How far away from the walls should it be? ( at least 1") if you have several inches to play with, all the better, because your next consideration is:
How will the pattern fit at the corners? Various patterns lend themselves to A, B, C, or D; or in the case of C and D, possibly a combination.
One corner, of course, can be perfect, as in the catalogue. It’s how the others fit that needs figuring. You may have to compromise your plan for a perfect corner in order to fit the others. Possible layouts are suggested or you can use a combination. If you have figured two adjacent sides to your liking and are consistent in placing the other two, you will find that opposite sides and corners are alike. Consider your most noticeable corner as well as one that may be hidden under furniture. Some suggested border layouts are below.
All Over Floor Patterns
If you have an all-over floor pattern with a border pattern you have two options. The first is to figure your floor and see how the diamonds, squares or octagons will come out near the edge; then figure where your border will fall in relation to it. You might hope for whole or half units at the border’s edge, but its true consideration will be that it is the same on opposite sides. The second option is to figure the border corner placements and let the floor fall where it may within that space. Do some careful measuring and snap some chalk lines to establish the center of the floor. (You can tape threads of a contrasting color across the floor instead.) You will either center your pattern or center the space between your pattern depending upon its outcome at the edges.
If you are planning an all-over floor pattern without a border, run it to the edge of the floor or use a solid painted edging.