DECORATE WITH Rugs

Follow these expert tips to choose the best rug style, material and size for your space.

- MONIQUE VALERIS

FIND THE RIGHT ONE

As you prepare to buy a rug, keep this basic plan in mind.

MEASURE WELL.

To estimate the correct rug dimensions, put your furniture in place and measure the width and length of the space, suggests designer Meredith Heron (meredithheron.​com); for arrangement options, see page 46. Designers often recommend leaving 12 inches of floor space between a rug’s edges and the walls, though Heron prefers less, about 6 to 8 inches.

MATCH MATERIAL TO FUNCTION.

“New Zealand wool or natural silk designs are ideal for households with kids, pets or people with allergies because they repel stains,” says Heron. For more budget-friendly options, consider hand-knotted wool rugs, which are durable and resist stains and dust.

CONSIDER PAT TERN AND SHAPE.

A rug’s specific design and color is all about personal preference, but Heron has some guidelines:

• Pair a light neutral sofa with a patterned rug in a mid-tone color, which will provide contrast but won’t make the space feel smaller.

• Pull colors and patterns from the rug to the sofa (pillows and throws count!) or vice versa.

• A dark sofa works well with a rug in a similar shade.

• Let the living room’s shape dictate the rug’s shape (if the room is square, for instance, a square rug is best).

LOVE YOUR LAYOUT

Let your rug choice shine with these placement ideas.

ALL PIECES ON

Best for: big rooms If you're decorating a large space, make a statement by placing all the furniture sofa, accent chairs and coffee table-directly on the rug for a cohesive feel.

FRONT LEGS ONLY