A rug is one of the most transformative purchases in interior design — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Getting size right and choosing durable material covers 80% of what matters.
Size
The most common mistake is buying a rug that is too small. In a living room, the rug should have at least the front legs of the sofa and all legs of chairs on it. In a dining room, the rug needs to extend at least 24 inches past the table edge on all sides for pulled-out chairs.
Material
Wool is the gold standard for durability and feel. Synthetics are appropriate for playrooms and outdoor spaces. In dining rooms, a washable rug pad beneath a washable surface rug extends the life of both.