Best area rugs

Start here: Safavieh Milan Shag. It's the safest all-rounder — a big 5'1" x 10' shag in durable polypropylene, rated 4.8 from a huge number of reviews, and it suits bedrooms, living rooms and dining areas alike. Soft underfoot and forgiving of spills.

Who the others suit:

• Nourison Aloha — indoor/outdoor-friendly polypropylene, so it shrugs off pets, kids and patio doors.
• nuLOOM Moroccan Blythe — a round, neutral gray spot pattern for pulling a seating area together.
• Parkerfield — hand-tufted jute/sisal for a natural, textured look in a calm room.
• Safavieh Antiquity — tufted and handmade, for a traditional patterned feel.
• Ruggable Patchwork Boho — low-profile flatwoven, the pick if you want something thin that sits under doors.
• Minoa — machine-woven polypropylene in six colorways when you want a bolder statement.

Check the size against your room before ordering — several of these are small accent sizes.