Picking a rug size and fibre

Measure the seating area first. A 170 x 240 cm rug suits most three-seater sofas with a coffee table, provided the front legs of the sofa and chairs can rest on it. A large L-shaped sofa or a dining table for six is better served by 200 x 300 cm, while 60 x 120 cm fits beside a bed or at an entrance.

Wool is hard-wearing, hides everyday dirt and recovers well under furniture, though new wool rugs often shed a little at first. Viscose has a soft sheen but marks easily with water, so keep it away from dining spills. Leather needs only a wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Turn the rug every few months so sun and footsteps wear it evenly, and dry it fully if it gets wet, since damp fibres invite mould in humid weather. Every product page lists the real size and materials, so compare both with your floor plan.