Window Shopping: Refund rugs

Rugs are pretty. And soft. And expensive.

If you've ever shopped for a rug, you know the price tags can be staggering. So what better time to pick up a new one than when there's a tax refund check burning a hole in your pocket? (And if you're not getting a refund - well, you can just look longingly.)

Here are our picks - divided into two distinct styles - for the prettiest rugs worth blowing your tax return on, no matter how much you're getting back.

Floral designs

$

Gislev rug, $20

(6'5" x 4'4") at Ikea

Web: ikea.com/us

Go easy on the wallet and the eyes with a neutral floral that can fill a floor without dominating the room. Your state tax return will probably cover this one.

$$

Oversized Floral Rug in Red, $180

(4' x 6') at World Market

Web: worldmarket.com

Get a rustic look from the hand-woven vines and blooms on this bright red design. It seems destined for brightening up a sunroom or study.

$$$

Finnia rug, $900

(8' x 10') at Anthropologie

Web: anthropologie.com

This busy, yet calming, blue-and-green rug would cast a spell over any room. It comes in a variety of sizes and a couple other color schemes, but this one's best for blowing your tax return on.

Graphic prints

$

Dot area rug, $100

(5' 3" x 7' 6") at Target

Web: target.com

Add a spot of color with this pretty polka-dot design. It's soft, plush and borderline-bold - and will cover a decent-sized chunk of the floor for a single Ben Franklin.

$$

Briza rug, $400

(5' x 8') at Crate & Barrel

Web: crateandbarrel.com

Turn your tax return into a work of art. Tread lightly on this abstract piece, definitely meant for anchoring a room.

$$$

Namaste "Velo" rug, $1, 052

(5'6" x 8'6") at Azia Oriental Rugs in Polaris

Web: aziarugs.com

You'll want to sprawl out and roll around on this super-plush contemporary creation, with stripes of muted citrus colors that echo the lemon-like circular shapes. Just keep shoes and food clear.