A seating area can use decorative floor rugs to establish a boundary between furniture and the surrounding floor. A floor rug's pattern and color affect how that area reads: a busy design draws attention, while a quieter surface leaves more emphasis on the furniture. Sheepskin and hides introduce a different texture beside a bed or chair; check the individual piece's dimensions, particularly when its outline is irregular.

Rugs & Mats

Rugs & Mats includes doormats for entrances and hallway runners for passageways in homes and commercial interiors in the United States. Choosing bright mats for an entry can provide a color accent, but suitability depends on exposure to water and the product's cleaning requirements. Hallway runners need similar attention to wear along a concentrated walking route. Outdoor suitability should be stated in the product specifications, rather than assumed from a mat's appearance.

How should rugs and mats be secured on hard floors?

Choose a rug pad or backing approved for the flooring beneath it, since some materials can mark or discolor a finish. Keep the pad slightly smaller than the rug so it stays hidden and supports the edges.

What makes a rug suitable for a dining room?

Allow enough rug beyond the table for chair legs to remain on it when pulled out. Check the care instructions for food spills, and favor a surface that lets chairs move without catching.

How should sheepskin and hide rugs be cleaned?

Follow the product's care label rather than treating it like a washable textile rug. Test any permitted cleaner on an inconspicuous area, and use specialist cleaning if the label requires it.