Hey all! My name is Julia, former college student and a home decor enthusiast who loves DIY home improvement projects and finding creative ways to decorate any living spaces on a budget. Recently moved from my dorm to my new apartment which I renovated from scratch and I am here to help you with tips & tricks about home decor/college and more 🙂
Shag rugs were once a staple in home decor, but you might be wondering if they’re still stylish or have become outdated. Let’s take a look at whether shag rugs are making a comeback or if it’s time to try something new.
Let’s talk about shag rugs—because honestly, if you’ve ever wondered if they’re just a thing your grandma had, you’re not alone.
These cozy, fluffy rugs are making a comeback, and you might be surprised at how cute and modern they look in today’s homes.
Shag rugs are not outdated—they’re actually super trendy right now and can totally add life and warmth to your space!
You’ll find new styles, fresh colors, and so many textures that go way beyond that old ’70s vibe.
Shaggy rugs are showing up everywhere, from Pinterest boards to new apartments, because they’re soft, comfy, and instantly make a room feel homey.
If you love that cozy, chill look, you’re going to want to see how you can style one.
What Are Shag Rugs?
Texture and Material
Shag rugs are known for their deep, thick pile—that’s just a fancy way of saying the fibers are long and stand up from the base.
When you touch a shag rug, you’ll notice it’s plush, fluffy, and honestly kind of fun to walk or sit on.
You can find shag rugs made from lots of materials like wool, synthetic fibers, and sometimes even cotton. Wool feels super natural and is warm but can be a little harder to clean.
Synthetics are usually less expensive, easier to care for, and come in all kinds of bright colors. Each one totally changes how the rug feels and looks!
Types of Shag Rugs
There isn’t just one type of shag rug—there are a few! Here’s a quick list:
- Flokati: Made from natural wool, these look super soft and fluffy.
- Leather Shag: A little wild and edgy, using strips of leather.
- Synthetic Shag: Way easy to find and clean, usually polyester or similar.
Some shag rugs keep a neat look, while others are more untamed and extra fuzzy.
You can really pick a style that fits your room and your whole vibe.
How Shag Rugs Differ from Thin Rugs
Shag rugs are all about that deep pile (that means thick and tall fibers). When you compare them with thin rugs, the difference is SO clear.
Thin rugs—like flatweaves or cotton mats—have hardly any fiber height at all.
Shag rugs totally stand out because they feel plusher and look way chunkier.
They’re great for softness, but they DO flatten in busy spots and can collect more dust. Thin rugs are easier to clean and feel “flatter” under your feet, but honestly, they just aren’t nearly as cozy.
Historical Popularity
Shag rugs first blew up big time in the 1960s and 1970s. If you think retro living rooms with bold colors and funky patterns, you’re totally picturing those wild, fuzzy carpets.
Back then, everyone seemed to have at least one, especially with matching retro furniture.
People loved them because they felt super plush and cozy.
Plus, they made a living room look cool and kinda fancy!
Over the years, though, they started getting replaced by simpler, lower-pile carpets and new flooring ideas.
Modern Design Trends
Now, shag rugs are making a sort of comeback, but with a fresh twist.
You see more neutral colors and softer textures, not just the bright oranges or greens you might remember from old movies.
Interior design has shifted, and people are always mixing old and new for that perfect cozy vibe.
Some designers pair shag rugs with clean, minimal furniture to get the right balance.
You’ll also find shags made from wool, synthetic blends, and even eco-friendly materials. Styles now focus more on comfort and less on crazy patterns.
Current Opinions in Interior Design
Interior designers have mixed feelings, honestly! Some say go for it if you love it—especially in bedrooms or chill hangout spaces.
Others think shag rugs can look outdated IF you don’t style them right, so pairing them with modern pieces is key. There’s also practical stuff: shags can be hard to keep clean and might lose their fluff in really busy spaces.
Still, if you want something soft and fun under your feet, designers agree you should make it work your way instead of following some rulebook.
Pairing with Contemporary Styles
If you want your living room to feel cozy but still look modern, a shag rug can totally work.
Just stick to a neutral color, like cream or gray, and put it under simple, clean-lined furniture.
It can soften all those sharp edges and make your space feel chill, not cold.
Pairing with metal or glass gives the room a cool contrast and keeps it looking fresh—not retro.
Mixing with Vintage Rugs
Mixing shag rugs with vintage pieces or even other old-school rugs really spices things up. If you have, say, a faded Persian rug, you can layer it with a fluffy white shag to get that “I love thrifting but also like comfort” vibe.
This is AWESOME with retro furniture—think wood coffee tables or a velvet chair—to make everything feel collected and unique rather than matchy-matchy.
Accent Pieces Like Throw Pillows
Shag rugs don’t have to do all the work—throw pillows can totally help tie everything together.
Grab a couple pillows with some texture (maybe a shaggy one or something with tassels).
This will make your couch feel cozy and help balance out the rug. Plus, it’s an easy way to update your space if you ever want a quick change.
Selecting Patterns and Colors
Picking a color and pattern is SO much fun, but it also really matters for how your room feels.
If your style is more relaxed or you want something that goes with everything, a solid color like cream, gray, or blush pink is always a safe pick.
These shades bring cozy vibes but never look too fussy. Love a little drama, or got a ton of furniture in neutral tones?
Patterned rugs with funky shapes, stripes, or even simple geometric prints add a pop. It’s also way easier to hide tiny spills or pet hair in a busy pattern.
Just make sure your rug doesn’t totally clash with your furniture (unless that’s your thing, which—go for it!).
Area Rugs Versus Patterned Rugs
So here’s the thing: area rugs and patterned rugs aren’t exactly the same.
An area rug usually covers a big section of your floor and brings everything together—perfect for under your coffee table or to anchor a couch.
A patterned rug is, well, all about the print! You can have a patterned area rug, or just a small patterned shag by your bed for a cute accent.
If you want something that’s super versatile and easy to switch up, stick with a solid area rug in a classic shag texture.
If you’re all about personality or giving your room a new look, patterned rugs are where you can have the most fun.
Sometimes just switching out the rug makes your whole space feel fresh!
Comfort and Softness
You know that feeling when you just want to kick off your shoes and sink your toes into something soft?
Shag rugs totally deliver on that—it’s like walking on a cloud!
The deep, thick pile makes every step cushy and warm, which is a huge plus during colder months.
If you’re big on comfort (aren’t we all?), putting a shag rug in your living room or bedroom just takes things to the next level.
The texture adds a super chill vibe and makes the whole space feel more inviting.
Durability and Maintenance
Shag rugs can last a long time if you treat them right, but honestly, they do need more care than regular flat rugs.
The long fibers tend to trap dust and crumbs, so regular vacuuming is a must—be ready to roll up your sleeves.
Pet hair and spills can be a bit tricky to clean out since they get caught between the fibers.
If you don’t mind putting in a little work and spot-cleaning now and then, though, your shag rug can keep looking amazing for years.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What styles of living rooms work best with shag rugs?
You’ll totally love a shag rug if you’ve got a chill, cozy vibe going on—think boho or mid-century modern. They also look super cute in more playful or retro rooms.
If your living room is super busy or super formal, it might clash a little.
How do you maintain and clean a shaggy rug effectively?
Vacuuming with a handheld or no-beater-bar vacuum stops the fuzz from getting smashed or tangled. For deep-cleaning, give it a good shake outside and spot-clean any spills quickly.
If it starts looking sad, a professional clean can bring it back to life!
What are the top-rated shag rugs on the market nowadays?
Some faves right now are the Safavieh California Shag and the nuLOOM Cozy Plush. Lots of people also love shag rugs from Rugs USA for their softness and fun colors.
Check reviews to see what fits your space (and your wallet).
Have shag rugs made a comeback in modern interior design?
YES! Shag rugs are totally back—just follow any home inspo page and you’ll spot them in dreamy bedrooms and living rooms.
People love them for adding texture and a pop of fun to all kinds of spaces.
What materials are best for a durable and comfortable shag rug?
Wool’s always a classic if you want something soft and tough. It feels lush underfoot and sticks around for ages.
If you’re after something easier to clean or a bit more affordable, high-quality synthetics like polypropylene work well too. I’d steer clear of leather or delicate fibers, especially if your space gets a lot of action.
