Rugs

Choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of every seat to rest on it. For most living rooms that means 200 × 290 cm; 160 × 230 cm suits smaller rooms and 240 × 340 cm larger ones. Leave 20–45 cm of floor visible at the edges. If in doubt, size up, as a rug that is too small is the most common mistake.

Choose one that extends 45–60 cm beyond each side of the bed, so your feet land on it when you get up. For a double or king, a 200 × 290 cm rug placed two-thirds of the way under the bed works well. A runner either side is a good alternative in narrower rooms or where the bed sits against a wall.

At least 60 cm larger than the table on every side, so chairs stay on the rug when they are pulled out. A six-seater table usually needs a rug of 200 × 300 cm or more. Match the rug's shape to the table, round under round and rectangular under rectangular, for the neatest look.

Wool is the most durable choice and naturally resists stains and crushing. Polypropylene is affordable and easy to clean, which suits kitchens and children's rooms. Jute and sisal add texture but are hard to spot-clean. Viscose has a silky sheen but marks easily and flattens, so it suits quiet rooms rather than hallways.

Yes. Underlay stops a rug sliding on hard floors and rucking on carpet, adds cushioning underfoot and helps the rug last longer by reducing friction. It also protects floors from scratches caused by a rug's backing. Cut it 2–3 cm smaller than the rug on every side so it stays hidden.

Across this range, a 160 × 230 cm wool rug starts at around £125–£300, designer and Persian-style rugs of the same size are nearer £700–£800, and hand-knotted pieces cost far more. Machine-washable rugs are worth comparing for homes with pets and children. Some retailers offer swatches for about £10, the most reliable way to judge colour at home.