I have a viscose runner that I love because it's so easy to wash--I stick it in the washer machine. I was about to throw it out thinking it was about done...I stuck it through a couple washes and it came out perfect... I have an affordable animal print rug I bought from the Wal Mart website, I used in my LR and now in daughters room, which I've been really happy with. Both the viscose and wal mart rug are thin, which I actually liked. Was a little worried about going from a thin rug to a thicker wool rug for LR, but it wasn't a big deal to transition to the thicker rug. My current LR rug I ordered off Overstock--I got a good deal on an 8 x 10 wool rug..sorta risky ordering without actually seeing it in person, but I did luck out and am very happy with it. In regards to size, I think alot has to do with the room, your style and of course, budget. I personally don't mind the look of a smaller area rug that the furniture ISN'T sitting on, but alot of people say the furniture should sit ON the rug. I would either tape of the area with different sizes to see what you like or pick up a rug from a store where you can return it to try for size.

I'm glad you found something you really like. Just a small consideration, but the Chinese vase at the corner of the fireplace looks rather unbalanced, and the chair by it seems a little too large for that space. You could try positioning it where it faces the long side of the ottoman, i.e. facing towards the windows.

Your furniture is all wonderful ....elegant and sort of monochromatic...i think this calls for a more contemporary look .... ...if it is just the couch area..a lush thick shag rug in a color that you love...a jute type rug would supply the needed contrast of being casual to the dining area...i would avoid traditional unless it is a valuable old family heirloom that you cant live without

Oh, that helps. I didn't realize there were two sofas. I would turn the coffee table so it faces same TV look. It will open the feeling of the space some. Can the sofa in front of the windows go further back? It is really crowded looking? Do you have room measurements so we can determine rug sizing? I put 8 x 10 size in the "in the room" pictures I posted. I think getting some contrast in the space would be a good idea. Maybe some art over the fireplace would help as well. I'll check in tomorrow.