We are working on selecting items (furniture, rugs, beds) for our downsizing and upcoming move to retirement community. I've been focused on sofa(s) for a long time and am turning attention to learning more about and selecting area rugs. Major purchase will be area rug for living room, to go over hardwoods.

I'm totally confused about rug pricing - and what you get for the money. We dropped into one store, with no knowledge of the rugs they sold. Rugs were beautiful and felt great. I glanced at several price tags and they were in the $20,000-40,000 range. Had to leave pretty quickly! We've continued shopping and seen rugs for $500, $1000, $5000 and up. Honestly, I can't distinguish anything about quality.

Any advice? We're looking for something with subtle pattern, not oriental type styling, but a little more modern type feel.