Open-plan living delivers breezy square footage, yet furniture can feel adrift in all that freedom. A generously sized living room rug acts like a visual dock, corralling sofas, side tables, and accent chairs into one conversational island. Designers lean on two tricks: choose a palette pulled from existing cushions for instant cohesion, and allow the rug to extend at least a hand-width beyond each furniture leg so no chair wobbles on the fringe. The payoff is immediate—traffic lanes sort themselves out, kids’ toys stay off the dining oak, and the space finally feels intentional rather than accidental. Flat-weave constructions glide under wheeled ottomans when you need extra seating, while subtle geometric prints add movement without shouting for attention. By night, the rug softens echoes from high ceilings, letting Netflix dialogue shine. One simple rectangle turns echoing square footage into the heartbeat of the home.