Think about which furniture you want to highlight. A rug can draw the eye in the right direction.

Living Room

To create a formal feel and allow hardwood floors to peek out, choose a big rug and “leave about a 12-inch border of bare floor,” says Graham Head, vice chairman of ABC Carpet & Home, in New York City. It’s fine to have the front sofa legs on a rug and the back ones off.

Dining Room

Choose a rug that’s about four feet wider and four feet longer than the table so that chair legs — and guest legs — don’t get caught on the edges.

Bedroom

To create a cozy feel, decorators recommend wall- to-wall carpeting or a rug that nearly kisses the walls.

To Buy: Shown, Rectangular Mandala rug by Madeline Weinrib Atelier, $999 (8 by 11 feet), www.madelineweinrib.com for store locations.