Wirecutter - We found your dream area rug

A great rug doesn’t just keep your frigid toes off cold flooring, it can help tie the whole room together. But a few critical questions stand between you and your dream rug:

• What space are you shopping for? You’ll need sturdier rugs for a high-traffic entryway or kitchen, but you may want something plusher for a bedroom.
• What rug size do you need? Ideally, a rug should go under all of the furniture in a room, with a few feet to spare. If you can’t afford to cover that much space, buy a rug that’s big enough to fit even just partially under every piece of furniture.
• Should you get natural or synthetic fibers? There are trade-offs to both materials—some are easier to clean and some may look better for longer, while others are much more affordable. If you’re seeking an inexpensive rug that works in a variety of rooms, cotton is the main natural material you’ll find. You may also consider synthetic fibers, which can be fairly stain resistant but will become more easily physically damaged by wear and tear.

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We’re here to help answer those questions and more: What design is best to make a room feel more open? (Stripes!) How much does a good inexpensive rug cost? (Our recommendations are about $4 per square foot.) Do you need a rug pad? (We suggest it if your rug doesn’t already have non-skid backing.)

Everything you need to know about shopping for rugs (plus a few of our favorites)→