Rugs That Make Your Small Bedroom Look Bigger

Decorating a small bedroom comes with challenges. With limited floor space, every piece of furniture and decor must be chosen carefully. The wrong sized bed or oversized dresser can make a room feel claustrophobic. However, smart decor solutions like a properly sized and placed area rug can transform a cramped bedroom into a cozy, inviting retreat.

Strategic rug placement and design can visually expand a small bedroom. The right rug draws your eye around the room, making the space appear larger. A rug helps define sitting areas or zones within a multi-purpose bedroom. And an optimally sized and styled rug brings big design impact without overwhelming petite square footage.

How to Choose the Right Size Rug

Selecting a rug that is appropriately scaled for your room is key. An undersized rug gets lost, failing to anchor the space. Meanwhile, an oversized rug with edges hugging the walls or extending under bedside tables has the opposite effect–making the room seem smaller.

To find a rug with perfect proportions for your small bedroom:

• Measure the length and width of the room as well as the dimensions of your bed.
• Look for a rug about two-thirds the size of the bed. For example, if you have a queen bed that is 60″ wide, aim for a rug in the range of 36″-42″ wide.
• Ensure the rug is large enough that bed posts and nightstands sit firmly on top of it. But leave 12″-18″ of walking space around the perimeter.

With measurements in hand, browse rug sizes available rather than settling for a standard size that may overwhelm or underwhelm. For unusually small or awkward bedroom layouts, a custom-sized rug is a smart solution.

Strategic Rug Placement

Placing an area rug thoughtfully creates a cohesive foundation for small bedroom style. There are two main positioning options–either centering the rug under the bed or placing it only at the foot of the bed.

Centering the rug makes it the focal point while also anchoring the bed and unifying the space. However, this placement can also shorten sight lines. The rug edges extend close to the walls, reducing the perception of floor space around the bed. Centering works best in square rooms where a rug can fit under the bed without reaching the walls.

Putting an area rug only under the foot of the bed is ideal for elongated bedrooms. It defines the sleep space while still leaving open floor at the head of the bed, making the room appear longer. This placement is also great for small bedrooms with foot traffic around the bed.

Consider how your existing furniture layout and walking patterns should influence rug placement. And use it to create defined spaces–like a reading nook with two chairs atop an oval rug.

Rug Design and Color for Opening Up Space

The color and design of a small bedroom rug plays a big role in making the space feel open or enclosed. Light, neutral colors reflect the most light, increasing the sense of space. Solid rugs or patterns in pale hues like off-white, beige, light gray, and soft pastels are ideal.

Conversely, dark and bold rug colors have the opposite effect–visually shrinking a small bedroom. Patterns can also overwhelm a tight space, making it feel busier. Keep patterns subtle in tone-on-tone variations.

A monochromatic rug complements other neutral bedroom furniture and bedding. The continuous color scheme expands the look of a small room. Adding color through accent pillows, artwork and accessories prevents a mono rug palette from becoming boring.

Small Bedroom Rug Dos & Don’ts

• DO choose light, neutral solids or subtle patterns
• DO use monochromatic schemes
• DON’T use dark or bold colors
• DON’T overwhelm with noisy patterns

Rug Materials and Texture

Small bedroom rugs come in a range of materials, though lighter weight options are best for compact rooms. Heavy jute rugs instantly shrink a space. Synthetic rugs are often easier to lift and clean beneath beds.

Natural fiber rugs like wool add comfort underfoot, absorbing sound for better sleep. Look for tight looping rather than long fluffy piles that visually clutter.

Add dimension through texture without overwhelming a petite bedroom. Shag pile rugs instill coziness underfoot while providing acoustic benefits. A cable knit design brings subtle interest. Just keep the palette light.

In open concept bedrooms, an area rug provides a soft landing spot for rolling out of bed each morning. And it layers over hard flooring–like tile or concrete–for improved acoustics.

Bedroom Flooring Pros & Cons

Creative Uses and Tips

Take a creative approach to rugs to define zones, add visual interest, and make the most of square footage in a petite bedroom. Here are unique ways to incorporate rugs:

• Layer large and small rugs – Pairing a jute or sisal rug beneath a softer wool accent rug adds color without overwhelming.
• Place a rug under artwork – Ground your gallery wall or large statement piece atop a rug to accentuate it.
• Use circular rugs – Small, round rugs craft inviting vignettes without taking up too much space.
• Divide room functions – Designate work or lounge areas with area rugs.
• Try a geometric pattern – Angles and shapes draw the eye up and create height.

In bedrooms with awkward dimensions, a rectangular rug rotated diagonally opens up the layout. And for tight foot traffic, runners along frequently used routes keep feet comfortable.

Working With Your Budget

Finding an affordable rug comes down to smart shopping–not sacrificing quality at the expense of cost. Discount big-box stores, warehouse clubs and rug liquidation centers offer deals.

Precisely measure to get oddly sized remnants on clearance. Or browse cheaper synthetic blends with dirt-hiding busy patterns.

Natural fiber wool or cotton rugs–though pricier–are worthwhile long-term investments that can be layered affordably over basic carpeting.

Seeing and feeling options in person makes comparison shopping easier. Bring paint swatches to coordinate. And don’t forget the rug pad budget–just as crucial for protecting floors and preventing slips.

Budget Rug Buying Tips

• Measure precisely for discounted odd sizes
• Browse synthetics for deep discounts
• Layer inexpensive cotton/sisal rugs
• Wool rugs are worth the splurge
• Don’t forget cost of rug pad

Designing a warm, welcoming small bedroom starts from the ground up. An area rug offers big impact without overwhelming compact square footage.

Carefully measure the entire space–both room dimensions and bed size–to determine the optimal rug proportions. Shop for precisely sized rugs or customize as needed.

Mindfully place the rug to accentuate sight lines and walking space. Use it to distinguish sitting areas or ground focal points.

Select a light, neutral palette and subtle patterns to open up a tight bedroom. Then layer in texture and color with decor and accessories for personalized appeal.

Focus first on finding a quality rug made of natural fibers that will last for years. Then comparison shop to find it for an affordable price that fits your budget.

With smart rug design selections suited for a small space, your bedroom can feel expansive and cozy.