Rugs that ground a seating group

A rug that is too small makes the furniture look like it is floating away from itself. In a living room, all front legs of the seating should sit on the rug. If you can, put every leg on it.

An 8 by 10 foot rug fits most standard sofas with a pair of chairs. A 9 by 12 is the safer choice when the sectional is deep. Measure from the front of the sofa to the front of the opposite chair and add walking room.

Low pile is kinder under dining chairs, because the chairs need to slide. A plush pile belongs beside a bed, where your feet hit the floor in the morning.

If the floor is already beautiful, a flatweave or a jute still defines the group without covering every board. The edge of the rug is doing the design work.