Shag Rugs

Why a shag rug brings warmth to any room

A shag rug adds instant softness underfoot and visual depth in rooms that read as flat or cold. The long pile traps heat in winter and dampens echo in rooms with hard floors.

Modern shag and shaggy rug styles use a mix of yarn lengths for texture variation rather than just bulk. A fluffy rug works especially well in bedrooms and living rooms where you'll walk barefoot.

Where to put a shag rug in the home

Bedrooms benefit most from a shag underfoot. Lay one extending past the foot of the bed, or two narrower strips either side, so your feet land on softness first thing in the morning.

In a living room, place under the coffee table with all the seating pulled onto the rug edges. Layer with our throw rugs and blankets draped on the sofa for a cosier overall feel.

Cleaning and care for shag rugs

A shag rug needs gentle care: vacuum without the beater bar, and shake outside regularly. For deeper cleans, we’d suggest professional rug cleaning as it preserves the pile.

Mix shags with flatter weaves elsewhere in the house so the look stays balanced. Our Scandinavian rugs, silver and grey rugs, purple rugs and outdoor rugs give you flatter options for high-traffic zones.

Frequently asked questions

Are shag rugs hard to clean?

They need regular vacuuming without a beater bar to avoid pulling fibres. Spills should be blotted, not rubbed. If you’re looking for a rug for a high traffic area, or to hold up to children or pets then shag rugs can be difficult to maintain.

Do shag rugs shed?

Most shag rugs shed lightly for the first few months. Regular gentle vacuuming reduces shedding over time.

Are shag rugs good for high-traffic areas?

Shag rugs in high traffic areas are not ideal. The long pile gets crushed in walkways. Use shag in bedrooms or under coffee tables where foot traffic is lower.

How thick is a shag rug pile?

Typically 2.5 to 5cm. Some plush varieties go up to 6cm.

Can I use a shag rug in the dining room?

It's not recommended. Chair legs catch on the long pile and food spills are harder to clean from deep fibres.