cotton provide the best comfort for rugs under beds, while sisal and synthetic are most durable and budget-friendly. Silk offers pure luxury.
Color & Pattern
A rug under the bed presents an opportunity to complement your existing bedroom decor or make a vibrant color/pattern statement.
If your goal is to seamlessly match the room, choose a rug with colors pulled from the bedding, curtains, furnishings or paint on the walls. This creates a cohesive look. But don’t feel you need to match exactly – having some contrast in the rug pattern can help the bed stand out.
For a focal point, opt for a graphic print or vibrant colors that contrast sharply with the rest of the room. The area under the bed frames the sleeping space, so you can be bold here. Floral, geometric, striped or whimsical kids’ rugs all work great.
The pattern or pile of the rug also impacts how the room looks. Low pile or flatweave rugs feel more casual and transitional. Plush and shag rugs create a cozier, more traditional vibe. Contemporary rooms suit graphic prints. Distressed rugs complement farmhouse or rustic decor.
Budget
Rugs come in a very wide range of price points. Here are average costs for under bed rugs based on size:
| Rug Size | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 3’x5′ | $50 – $200 |
| 4’x6′ | $80 – $300 |
| 5’x8′ | $100 – $500 |
| 6’x9′ | $150 – $600 |
| 7’x10′ | $200 – $800 |
| 8’x10′ | $300 – $1,000 |
| 9’x12′ | $400 – $1,500 |
Cheap rugs can be found for under $100, while high-quality wool or silk rugs run over $1000. Set a budget and look for sales to find deals. Cheaper rugs may not last as long. Prioritize longevity for rugs in high-traffic areas.
With some smart shopping, you can find a great rug for under your bed even on a limited budget. Discount home stores and online retailers offer affordable options. Or watch for clearance sales of last season’s patterns for deals.
Best Rug Materials for Under Bed
Let’s recap the advantages of some top rug materials specifically for placement under beds:
Wool – The softness and durability of wool make it ideal for high-traffic areas. Wool naturally resists dirt, stains and moisture. It provides insulation and sound dampening too. Look for a medium pile height.
Cotton – Lightweight cotton flatweave rugs fit easily under beds with high clearances. Cotton is soft underfoot but not as cozy as wool. Choose low-shed cotton.
Jute – The natural fiber wicks away moisture and has good traction, making jute suitable for basements or bedrooms with kids and pets. Jute’s durability balances out the scratchy texture.
Polypropylene – For those on a tight budget, polypropylene is affordable and easy to clean. Rugs made from this synthetic are resistant to fading and staining.
Sisal – The coarse, hardy fibers of sisal are ideal for high-traffic areas under beds. Sisal is smooth enough not to catch on bed skirt hems. It doesn’t hold moisture or odors either.
Analyze the location of the rug and your priorities – plushness, durability, maintenance, budget – to narrow down the right material. Pro tip: check the rug’s R rating – the higher the better – an indication of density and resilience.
Most Popular Rug Styles for Under Bed
Certain styles and constructions of rugs work especially well placed under beds. Here are some top options:
1. Berber/Loop Pile – Made from wool or synthetic fibers. The uncut loops are dense and cushy. Berber rugs come in solids or simple patterns.
2. Braided – Cotton or wool braided rugs have a casual, beachy vibe. Softer than flatweaves but very durable.
3. Flatweave – Lean option for low clearance beds. Flat tapestry weave has no pile. Styles range from Moroccan to Scandinavian.
4. Kilim – Like flatweaves, kilims have no pile. The thin rugs have intricate tribal patterns and fringe ends. Vintage look.
5. Rag rugs – Woven from recycled materials. Rag rugs are colorful and eclectic. Soft and absorbent cotton or wool.
6. Shag – Shaggy rugs with long pile are cozy underfoot. Synthetic or natural fibers. Hide dirt well.
7. dhurrie – Flatwoven reversible cotton rugs from India. Simple geometric patterns. Affordable option.
8. Sisal – Casual woven sisal rugs with borders work nicely under beds. Natural fiber is durable.
9. Jute – Similar look and feel as sisal but softer. Natural jute fiber woven into rugs.
Rug Backings for Under Bed Use
The backing material on the bottom of the rug impacts durability and grip:
– Latex – Most common backing. Latex coated rugs grip floors well and last longer.
– PVC – Polyvinyl chloride backing is durable but doesn’t breathe, so moisture gets trapped.
– Jute – Natural jute backing lets rugs breathe. Softer feel but not as sturdy.
– Cotton – Woven cotton backing is breathable. Prone to mildew in moisture.
– Felt – Non-woven synthetic felt. Moderately good grip.
– Rubber – Small rubber pellets coating is non-slip. Not moisture resistant.
Latex-backed or jute-backed rugs are preferable for under bed use. The right backing prevents slippage on floors and keeps the rug in place. PVC works for dry rooms. Avoid rugs with no backing – they’ll slide around.
Rug Pile Heights for Under Beds
The height or thickness of the rug pile under your bed impacts comfort and fit. Here are guidelines for different pile heights:
Low Pile (under 1/4″): Best for low clearance beds, allows ramps/lift access. Casual flatwoven styles.
Medium Pile (1/4″ – 1/2″): Adaptable standard height. Enough cushion without excessive thickness.
High Pile (over 1/2″): Plush feel but can obstruct under bed storage. Shag rugs are quite thick.
No Pile: Flatweaves, dhurries, kilims. Avoid friction and provide support.
Measure the clearance under the bed frame to figure the max pile height that can fit without obstruction. The ideal pile is soft enough for bare feet yet thin enough to allow under bed access.
Choosing Rug Shape for Under Bed
The most common shape for rugs is rectangular – but other shapes can also work well under beds:
– Rectangle: Most versatile traditional shape. Easy to arrange under bed.
– Round: Soften look in bedroom. Size 5′-8′ diameter for under bed.
– Oval: Elongated round. Good for orienting to bed shape.
– Square: Sleek balanced appearance. 5′-8′ width range.
– Runner: For very long/narrow beds. Coordinate with bed shape.
Rectangle rugs are easiest to align under beds properly. Round and oval work for floating bed frames. Avoid small awkward shapes that won’t extend far enough.
Types of Rug Edges and Borders
Rugs come finished with different types of edging:
– Self-edge – The rug fibers form the edge. Common in casual dhurries or jute rugs.
– Fringe – Decorative knotted strands along ends. Seen in Moroccan flatweaves.
– Bound – Fabric wrapped around rug edge. Neat finished look.
– Serged – Overlocked stitching secures rug ends. Most common edging.
– Surged – Whip-stitching at edge. Casual natural rugs often surged.
Borders decorate the outer edge:
– Colored – Coordinating or contrasting shade.
– Patterned – Repeating motif.
– Solid – Single dark or light border color.
The edging and border should coordinate with the bedroom style. Fringe boho chic, colored border for vintage. Surged edges suit farmhouse.
Rug Texture and Feel
Consider the look and feel underfoot of potential rug textures:
Smooth: Flatwoven, no pile rugs. Minimal texture.
Coarse: Rustic jute and sisal have rough nubby texture.
Plush: Shag or high pile rugs feel indulgently soft.
Nubby: Subtle wool loop piles with cushion. Berber rugs.
Silky: Light sheen of silk fibers on rug surface.
Rugs with at least some pile feel best underfoot beside beds. Avoid very coarse or abrasive textures. Plush rugs add cozy comfort but can snag bed skirts.
Size and Placement
To recap size and placement best practices:
– Measure bed and available floor space.
– Rug should extend 18-24 inches beyond bed frame on all sides.
– Larger size is better than too small.
– Leave equal margin of floor showing around rug perimeter.
– Angle corners of rectangular rug parallel to bed corners.
Take time arranging the rug for the ideal centered position under the bed. The rug should ground the bed without overwhelming the surrounding layout.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Rugs under beds get a lot of traffic. Here are some care tips to keep them looking good:
– Vacuum frequently – weekly at minimum. Use proper attachments for pile height.
– Fluff and rotate the rug occasionally to even out wear.
– Spot clean stains right away with rug cleaner or mild soap and water.
– Professionally deep clean every 1-2 years depending on use.
– Rotate out seasonally to prolong life of natural fiber rugs.
– Check backing for wear and secure loose edges. Re-back or re-bind as needed.
– Keep fringes untangled. Use fabric softener spray to fluff.
With regular upkeep, the rug under your bed should last for many years before needing replacement!
Conclusion
The rug under your bed brings warmth, texture and style to the bedroom. Take the time to find the right size, material, color and pattern that suits your space and needs. Measure carefully, read rug labels, and always place a non-slip pad underneath. With a little planning, you can create a pulled together, polished look featuring a beautiful rug underfoot. Your bed will feel nicely anchored, and the rug will be protected from traffic wear and tear. A rug under bed is an opportunity to add a decorative accent while also providing practical floor protection.
