How to choose home décor

Get the scale right

Rugs: in a living room, a rug large enough for at least the front legs of every seat ties the furniture together. Under a dining table, leave about 24 inches beyond the table on each side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.

Wall art: a common guideline is to hang art so its center sits about 57–60 inches from the floor. Over a sofa, aim for art about two-thirds the sofa's width.

Layer your lighting

Most rooms need three kinds of light: overall (ceiling fixtures), task (reading and desk lamps) and accent (picture lights, small lamps).

Check bulb type and color temperature. Around 2700K reads warm and relaxed; 3000–4000K is crisper for kitchens and workspaces.

Materials and care

Hand-blown glass, ceramics and natural materials add character but may need hand washing. Check whether a piece is dishwasher-safe if you'll use it daily.

For textiles, look at fiber content and cleaning instructions. Wool rugs wear well; cotton is easier to wash; synthetic blends resist stains.

Quick checklist

• Have you measured the space and the item?
• Does it suit how the room is used every day?
• Is it easy to clean and care for?
• For fragile or large items, how is it shipped and returned?