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By Mary Carol Garrity

Sizing Properly

Make sure you size your area rug correctly. I like a border of wood showing in my rooms, so I pick rugs at least one to two feet smaller than the dimensions of the room. Old design rules dictate that all the furnishings in a seating arrangement have to be on or off the carpet, but I prefer the front legs on the carpet and the back legs off.

To get the rug size right, arrange your furnishings just as they'll be when you have your rug and then mark off the rug dimensions with masking tape. Be sure to get two measurements before you go rug shopping: the largest and smallest size that would be acceptable to you.

When you've found the perfect rug, you'll be amazed by how it adds character and charm to your room.

(Mary Carol Garrity is the proprietor of three successful home furnishings stores in Atchison, Kan., including her flagship store Nell Hill's. She is the author of several bestselling books on home decorating. Write to Mary Carol at nellhills@mail.lvnworth.com.)

Next: How to Fix Old Chairs

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