Choosing rugs

So for those floorcoverings it is wise to allow at least twenty per cent of your total furnishing costs.

Perhaps this seems like a large slice of your budget, but remember that those fabrics underfoot get more wear and tear than anything else in your house. They are the only things that cannot be refinished, changed (unless you have them dyed) or covered up.

And remember, too, that a really good rug or carpet will outwear several shoddy ones and will look better all the time you have it.

Choose colors, patterns, and textures that you will not grow tired of and that will harmonize with a variety of color schemes, so when you change wall colors, draperies, and furniture covers that expensive floorcovering will still fit into the picture