Rugs can add function and style to any room, but not every rug fits in a room. There are so many options out there that it can be hard to choose. Area rugs come in all different sizes, shapes, colors, and styles–so how do you know which one is right for you? Before you buy, run through the checklist to make sure that your rug will work for you.

1. Size: First and foremost, you want to make sure that the rug that you buy fits in your living space the way that you want. You see a rug online, and it’s exactly the color, style, and price that you are looking for. You snap it up, before measuring, and find out that it’s a small door mat instead of the large area run that you were looking for. Measure twice, and buy once. It’s a great disappointment and hassle to return a rug that doesn’t quite fit right in the space. TIP: Plan for extra rug space for seating areas. If you want to put a rug underneath a dinner table, consider how far out the chairs will be pushed. Your new area rug may look excellent under your dining table with the chairs pushed in–but you need to consider what will happen when the chairs get pulled out. You want to keep all legs of the chair on the rug to protect the floors from scratching (also, you don’t want guests sitting on an uneven surface). Have an extra 24”-30” on each side of the table to give space for the chairs to be pushed out.
2. Fabric: The fabric choice can either be a functional or a stylized option. You can select anything from faux furs, to natural and synthetic fibers. You can have a grass woven rug, or you can have a cotton blend rug. They all feel different under the feet, and they all serve a different purpose. Think about who lives in the home with you, and what is practical. If you have small children, a faux fur rug will be difficult to maintain. Things are bound to be spilled at some point, and getting stains out of that fabric will be difficult. Cotton and other fibers are easier to clean and maintain, but they may not give you the aesthetic that you are looking for. Decide what factor is most important to you–function or style.
3. Texture: Along with the fabric choice, there are different texture styles for each fabric. Cotton can come in long strands like shag, or it can come tightly wound in low pile. The shag will be softer to the touch, but more difficult to maintain. You can also choose different textures for the different functions. If you have a rug near a door, you’ll want one that will grab dirt and be easy to clean. Similarly, to have a cozy bedroom, you’ll want a softer rug that relaxes you. The texture of the rug can differ depending on what you need out of it.
4. Color: Before you purchase a rug, select what items in the room are the focal points. Choose the rug color to compliment your focal points in the room. A rug can either be the glue to a room or it can be the distraction in the room all depending on the color. It’s best to go with a subtle color that matches the other items in the room. Sometimes, the rug can be the focal point depending on the color or the pattern. Consider the style you are after, and find a pattern that matches it. Make sure that the accessories in the room go with or match your pattern or color choice.

Last, but not least, set a budget a stick to it. You want to find a quality rug, but you also need to stay within the limits of what you can afford. Shop around until you find pieces that you love, so you don’t regret any purchases. If you take care of your rug, you can enjoy it for many years to come.