Place your outer pieces of furniture so that they rest half on the rug and half off the rug, or arrange your furniture so that it entirely rests on the rug. The distance between your sofa and coffee table should be about 18 inches/ 45 cm. Always size up; a bigger rug gives a space a more airy, uncluttered impression.

Choose an 8' by 10' rug / 240x300 cm in the regular size for a queen bed, or place two smaller rugs on either side of the bed. Make sure there is 8 to 10 inches / 240x300 cm of space between your rug and nightstand. Choose an 8' by 10' / 240x300 cm rug or place a smaller rug in between two twin beds.

To prevent visitors from tripping over the rug's edge when pulling back chairs, leave at least 2 feet / 60 cm extra room on all sides.

Choose a runner rug for depth and perspective in a long galley-style kitchen or one with an island. A smaller 3' x 5' / 90x150 cm or 5' x 8' / 150x240 cm rug might work well in an L-shaped kitchen.

Choose a runner 2' x 3' / 60 x 90 cm rug to place in front of the sink or place a runner in front of a double vanity. Avoid letting your rug sit in any standing water.

A lengthy runner can add perspective and aesthetic interest to a corridor. Allow no more than 5 inches / 150 cm and no less than 3 inches / 90 cm from the walls while measuring.