Oh, that humble, hardworking coffee table of yours.

Last week, if you recall, we talked about it. We examined it. We considered the underappreciated role it has in your life and resolved to do something to elevate its status.

Today, our work begins in earnest. We start building you a better coffee table situation from its foundation—specifically, the carpet you’ll put underneath it. It’s a little patch of fabric, sure, but it can have a big impact and say a lot about what you value in life.

So here are seven ways to make sure it says the right thing.