Fluffy Shag Rugs for Comfortable Living Rooms

shag rugs make living rooms look eye-catching. The long, fluffy fibers create a playful texture underfoot while providing warmth during chilly months. Shag rugs come in an array of sizes, materials, colors and patterns to complement both classic and contemporary decor.

From flokati rugs inspired by 1970s style to vibrantly patterned wool rugs, shag designs make smart additions to living room seating areas, entryways and high-traffic hallways. When paired with leather furniture and natural textiles, shag rugs bring bohemian flair. Their versatility also allows them to shine in minimalist, Scandinavian-style interiors. Keep reading to discover why shag rugs are ideal for livening up living room floors.

What Are Shag Rugs?

Shag rugs feature long, fluffy piles that create a plush, cozy texture. The term "shag" comes from Old English words meaning hairy or shaggy. Traditionally, people made early versions of shag rugs by weaving extra loops into the construction. The longest loops got cut to produce thick, wooly piles.

First popular in England, shag rugs come from a long weaving tradition in European countries. Flokati rugs hail from Greece, while similar Scandinavian rugs often feature durable wool. These days, artisans worldwide craft shag rugs from wool, cotton, nylon, polyester and other fibers.

A. History of Shag Rugs

Dating back centuries, the earliest shag rugs came from northern European countries like England, Iceland and Scandinavia. Traditional techniques involved making loops of yarn longer before cutting them to create a fur-like texture.

• Flokati rugs from Greece also featured this distinctive wooly texture. In the 1960s and '70s, Greek flokati rugs became popular thanks to American tourists.
• The 1970s saw shag carpets gain widespread popularity. Homeowners installed wall-to-wall shag in living rooms and bedrooms.
• Today, rug makers create both synthetic and wool shag rugs prized for their comfort and visual appeal.

B. Benefits of Shag Rugs in Living Rooms

With their indulgently soft piles, shag rugs make excellent additions to living room floors. Benefits include:

• Comfort: Cushiony shag rugs feel wonderful under bare feet, lending cozy softness.
• Warmth: Shag traps air between fibers, providing insulation against cold hardwood or tile floors.
• Sound dampening: Dense shag piles absorb sound, adding peaceful tranquility to your living room.
• Style: From vintage inspiration to contemporary colors, shag rugs fit nicely with various decor aesthetics.
• Durability: Wool and synthetic shags stand up well to daily wear, often for many years.
• Easy maintenance: Despite their fluffy depths, most shag rugs clean up nicely with regular vacuuming.

Popular Types of Shag Rugs

Shag rugs come in different pile depths and weights to suit design needs. Choose from three main styles:

A. Long Pile Shag Rugs

With piles 2" or longer, these shags make a dramatic statement in living rooms. Long shag pile absorbs sound efficiently while providing cloud-like softness.

• Works well in casual, boho-style living rooms with cozy seating areas.
• Luxurious comfort for lying on the floor watching movies or playing games.
• affordable and easy-care acrylic or polyester shags work well in high-traffic areas.

B. Short Pile Shag Rugs

For a subtler take on shag texture, short pile rugs feature less than 2" piles. The cropped piles retain trademark shag softness.

• Easier to clean and vacuum than longer shag styles.
• Kid and pet friendly thanks to enhanced durability and stain resistance.
• Great for layering underneath furniture like couches and console tables.
• Provide a cozy bedroom floor texture when used with plush area rugs.

C. Patterned Shag Rugs

Beyond solid colors, lively patterns like stripes, florals and geometrics enliven shag rug texture.

• Flat-woven designs often feature acrylic or wool piles.
• Distinctive Moroccan-influenced patterns take shag rug style up another notch.
• Pair patterned shags with eclectic furniture and bohemian textiles.
• Vintage-look shag rugs complement midcentury armchairs and retro wall art.

How to Choose the Best Shag Rug Material

The material you select affects your shag rug's appearance, durability, and maintenance needs. Consider these popular options:

A. Wool Shag Rugs

Prized for natural richness, wool makes exceptionally cozy yet durable shag rugs. Pros include:

• Wonderfully soft, warm and hypoallergenic.
• Naturally stain and dirt resistant to increase lifespan.
• Vegetable dye wool offers vibrant, fade-resistant hues.
• Biodegradable and sustainable for eco-friendly style.

Potential wool shag rug cons:

• Typically more expensive than synthetic rugs.
• Wool is vulnerable to moths so requires special storage.
• Shedding may occur initially before fibers mesh together.

B. Polyester Shag

For budget-friendly durability, polyester makes a practical shag rug choice thanks to:

• Stain, mold and mildew resistance.
• Affordability and wide color/pattern selection.
• Easy to clean with vacuuming and spot cleaning.
• Good option for kids' rooms and high-traffic spaces.

Potential downsides of polyester shag include:

• Not as cushy and insulating as wool shags.
• Can shed more than wool depending on quality and weave.
• Synthetic materials derive from non-renewable resources.

C. Cotton Shag Rugs

For superb softness and vibrant color, cotton makes an excellent shag rug choice thanks to:

• Very fluffy, cushy texture perfect for cozy spaces.
• Natural material absorbs dyes easily for colorful style.
• Breathable cotton stays cooler than some synthetics.
• Sustainable and biodegradable like wool.

Some potential cotton shag rug drawbacks:

• Prone to staining which requires immediate cleaning.
• Not as durable as wool or synthetic shags.
• Shedding can be an issue with lower-quality cotton.
• Vulnerable to mold and mildew in humid rooms.

Tips for Measuring and Choosing Shag Rug Sizes

Allowing enough floor space around shag rugs prevents trip hazards while showcasing your flooring too. Follow these tips for optimal placement and safety:

A. Living Room Layout Factors

Consider your living room's layout, furnishings and foot traffic flow when deciding on a shag rug size. Measure these aspects:

• Entryways and pathways to other rooms
• Space between and around furniture pieces
• Overall room dimensions from wall to wall

This helps determine ideal shag rug dimensions to balance function and decor.

B. Calculating Rug Size

Leave 12-18" bare floor exposed around some or all edges of shag rugs. This prevents:

• Accidental tripping on rug corners or edges
• Furniture and rug damage from dragging
• Visual "crowding" from rug filling the whole room

Bigger shags can extend fully under sofas/chairs. Just keep edges safely exposed for open floor areas.

C. Defining Spaces With Rugs

Use suitably sized shag rugs to define functional spaces within large, open concept living rooms:

• Section off dining spaces from lounging areas
• Ground TV/media zones apart from kids' play areas
• Divide hallways or other pass-through spaces

This allows furniture groupings and activities to feel like cohesive vignettes.

Shag Rug Care and Maintenance Tips

While shag rugs boast fluffy texture, keeping them looking fresh is easy with regular care. Follow these maintenance tips:

A. Vacuuming

Vacuum 1-2 times per week to lift dirt from deep shag piles. Adjust height for pile depth. Vacuuming prevents:

• Ground-in grime dulling fibers
• Matting and crushing that flatten plush texture
• Irreversible staining over time

Use smooth head vacuums without brush rolls to prevent pulling or damage.

B. Professional Cleaning

Every year or two, hire professional carpet cleaners to deep clean shag rugs. Request:

• Steam cleaning to flush out soils and revitalize piles
• Dry cleaning for delicate or vintage shag rugs

Avoid excess moisture that takes too long to dry. This can damagefibers or backing.

C. Spot Cleaning

Immediately blot spills on shag rugs to prevent staining. Avoid rubbing, which presses in moisture.

• Use white cloth napkins or towels to gently lift liquid.
• Saturate any remaining spots with carpet cleaner then blot again.
• Rinse the area with cool water once the spot vanishes.

Let shag rugs dry completely before vacuuming again or walking on damp areas.

Decorating and Styling With Shag Rugs

Beyond cozy texture underfoot, shag rugs infuse living rooms with eclectic flair or elegant accenting. Consider these styling strategies:

A. Coordinate With Existing Decor

Choose a shag rug hue that complements your color scheme for cohesive style. Consider:

• Repeating or echoing colors seen in pillows, art and other accents
• Contrasting vibrantly against neutral furnishings and muted walls
• Matching wood floor tones for seamless, blended allure

The right color shag rug pulls the room together beautifully.

B. USE RUGS TO DEFINE SPACES

Use shag rugs as stylish "anchors" for seating arrangements and conversation areas. Try positioning rugs:

• Under and extending past sofas, chairs and ottomans
• Beneath console tables to define entryways or dining zones
• Under kids' play/activity mats to cushion and protect

Border shag rugs with surrounding bare floor to prevent drag. This showcases flooring nicely while distinguishing spaces.

C. Layer Rugs

Oversize and rectangular shag rugs allow for gorgeous layering potential. Simply:

• Place smaller accent rugs atop shag rugs
• Overlap edge corners/sides of two shag rugs
• Use thick shag rugs as cushy pads under lighter rugs

This adds visual interest from varying heights/textures.

Shag Rug Safety Tips

Lush shag rugs call for sensible safety measures, especially in homes with kids and pets. Try these tips:

A. Attach Non-Slip Rug Pads

Secure shag rugs in place using gripper pads beneath them. Look for pads with:

• Non-slip rubber backing to prevent slides and falls
• Extra-thick felt cushions providing footsteps comfort
• Waterproof barriers protecting floors from spills

Pad edges also keep rugs flat to eliminate tripping hazards.

B. Tape Down Edge Corners

Apply double-sided carpet tape beneath rug corners. This added traction prevents:

• Spills, cleaning or pets from gradually bunching the rug
• People from catching their toes on upturned corners
• Furniture legs from gradually pushing rugs askew

Check tape monthly and replace worn pieces promptly.

C. Monitor Condition Frequently

Routinely scan shag rugs for developing issues needing attention, including:

• Heavy soil buildup dulling vibrancy
• Crushed/matted piles denoting excessive wear
• Textile damage like pulls, tears or missing tufts
• Corner lifting or pad shifting causing trip risks

Address wear items right away for safety and longevity.

Where to Buy Quality Shag Rugs

Numerous retailers offer stylish shag rugs to suit your space and budget. Quality sources include:

A. Online

For incredible selection and doorstep delivery convenience shop shag rugs from:

• Overstock: Offers wool, polyester and nylon shags under $500.
• Ruggable: Washable synthetic and wool shags starting under $100.
• Wayfair: Hundreds of shags from budget to luxury in all sizes.
• Etsy: Vintage revival shags plus handmade custom options.

B. Big Box Retailers

Major home stores sell affordable, machine-made polyester and acrylic shags. Think:

• IKEA: Trendy shags starting under $100 in various sizes.
• Target: Chic patterned and solid shags from mainstream brands.
• Costco: Bulk packaged basic polyester shags at budget prices.