When choosing between accent, runner and area rugs, it's important to understand the difference in order to make the right selection for your space. First, you should appropriately measure the area where you'd like to place a rug. Accent rugs consist of one dimension that is up to 5-feet and are intended for smaller spaces. Entryways and halls are wonderfully complemented by a narrow runner rug that can extend various lengths to direct traffic. Area rugs are most commonly used in large spaces where one of the dimensions equals or exceeds 5-feet. These measurements could include 3' x 5, 4' x 6, 6' x 8 and 9' x 12. A rug in these sizes should be used as a focal point and can be placed in front of a sofa, within a seating area or under a bed. Area rugs are not meant to cover the entire floor and shouldn't be placed wall-to-wall. Instead, they should be positioned at least 1-foot smaller on all sides of a room and 1 to 4-feet larger than the furniture by which they lay.