The best area rugs bring a transformative element to your space—no expensive remodel or challenging DIY project required. The most challenging part about getting a new rug, in our opinion, is the actual shopping. And with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose just one—not to mention all of the different styles you might be looking for. If you have pets or kids, you’ll want to lean toward an option that can handle (or hide) messes and vacuum easily, like a machine-washable, low-pile, or stain-resistant rug. If you’re looking for a rug to place in a high-traffic area of your home like your entryway, durability and a soft underfoot are key—especially if you’re a bare-feet household. All things considered, we’ve gone ahead and taken some of the guesswork out of online shopping for your next carpet. In our buying guide, you’ll find a curated selection of top picks from some of our favorite brands (in addition to other great options that score high design marks in our books).…