Should you place a rug under a bed? The verdict from interiors professionals

The thought of stepping out of bed onto a rug can be extremely appealing. A soft texture underfoot might be the ideal way to ease into the day. But is it a strategy interior designers endorse, or one they shy away from?

An area rug can definitely prove an attractive feature as part of bedroom ideas. But there are other places in which it could be positioned aside from under the bed and there could be arguments for preferring these alternatives.

We turned to interiors professionals to answer the question of whether you should place a rug under a bed, and if there are rules to follow for style success, and this is what they told us.

Putting a rug under a bed: what designers think

The answer from interior designers if you ask whether you should put a rug under a bed is a firm ‘yes’. ‘Placing a rug under the bed is a design choice that can elevate the aesthetics and comfort of your bedroom,’ says Cristiana Crin, director of design and founder at Perpetuum Designs.

Interior designer Artem Kropovinsky agrees. ‘The sensation of a plush rug underfoot as you step out of bed can’t be underrated,’ he says. ‘It’s like a soft welcome to each new day.’

However, there are occasions on which other bedroom rug ideas that complement bedroom flooring might be preferable. Additionally, there are some guidelines design pros recommend following. This is what you need to know.  

Artem Kropovinsky

Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of extensive and considerable global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.

Aesthetic benefits

The look it can create makes a major part of the case for putting a rug under a bed, according to designers. ‘The rug can be a visual extension of your bed,’ explains Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Think of it as the frame to your bed’s artwork. The right rug can enhance your bed’s aesthetic multifold.’

Equally, as Cristiana Crin points out, it ties together the various elements of your bedroom decor and creates a cohesive look.

Sound absorption

Reducing noise is a practical reason why designers recommend putting a rug under a bed. ‘Rugs can help reduce noise in your bedroom by absorbing sound, making it a good choice if you live in a noisy environment or have creaky hardwood floors,’ says Cristiana Crin.

Size guide

Be generous when choosing a rug for under the bed. ‘The bigger the better,’ says Christina Kim, principal designer and owner of Christina Kim Interior Design. ‘It will make the room feel more complete, less choppy, comfortable. Six inches from the walls is a good place to start.’

Cristiana Crin suggests a rule of thumb for the rug’s dimensions. ‘Have the rug extend at least 18 to 24 inches beyond each side of the bed to create a balanced look.’

Centering the rug beneath the bed creates a balanced look, but it’s not the only option. ‘Not all rugs need to peek out uniformly around the bed,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘An asymmetrical approach, where the rug extends more on one side, can add an unexpected twist to conventional layouts.’

Rug fibers

Treat your feet to soft rug fibers. ‘The bedroom is not a high-traffic area and so in terms of rugs you can afford to go a little bit more luxury in here, assuming no one is going to walk around in muddy shoes or spill a glass of wine,’ says Lucy Small, founder and lead designer at State & Season Home Design. ‘A great rug will be high-quality wool so that you’re not getting any smell or excessive dust collection, and will still be high enough to feel comfortable under your feet.’

But you might indulge in alternative materials. ‘Look for something soft,’ says Christina Kim. ‘It’s a good place to splurge: silk or hair on hide.’

When not to put a rug under a bed

There are many very good arguments for putting a rug under a bed, according to interior designers. However, there are some occasions on which you might do otherwise. 

‘In extremely compact bedrooms, a large rug might make the space feel cluttered,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘In such cases, runners on either side of the bed might be a more fitting choice.’

Climate zone might also influence the decision. ‘In hot and humid climates, a rug under the bed may trap heat and moisture, making it uncomfortable. In such cases, a lighter, breathable rug or no rug at all might be a better choice,’ says Cristiana Crin.

FAQs

‘Placing a rug under a bed is essential,’ says Christina Kim. ‘It’s a soft landing when your feet touch the ground in the morning.’ Plan it in as part of designing a bedroom and consider it as part of the palette of bedroom color ideas that can make the space full of decorative interest.