A beautiful woven or tufted rug can act as a focal point and some rugs are so stunning they can accurately be described as works of art and may be hung like paintings on walls.
There's now a huge choice available on the high street in stores such as Habitat, Ikea, The Pier and Argos, a growing band of rug designers, and beautiful antique Persian rugs, kilims and dhurries.
Husband and wife team Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, founders of The Rug Company, have helped transform people's perceptions of rugs.
They have a celebrity stable of designers including Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Marni and Ron Arad who create rugs for their collection, which start at around £1,000.
Christopher Sharp says: "People now have completely woken up to the magic that rugs can weave in a room and the innovation and experimentation of designers has transformed rugs.
"Yet when we started out in 1997 the rug market was all about looking back. The only things you could buy then were expensive antiques or the faux oriental carpets that your parents bought in the 1970s. Nobody was looking forward and people were bored."
Leading interior designer Cecilia Neal says recognition of the rug revival among her fellow professionals is widespread.
"The power of rugs cannot be underestimated nowadays," she says.
"There's definitely been a rug revolution over the last few years as people appreciate that rugs transform a room by giving character with vital elements such as texture, colour, pattern as well providing comfort and luxury.
"Rugs are so practical because they can easily be taken up and cleaned or repaired, unlike fitted carpets. Although they may be a considerable investment they can be taken with you if you move."
Designer Helen Yardley, whose rugs start at £300, agrees that the possibilities are endless.
"Rugs can be tailored to a person's personal palette of colours – maybe shades that relax them or stimulate them. They are a very personal expression of a person's taste."
Modern
John Lewis rugs combine quality and affordability. The hand-knotted Ribbons rug, from £225, in wool with silk highlights, comes in four sizes and a selection of colours.
Habitat's rug range includes a chic and contemporary selection. A Magnetic hand-tufted rug is £395.
Traditional
John Lewis' Trellis trail rug has a delicate oriental leaf design, and starts at £225, while Dunelm Mill has a patterned Dynasty runner rug, £14.99.
Shopping channel QVC has a Victorian style Rose Poetry tapestry rug, £50.68.
Colour
Colour is back in fashion and a rug is a perfect way to introduce it. The Pier has an Arbre Spice rug, £225, in swirling shades of red and orange.
Dunelm Mill's Space rug looks like a sun set against a red sky, from £52.99.
Eco friendly
For rugs made from natural plant fibre, wool or other natural materials look at collections from Crucial Trading, who also offer a 'design your own rug' service. A 1.5m x 2.5m basic Sisal rug with a cotton herringbone border costs around £200. A wool Moloko rug costs from £60.80 per square metre.
The Natural Collection rugs are made from natural materials and are Fairtrade. For a colour and style combination check out the Modern Art mixed circles rug, £170.
Persian
Fired Earth is having a rug sale and this could be the time to snap up a bargain. Its hand-knotted Persian Kashgai rugs – each has a unique weave – start from around £150.
Neutrals
Rugs in neutral shades are enduring favourites, but because they will show marks they are generally more suitable for low traffic areas like bedrooms.
You're spoilt for choice though because all companies offer these rugs and they rely on texture and pattern to add interest.
The White Company selection includes a natural Marlow wool rug £150, sheepskin rug £55, and Henley wool rug £130.
Dunelm Mill has cream Flokati rugs from £12.99.

RUG RULES

Christopher Sharp's tips for buying a rug.
Make sure you buy a rug that you really love and not one just to suit your interior. A rug is not like curtains or a sofa – it should last forever so you must be happy enough to have it in any room or even a different house.
Before you decide to buy a rug, it is important to determine its purpose. A hand-tufted rug is relatively inexpensive
and has a limited life span. You can find many good rugs like these from shops such as Ikea, Habitat and the Conran Shop. Hand-knotted rugs are more expensive but should last a lifetime and will always be more beautiful.
A rug's pattern will obviously affect the feel of the room. Determine whether you are looking for something that will blend seamlessly into the space giving an overall tranquil appearance or whether you are looking to make a bolder statement. Don't be afraid of strong patterns and lots of colour – choosing a rug is similar to picking out a piece of art.
Rugs are a brilliant way of defining areas in rooms. However, if you are attempting to break up a room, a number of rugs can do this effectively. Choosing a rug without a border will also give the feel of a flowing space that furniture can sit half on rather than pulling all the furniture into one area.
If buying an antique rug remember colour is key. Ask whether modern synthetic or original vegetable dyes have been used. The latter were used in antique rugs and give a more subtle effect. Avoid heavily restored rugs (check for this by looking on the back of the rug) as they rarely hold value.