What Size Rug for a Queen Bed?

Cozy Bed Quarters
September 18, 2025
10:17 am
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4 minutes

Rug Size for Queen Bed: 3 Best Options & Layouts

The best rug size for queen bed is usually 6’×9′, 8’×10′, or 9’×12′. Aim for 18–24 inches of overhang at both sides and the foot so your feet land on softness every morning. Measure your room and map placements with painter’s tape before you buy.

Key Takeaways

Start with the 60″ × 80″ mattress footprint to visualize coverage.
The best rug size for queen bed is typically 6’×9′, 8’×10′, or 9’×12′.
Leave 18–24″ of overhang for comfort and visual balance.
Map likely sizes with painter’s tape and check door swings and vents.
Choose durable, washable fibers for pets and kids.

Quick Answer: Rug Size for Queen Bed at a Glance

Use the mattress footprint to guide coverage, then match one of the common sizes below to your room scale. These choices keep pathways clear while giving your feet a cushioned landing.

6’×9′: Works in compact ~10’×12′ rooms; two-thirds placement under the bed keeps doors clear.
7’×10′: Suits ~11’×13′ rooms; reaches near nightstands and can accommodate a foot bench.
8’×10′: Ideal for ~12’×14′ rooms; keeps bed and nightstands fully on the rug for a polished look.
9’×12′: Anchors 13’×15’+ suites; unifies all furniture and creates a hotel-like feel.

Know Your Starting Point: Queen Dimensions and Overhang

A standard queen mattress measures 60″ × 80″. Two common variants are the Olympic queen (66″ × 80″) and the California queen (60″ × 84″). Plan for 18–24 inches of visible rug along both long sides and the foot to make wake-ups comfortable and the room feel balanced. If you have an Olympic or California queen, consider sizing up to maintain that overhang.

According to the Sleep Foundation, consistent sleep supports overall health, mood, and alertness—so making the first steps out of bed pleasant is a worthwhile upgrade.

Best Rug Sizes by Room: Match Scale to Layout

Choose the size that fits your room’s footprint and the way you use the space. Tape outlines on the floor to confirm clearances.

6’×9′ — ~10’×12′ rooms: Two-thirds under the bed for side comfort without blocking doors. Great when nightstands stay off the rug.
7’×10′ — ~11’×13′ rooms: Reaches near nightstands and often allows a bench at the foot without crowding pathways.
8’×10′ — ~12’×14′ rooms: Bed and nightstands sit fully on the rug for a unified, steady setup.
9’×12′ — 13’×15’+ suites: All major furniture lands on the rug, anchoring seating and storage for a cohesive feel.

Eachnight’s bedding guide can help if you prefer low-VOC or eco-conscious materials while you size and shop.

Placement Methods That Work

Pick the layout that balances comfort and flow. Test each approach with tape before moving furniture.

Two-thirds under: Best with 6’×9′ or 7’×10′. Pull the rug forward so the front two-thirds shows. Nightstands stay off, but your feet find softness.
Fully under: Ideal with 8’×10′ or 9’×12′. Bed and nightstands sit on the same surface for a polished, wobble-free arrangement.
Side runners: Narrow runners add plush stepping paths in tight rooms or where a big rug would block vents.
Foot-only accent: A 4’×6′ or 5’×7′ at the foot adds seasonal pattern without moving heavy furniture.

Need a quick visualizer? Try this helpful Architectural Digest layout guide to preview placements before you buy.

Materials and Maintenance: Durable, Washable, and Comfy

Match fiber and pile to your lifestyle so the upgrade feels good every day.

Wool: Warmth, resilience, and natural soil resistance. Good for long-term comfort.
Nylon/Polypropylene: Durable, colorfast options that handle spills and heavy use.
Cotton: Casual, easy-clean feel—great in airy, relaxed rooms.
Washable builds: Handy for pets and kids. Choose low to medium pile so the rug slides under the frame and cleans easily.

Choose colors and patterns that disguise traffic from bed to closet, and consider a rug pad for grip and extra cushioning.

Measure, Map, and Visualize Before You Buy

Outlining footprints with painter’s tape turns guesswork into confidence.

Mark 6’×9′, 7’×10′, 8’×10′, and 9’×12′ options and align to your mattress footprint.
Check door and closet swings, outlet access, vents, and under-bed drawers.
Walk the paths in bare feet; photograph each mockup from the doorway for comparison.
If you’re between sizes, live with the taped outlines for a day to confirm your choice.

For a deeper dive on bedroom planning, see our Bedroom Layout & Rug Size Guide.

FAQ

Will a 5’×7′ work under a queen bed?

Not as the main rug. It won’t deliver side comfort. Use 5’×7′ as a foot-only accent or layer it over a larger base.

Should nightstands sit on the rug?

For a unified look, yes—choose 8’×10′ or 9’×12′. In tighter rooms, keep nightstands off the rug and use two-thirds placement.

How much rug should show around a queen?

Plan 18–24 inches along both sides and the foot. That spacing looks balanced and feels great underfoot.

Are washable rugs a good idea for bedrooms?

Yes. They simplify cleanup and are ideal for pets or kids. Pick low to medium pile and follow the care label.

Conclusion

The right rug size for queen bed depends on your room’s footprint and how you place the rug. Most bedrooms feel balanced with 6’×9′, 8’×10′, or 9’×12′, plus 18–24 inches of overhang for everyday comfort. Tape out layouts, check clearances, and choose materials that match your lifestyle. Explore more bedroom layout tips on Cozy Bed Quarters.