Before you can select the best area rugs for various rooms in your home, it helps to have a basic understanding of the standard sizes that are available these days. Once you have a basic feel for the dimensions of today's most popular options, you will have a much easier time envisioning how they will work in various parts of your home. Of course, knowing the standard sizes is only part of the battle. From there, you should brush up on tips about which types of rugs work best in which rooms. What works well in a foyer, for instance, may not work so well in a living room or dining room.

Common Sizes and Shapes

You probably already know that the rectangle is the most popular shape when it comes to area rugs. Those rectangles come in many different sizes, though. Popular examples include 3'x5', 4'x6' and 9'x12'. It's also possible to find square rugs that range from three feet square to more than six feet square. Although they aren't as common, round rugs do exist. They lend a funky look wherever they are used. Finally, there are runners of many different lengths available. They are typically three feet wide and usually range in length from six to 24 feet.

Getting Started

The first thing that you should do when trying to find the right area rug is to measure the room in which it will be placed. Don't worry about nooks and crannies; just try to get the basic outside dimensions of the room. Think of it as your palette. Keep in mind, of course, that the furniture in the room will play a role in how you position your rugs. For the time being, however, having a basic idea of the room's dimensions will make it easier to get the ball rolling. Sketch a drawing of the room, make a note of its dimensions and continue on your way.

Rugs for Bedrooms

Choosing an area rug for a bedroom boils down to one important decision: Should you use one huge, room-sized rug, or should you opt for several small rugs and position them around the bed? Either option is fine, but the large, room-sized rug works best in spacious bedrooms. If you opt for several smaller rugs, make sure that you leave plenty of space between them. Otherwise, your room will look cluttered and disorganized instead of stylish and trendy.

Rugs for Hallways and Entrances

When placed at an entrance, a rug serves two important purposes: It keeps dirt and debris from being tracked in and it adds a splash of color and style to a foyer. The size of rug that you choose will depend on the overall dimensions of the entryway. If your house has a large foyer, you will have a lot more options than if it's more compact. As always, however, make sure to leave a border around the outside dimensions of the room. When area rugs run up against walls, the end result is typically sloppy and unappealing.

Rugs for Living Rooms

Living rooms vary so much in size and layout that there's no cut and dry way to decide whether to use large area rugs or small ones. If the room is spacious enough, you might even be able to arrange several large rugs within it. This is often done to break up the appearance of cavernous rooms. The end result is a single room that has the appearance of several cozy enclaves. For smaller rooms, small throw rugs tend to work the best. Resist the urge to use a single, large rug in a small room; while it may provide plenty of coverage, it will actually make a tiny room look even smaller.

When push comes to shove, finding the right area rug is going to depend on several different factors. Measuring a room properly is a great first step; being aware of a few basic tips about using area rugs in rooms like bedrooms, living rooms and entryways helps, too. Familiarizing yourself with the many different shapes and sizes that are available will also make it easier to pinpoint the right thing. Once all of those steps are out of the way, of course, you will have to take color, pattern and texture into consideration. Throughout it all, you will have to keep price in the back of your head. Rugs come in many different price ranges, so it's smart to set a budget right from the beginning to avoid frustration.