This can help you to decide if you want a handmade rug or one that is machine-woven, what size you should stick with or even what fiber the rug is made out of (wool versus nylon). Overstock.com offers prices that beat most in-store discounts and on sale area rugs, so you're sure to find the right one to meet your needs.

What type of pile do I want?

For high traffic areas, people who have difficulty walking (like young children or the elderly), or those with pets, a low pile (thickness of the carpet) is best to reduce wear and tear, trip hazards or difficult clean up. A high pile rug such as a shag area rug can be a stylish accent piece in a bedroom or office.

What size rug do I need?

Do I want a large rug that fills the room or one that defines a sitting area? Take a tape measure and estimate the size of the rug that you want so you can determine the size that you are looking for. For example, a rug under a dining room table should be large enough to accommodate when someone pulls their chair back. Designers also suggest as a rule of thumb that there should be 18" from the edge of the rug to the wall.

An area rug is a great place to start if you are re-decorating a room. You can pull paint colors from the design and collect fabrics and knick-knacks that all work together. If you are adding a rug to a room that is already decorated, look at what colors and shapes fill your home. Below we have shared popular rug styles from contemporary and clean-lined to a traditional and tufted rug to help you decide which option would blend in best with your existing home decor.

What type of rug will fit into my lifestyle?

If you have pets and kids, a lower maintenance outdoor rug may be a better choice than an expensive hand-loomed wool one. If you want an area rug for a high-traffic area, consider something with a non-slip backing or a sturdy jute or seagrass area rug that can withstand spills and pet hair.