
Buying Guide for Shag Rugs

Why buy a shag rug?
Shag rugs are a great way to incorporate extra personality and coziness into your home. They come in limitless colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one to match your decor and the vibe you want in a particular space. Another advantage of having shag rugs is the noise reduction and floor protection they provide, which is especially helpful in homes with wood or tile floors. Finally, shag rugs can help keep a poorly insulated room warmer than a hard, bare floor would.
What should you look for in a shag rug?
- Size: Before your purchase, measure the area you want to cover with a rug to determine the best size options. Larger rugs in sizes 8×10, 9×12, and larger may be great for open spaces such as a living room or family room. Smaller rugs fit nicely into entryways, kids’ bedrooms or nurseries, hallways, kitchens, or even bathrooms.
- Color/Pattern: Choose from a variety of colors and patterns to match your home. Shag rugs come in just about any color or combination of colors under the sun. Some incorporate patterns similar to traditional Moroccan-style rugs or Persian rugs. Others may have more modern patterns or feature bright solid colors that make your room pop.
- Distress: Some rugs have pre-distressed coloring for a more worn or vintage look. These can look fantastic in rustic-style spaces or homes with modern farmhouse or vintage decor.
- Fabric: Consider the variety of shag rug materials used to make the rug. Look for ones that will require easier maintenance.
- Durability: Consider where in your home you plan to place the rug and if you expect it to have high traffic from shoes, people, kids, and pets.
How can you safely vacuum a shag rug?
Shag rugs require special attention due to their long fibers, which can get damaged by a vacuum cleaner’s beater bar. To vacuum your shag rug safely, turn it over and vacuum the reverse side, preferably with a suction-only attachment. If there are any spots on the top side of the rug where the dirt is particularly stubborn, use your vacuum cleaner’s handheld brush attachment to remove it instead of the beater bar. You can also shake the rug out outside instead of vacuuming it.
Our Picks for the Best Shag Rugs
SAFAVIEH California Premium Shag Ivory Area Rug
With soft synthetic fibers, this expertly woven rug is perfect for just about any room in your home.
Pros: If you’re looking for a gorgeous, classic shag rug to fit any room, this rug comes in 35 size options to complement your space. This rug is non-shedding since it’s made with durable, expertly machine-woven synthetic fibers. Plus, it’s soft and cozy. The 2-inch thick shag feels like a cloud under your feet. It’s easy to maintain as well. Simply vacuum regularly and use a simple spot cleaner to blot out spills so they won’t stain.
Cons: There may be slight variations in the colors of the rug. Also, it takes a little bit of time after opening the package to get the rug to lay flat. Simply be patient because it will eventually flatten nicely.
Bottom Line: With over 100 years of rug-making experience, this brand crafts quality, trendy designs that can enhance and beautify your home. This particular rug is pretty, simple, and can easily fit into any home nicely. It’s also easy to clean and maintain.
PAGISOFE Fluffy Soft Rainbow Area Rug
Great for kids' rooms or retro spaces, this colorful rug adds brightness and coziness.
Pros: With 22 colors and patterns, including bright hues and a unique rainbow vibe, this rug is sure to add pizazz to any room. It’s available in several sizes to fit bedrooms, living rooms, playrooms, nurseries, family rooms, and more. This rug has a soft velvety surface and memory foam which leaves this rug feeling soft and luxurious under your feet. It’s great for kids’ rooms, especially since it makes children and babies more comfortable and warm when they play on the floor. And this rug is easy to hand wash with gentle detergent.
Cons: This rug has a heavy factory smell when it arrives. It takes some time to air out properly. Adding a touch of carpet freshener won’t hurt!
Bottom Line: For spaces that need a touch of color, this rug is it! It’s soft and fluffy and comes in beautiful, bright hues. Plus, the backing is nice and sticky, so you won’t even need to add carpet tape to the bottom.
Ashler Faux Fur Rug
This oblong faux sheepskin rug looks and feels like the real thing.
Pros: This fluffy soft rug mimics real fur, adding a touch of old-world luxury to your room. There are several size options which include round, rectangular, and oblong shapes that simulate natural hide. Plus, this shag rug comes in many different, beautiful colors, from natural hues to light pastels to bold jewel colors. Unlike real fur rugs, these are cruelty-free and easy to spot clean. They come with a nonslip backing, so you won’t have to add carpet tape, saving you time and money.
Cons: This carpet may shed a bit.
Bottom Line: If you’re going for a natural or fun approach to decorating, this rug has a ton of potential. It’s easy to clean, and it works great on carpets or hard floors. Previous buyers suggested adding a carpet pad to protect from slips and scratches.
SAFAVIEH Dallas Shag Collection Trellis Non-Shedding Area Rug
This contemporary, non-shedding shag rug comes in several sizes and colors.
Pros: SAFAVIEH’s Dallas Shag Rug Collection features a stylish diamond trellis pattern and is made of non-shedding soft synthetic fibers with a 1.5-inch thick pile. This rug is available as a runner or in rectangular, round, and square shapes. You’ll have a choice of 14 different colors and various sizes. Caring for this rug is straightforward and includes vacuuming periodically (without the beater bar) and using a mild carpet cleaner to spot clean any stains.
Cons: The fibers on this rug are not very densely packed together, so it might not be ideal for those who prefer a more plush, cushiony rug.
Bottom Line: The SAFAVIEH Dallas Shag Rug is a great choice for those who want a contemporary design that comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors to fit well in any space. As a plus, it’s non-shedding and requires low-maintenance care.
Artistic Weavers Hapsburg Moroccan Shag Area Rug
This durable shag rug will stand the test of time, even in homes with kids and pets.
Pros: There are so many sizes and shapes available that just about anyone can make this gorgeous carpet fit into their spaces. It even comes in a runner. The muted color palettes are great for modern, classic, country, farmhouse, or even industrial spaces. This rug is designed to withstand everyday wear. It’s kid-approved and pet friendly, so it’s ideal for high-traffic areas in your home, such as your living room, dining room, kitchen, and hallways. It’s machine woven with polypropylene fibers for maximum durability. And this rug comes with thorough cleaning instructions, so it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Cons: This shag rug is not as soft as some other options.
Bottom Line: For the quality of this rug, it comes at an affordable price, particularly since it’s built to last. It’s pretty in person, soft to the touch (though not as soft or fluffy as some other options), and great for just about any space in your home.
Final Thoughts
Adding a shag rug is a quick and easy way to add life to a room. Our picks come in various shapes, sizes, pile lengths, and colors, so you should have no problem finding one that suits your personal style and brings a bit of extra coziness into your home.