How to Choose a Bedroom Rug

Working out the right size is easier than you think

Subdued or flamboyant, thick and cushy, or flat woven, a rug can be the crowning touch to your bedroom decor.  How to choose a bedroom rug is illustrated in the various diagrams. The diagram above shows, one of the most common placements for rugs in the bedroom: two runners on the floor alongside the bed and one at the foot. This option works especially well with Oriental rugs.

While there is no set rule to placing a rug underneath a bed, this diagram demonstrates how to position a carpet to 1) allow wood floor to show all around and 2) utilize a small-sized carpet within the room by placing it partially underneath a bed.

Here’s the ever popular sisal rug framed in a contrasting border — a great option for bedrooms since sisal is monochromatic and the low/light traffic is easy on its less-than-durable fibers.  Also, sisal creates no concerns for moth infestation in the way a wool carpet would.

This flat woven rug, like the sisal, is another great low-traffic area option.

Placing this rug closer to the foot of the bed allows more of the design to show and adds color and texture beneath the ottoman and chair.

A large Oriental-style rug, arranged at the halfway point, holds the room and provides coverage underneath the settee as well.  The classic overall field pattern merely becomes a backdrop for the furniture while the darker, wide border creates the visual affect of framing the entire setting.

Two beds on one large rug with a dose of energetic color works perfectly for this room and the one below.

Here are a few more things to consider when you are deciding how to choose a bedroom rug:

Inspect and vacuum. Wool rugs are particularly susceptible to moths when placed beneath a bed (or any piece of furniture) as moths do their damage in dark undisturbed places.  Inspecting rugs every few months and regular vacuuming will keep you ahead.

Invest in a good pad. The bedroom is no place to skimp on making sure the edges of your rug(s) are secure and will not slide on hardwood floors. Finding the best rug pad for the type of rug you have can make all the difference.

Consider traffic patterns. Especially at night, when you are apt to get up in the dark, watch for flat woven rugs that may have flimsy or curling edges that can cause you to trip.

(Sources: Suzanne Kasler Design, Madeline Stuart, Ken Fulk Design, Suzanne Novik Interiors)

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