Finding the ideal area rug for your queen-sized bed can transform the look and feel of your bedroom. The right size rug frames the bed beautifully while providing plenty of functional space for walking around. With some careful calculations and shopping, you can determine and select the perfect rug dimensions to beautifully anchor your queen bed.
Measure Bed Dimensions
The first step in calculating the best area rug size is to measure the exact width and length of your queen bed frame. While a standard queen mattress measures 60″ wide by 80″ long, bed frames often vary in size and shape.
Use a soft measuring tape to measure the distance between the outer edges of your bed frame or take note of the dimensions listed by the manufacturer. Account for any baseboards and bed legs that may extend slightly beyond the mattress boundaries. You want to determine the overall footprint of the bed frame on the floor to find a rug size that will properly accommodate it.
Standard Queen Mattress Size
If you have a standard queen-sized mattress that measures precisely 60″ x 80″, this basic dimension will help give you a starting point for calculating rug size. Just keep in mind your actual frame may alter the measurements slightly.
Non-Standard Bed Frames
For upholstered beds, sleigh beds, platform beds, and other frame styles that are larger or smaller than standard queen dimensions, careful measurement of the bed base itself will provide the most accurate dimensions for your rug size calculations.
Write down the precise width and length of your bed to avoid errors. Even an extra inch or two can make a difference in terms of rug fit. Mattress sizes are standard, but bed frames come in many footprints.
Determine Rug Placement
Next, think about how you want to position your area rug relative to the bed. There are a few typical rug placement options to consider for queen beds:
All 4 Legs on the Rug
For a classic, centered look, you can place the area rug so all four legs of the bed sit atop the rug. This creates a cohesive layout and frames the bed nicely. Just be sure to allow for enough border space so the bed doesn’t crowd or hang off the edges.
Bottom Corners on the Rug
Another option is to have the bottom corners of the bed on the rug while the upper corners extend beyond it. This leaves some negative space at the foot of the bed while still anchoring it.
Offset Placement
For an asymmetrical, modern layout, consider floating the bed partially on and partially off the rug. You may want the rug only partially under the bed, extending outward on one side.
Decide which placement approach works best for your bedroom size and style. The amount of rug that extends under or around the bed will impact the total dimensions needed.
Measure Space Around Bed
Once you determine the basic placement, it’s time to measure how much floor space you want surrounding the bed frame on all sides. This border space serves both form and function.
In terms of form, a sufficient border prevents the bed from overpowering the rug visually. The rug should not appear cramped. For function, ample border space allows convenient walkways around the bed perimeter.
Minimum Border Space
At minimum, plan to allow for 18-24 inches of rug extending beyond the bed frame on all sides. This leaves a usable surface for accessing the bed while framing it with a border.
Extra Walkway Space
For a less cramped layout with comfortable walking space, allow 30-36 inches or more around the bed frame if room size permits. This makes it easy to walk around and make the bed.
Space for Additional Furniture
Take into account any nightstands, lamps, benches or other furniture you want to place adjacent to the bed. Ensure the rug dimensions allow for these items to fit with ample additional space around them.
Irregular Room Shapes
For oddly shaped rooms, complex furniture arrangements or tight spaces, you may need to modify the border space. Just aim for the most generous dimensions that logically fit the layout.
Calculate Total Rug Size Needed
With the bed frame dimensions and preferred border space measurements marked, you can now do the math to determine the ideal overall area rug size for your queen bed.
Add together the width of the bed, length of the bed, and the border spaces you want on all sides. This provides the total dimensions the rug must be to accommodate the bed and walking space.
Round Up Size
Rug sizes come in set dimensions like 5’x8′ or 8’x10′, not exact customized measurements. So round your calculated size up to the nearest typical rug dimensions to allow a few extra inches.
Odd Room Shapes
For oddly shaped rooms, you may need to break down calculations by area instead of dimensions. Calculate the total square footage you want the rug to cover allowing for ample border space.
Use graph paper to map out various rug sizes if visualizing dimensions is tricky in irregular spaces.
Select Among Standard Rug Sizes
Once you determine the ideal total size based on your needs and calculations, you can start shopping! Refer to standard rug dimensions to choose the size that most closely matches your measurements with a few inches to spare.
Common Area Rug Sizes
Some popular rectangular area rug sizes that typically work well for queen beds include:
- 6′ x 9′
- 8′ x 10′
- 9′ x 12′
Runners, oval and round rugs are other shapes to consider if suited for your space.
Custom Rug Sizes
For truly odd-sized rooms, you can order custom-cut rugs tailored to your exact measurements. But these often cost more and have longer lead times.
Size Up If Between Dimensions
If your ideal calculated size falls between two typical rug dimensions, opt to size up for a little extra wiggle room.
For example, if your measurements work out to be 7′ x 11′, choose an 8′ x 12′ rug. The extra space prevents the rug looking or feeling too small.
Consider Room Size and Layout
When finalizing your rug size, be sure to evaluate it within the context of your overall room’s dimensions and layout.
Rug Proportion
Choose a rug size proportional to the room. An oversized 9′ x 12′ rug may overwhelm a small 9′ x 9′ bedroom. But that same 9′ x 12′ size looks balanced in a larger 12′ x 15′ master suite.
Traffic Lanes
Make sure to leave enough bare floor space for opening doors and primary traffic lanes. Size your rug so it doesn’t completely block routes through the room.
Furniture Symmetry
Ideally a rug should be centered in the room with equal distance between furniture groupings on both sides. But creative asymmetric layouts work too if well executed.
Rug Shape and Style
Beyond getting the right rug size, also make sure to select the ideal shape and style to complement your queen bed.
Common Shapes
The most popular area rug shapes for queen bedroom sets include:
- Rectangular – Most common shape, flexible sizing.
- Oval – Softens room corners and edges.
- Round – Creates focal point, anchors circular furniture groupings.
Room Contours
Let the shape of your rug play off the contours of the room. For example, oval and round rugs work great in rooms with rounded architectural details.
Design Cohesion
Choose rug patterns, textures and colors that tie together your room’s design theme. The rug should complement bedding, window treatments, artwork and accent pieces.
Avoid a rug that visibly clashes and fights against your decor. Use it to pull the look together.
Use Appropriate Rug Pad
No matter what size and shape rug you select, always use an accompanying rug pad underneath for several key reasons.
Cushioning Comfort
Rug pads add an extra layer of soft cushioning underfoot for comfort. This is especially nice next to beds, where your feet hit the floor surface.
Prevent Slippage
Rug pads grip the floor to keep area rugs securely in place. This prevents slides, wrinkles and trips on bunched up corners.
Size Pad Precisely
Choose a rug pad sized to fit the exact dimensions of your selected area rug. When ordering, match the pad size to the rug size for best function.
Allow Rug to Extend Under Furniture
While allowing your area rug to generously frame your queen bed, also consider extending it under nearby furniture pieces.
Anchor Nightstands
Try placing nightstands fully atop the rug, rather than half on and half off. This makes the entire furniture vignette feel cohesive and grounded.
Unify Other Furniture
Extending your rug to run under chairs, dressers, vanities or other bedroom furnishings helps tie the whole layout together. The rug visually links the pieces.
Neat Appearance
Rugs running under furnishings gives a tidy, tailored appearance compared to smaller rugs floating haphazardly between pieces.
Finding the perfect area rug for a queen bed takes a bit of pre-planning and math. But once you carefully measure your space, bed frame and border areas, you can directly calculate the ideal rug size tailored to your needs. Shop for a quality rug in the closest standard size that meets your dimensions and space requirements. And don’t forget the proper rug pad for slip prevention and comfort underfoot. With the right sized and styled area rug, you can beautifully anchor and frame your queen bed within the bedroom.
