What Size Rug for a California King Bed?
California king bed, 72 x 84 inches - narrower but longer than standard king
9' × 12'
For a 72" × 84" california king bed
The 18-24 Inch Rule
Rug should extend 18-24 inches beyond each side and the foot of the bed for a soft landing when you wake up.
Common Mistake: Treating It Like a Standard King
Treating it like a standard king and ending up with insufficient length coverage
Size Options for Your California King Bed
Choose based on your space and desired coverage.
Smallest size that works - about 14 inches on each side
Good coverage all around, accounts for extra length
Full coverage with seating area for maximum impact
The Math: Why 9x12?
Here's why a 9×12 is the standard recommendation for Cal King:
Placement Guidelines
Position your rug correctly for the best look.
Do This
- • Position rug so 2/3 extends from under the bed toward the foot
- • Center the rug with the headboard, not the room
- • Account for the extra 4" of bed length when positioning at the foot
Avoid This
- • Don't center the rug in the room (center it on the bed instead)
- • Don't treat it like a standard king—the Cal King is longer and needs more coverage at the foot
- • Don't let the rug end at the headboard—it should extend well past the foot
Pro Tips
- 1Position rug so about 12" extends under the headboard
- 2The extra 4" of length vs standard king needs consideration at the foot
- 3Nightstands should sit on the rug for best results
- 4A 10×14 gives you extra breathing room for the longer bed
Other Bedroom Options
Explore rug sizes for different furniture configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Rooms
Rug Size for Under a California King Bed
California king beds measure 72" × 84"—4 inches narrower but 4 inches longer than a standard king. This extra length means you need to pay special attention to coverage at the foot of the bed.
For most Cal King bedrooms, a 9×12 rug is the standard choice. The 12-foot length handles the extra bed length well. If you have a larger room or want maximum coverage, consider a 10×14.
An 8×10 is the minimum but may look short at the foot due to the Cal King's extra length.
California King vs Standard King: Rug Size Comparison
| Bed Type | Bed Size | Minimum Rug | Recommended Rug |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard King | 76" × 80" | 8×10 | 9×12 |
| California King | 72" × 84" | 8×10 | 9×12 |
Both bed types work best with a 9×12 rug, but for different reasons: the standard king needs width coverage, while the Cal King needs length coverage.