The role played by the size of a rug is a vital one. Along with one or two favorite pieces — the bed, say, and a chest you’ve had since childhood — odds and ends accumulate, such as a rocker that won’t do in the living room or an old portrait. A chest of drawers, for instance, might double as a sideboard in a teeny dining room; a blanket chest or a pair of leather suitcases — one on top of the other — could fill in as a coffee table; a bedside table makes a nifty desk when you pull up a chair. On top of being hypoallergenic, it’s a versatile rug material that can be used in both winter and summer months. Then it’s time to assemble the pieces into one single unit. And when it’s done, you have an actual rug to show for it. Everything in a contemporary setting from audio gear to grooming supplies should have its place, which — on the flip side — means less cleaning and daily tidying up for you. If whites and creams leave you cold, choose a more contemporary color like pale rust, straw, or smoke. If you like your design scheme to be a little more diverse, eclectic decorating may be the style for you. Even if you are vigilant about protecting them from violent or menacing images on television shows and movies, little ones often find nighttime very frightening. On the next page, learn how to maintain a balance between furniture and objects that — on the surface — appear to have little in common. Blemishes sometimes can’t be hidden with throw rugs or furniture. Hunt for affordable reproductions of classic furniture designs displaying geometric forms. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends a 7/16-inch (11-millimeter) padding with 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) of density per cubic feet to support cut pile or cut loop carpeting. Or your feet. Carpet is a virtual magnet for allergens like dust mites, pet dander, persian rug 12×15 mold spores and other potentially aggravating proteins. Carpet remnants are an affordable way to get that plush wall-to-wall feel without completely covering your wood floors. Major examples are cotton, wool, bamboo, silk, and sisal. Once a comfortable sofa and chairs are in place, choose the supporting furnishings according to character. Keeping proportion in mind, team a farmhouse table with new metal chairs.