Be warned about $$$$ rug samples.... 1) they are non refundable 2)They offer a program where you can order samples and later have the cost of those credited to your order. They don't state this on the website but they only credit ONE SAMPLE and it must be the EXACT same color/product as the sample you ordered. I made the mistake of purchasing several expensive samples in order to compare the colorways, only to find out they'd only comp one. 3) Getting the credit for it is not easy, you have to call and get the supervispr to approve it. Perhaps I am spoiled, I am a trade customer and typically companies send free samples. These are $50 each! Would rather deal with the carpet manufacturer directly than through a third party such as "rugs direct".

Thanks Jan, and points taken. The house is not an open concept barn, it's a 1958 home with doors to every room (even the kitchen), but hardwood floors throughout and large windows. Sound really seems to carry between the two floors. The rugs we've added so far have helped. We will just keep adding more as the budget allows. I would still appreciate any advice on whether it's feasible to lay down cork underlayment as an area rug. I really need a runner for a long upstairs hallway that's 15' x 4', with a couple of jogs. Decor isn't really important in that space, just sound absorption. Cutting pieces from a roll of cork would be much easier than piecing together area rugs to cover the 3 different sections. The hallway connects all of the bedrooms, and the stairwell funnels downstairs noise straight up to the hallway and bedrooms.

Beverly to the rescue! Her chart make the rug-to-bed ratio very clear, and includes the nightstands. I would definitely look at 10x14, 9x12 and even a bit bigger if the foot of the bed has a lot of walkway. In my bedroom I bought a 12 x 14 to extend the rug past the foot of the bed so more floor was covered. More than one rug could become a tripping hazard, depending on the foot traffic from the bed to the master bathroom. Polypropylene rugs are not crazy expensive, so if bigger will be better, add that size to your list. Also, you can put painter’s tape on the floor to map out what you want covered. That will give you a helpful visual.

Everything depends on the dimensions of the room and furniture. Basically, you want a rug large enough to fit under most of the sofa and chair. I have that same configuration and got a custom bound square rug so that the entire chair and side table fit on the rug on that side, and several inches beyond on the other side of the sofa. A 9x12 rectangular rug may work as well in your room, I suspect an 8x10 will look skimpy once you allow for a coffee table and space to move around.