Rugs

Ideally, the rug slips under the front legs of the sofa and armchairs to tie the whole arrangement together. Choose a rug at least as wide as the sofa, extending beyond it on each side. A rug that is too small, floating in the middle, breaks up the seating area.

Choose a rug large enough for the chairs to stay on it even when pulled back, which means about 60 cm of rug beyond the table on each side. A flat, tightly woven material makes it easier to move the chairs and is easier to clean.

Place a large rug under the bed, extending beyond the sides and the foot, so your feet land on a soft surface when you wake up. Failing that, two small rugs on either side of the bed do the same job with less surface.

Regular vacuuming and turning it round from time to time prevent uneven wear. Treat stains quickly by blotting, without rubbing. Care advice varies by material (wool, cotton or synthetic fibre) and is given on each product page.