Free Shipping Details
Free Shipping Details
Ideas & Advice > Rug Size Guide > Are Shag Rugs in Style?

Rug Guides

Are Shag Rugs in Style?

Shag rugs are very distinct with their high piles and long, plush fibers. Aside from creating comfortable and cozy spaces, these rugs also impact the overarching style of the room. Since they are heavily associated with the 70’s and that era of design, many people falsely believe that shag rugs are only appropriate for vintage styles. In truth, shag rugs are still highly stylish and perfectly suited for modern aesthetics.

Learn More About Shag Rugs

  1. The History and Evolution of Shag Rugs
  2. Shag Rugs in Contemporary Interior Design
  3. The Aesthetic Appeal of Shag Rugs
  4. Styling Tips for Shag Rugs
  5. Maintenance and Practicality
  6. Pros and Cons of Shag Rugs
  7. Alternatives to Shag Rugs
Queen Size Runner Rug

The History and Evolution of Shag Rugs

Shag rugs have been around for a long time. The first shag carpets were called “Flokati” and originated in ancient Greece. These rugs were essential for providing comfort and warmth for people to sit on the ground in this civilization. 

Many, many years later, shag carpets filled the homes of the 1970’s and 1980’s. The rugs of these eras often featured very bright colors that may not necessarily fit today’s more neutral color palettes. However, modern rugs have evolved in color along with design and materials so that they are highly stylish again and even more comfortable/durable.

Shag Rugs in Contemporary Interior Design

In general, shag rugs add warmth to whatever space they’re placed in. Their plush base and defined texture helps them create very welcoming, cozy spaces. That coziness is further complemented by the many color palettes, patterns, and materials that these rugs are available in. Modern shag rugs can accent rich bohemian spaces, modern minimalist homes, or even retro-inspired designs.

Round rug for queen size bed

The Aesthetic Appeal of Shag Rugs

As diverse as shag rugs are, they do have one consistent attribute: a luxurious pile. Shag rugs have long, dense fibers that make the rug thick and incredibly plush. These rugs can be made of different materials, so they can each present different textures and levels of comfort. Natural wool shag rugs are incredibly high end with their quality material and craftsmanship while synthetic options are more affordable and easier to maintain. In each of these cases though, the natural aesthetic of the shag rug will create a highly cozy, comfortable tone.

Queen Size Runner Rug

Styling Tips for Shag Rugs

Shag rugs can add comfort to any room of the home. In living rooms, they can rest within the main furniture space or highlight a smaller seating area. In bedrooms, the rug is often placed partway under the bed or directly alongside it so that it is the first and last surface you step onto each day. 

No matter where you place your shag rug, it is important to choose a rug that fits your room’s style and scale. For example, if the rug is too large or the color tone is too different from the rest of the room, then the entire space will feel off balance and incohesive. Fortunately, if you look at your existing decor, furniture, textures, and color palette for inspiration, these elements will guide you towards a complementary shag rug that will fit your room’s grand design.

Maintenance and Practicality

As wonderful as shag rugs are, they do require more maintenance. Since the threads are so long, dirt and dust tend to get trapped more easily and sink deeper into the rug. That applies to dirt and debris as well, which can be particularly troublesome if you have children or pets playing on the rug. 

With that in mind, regular vacuuming is an absolute must for shag rugs. Be mindful of which beater/attachment you use with your vacuum though, since you don’t want the rug’s long threads getting caught in the vacuum. It’s also important to clean stains as they arise so that they don’t spread deeper and further throughout the rug. This level of maintenance and the rug’s proclivity to attract dirt is why these rugs are typically recommended for more private spaces or rooms that don’t see much dirt/traffic.

Round rug for queen size bed

For more tips and ideas, join our mailing list.

Join Now

Pros and Cons of Shag Rugs

The comfort and plushness of shag rugs is entirely unrivaled. However, no matter how much you love the style and the feel of shag rugs, the level of maintenance and their ability to collect dirt makes them less than ideal for high traffic spaces or homes with kids and pets. Each home room is unique though, which is why you must assess your own lifestyle and weigh the pros and cons to decide what is best for your house.

Alternatives to Shag Rugs

If you enjoy the look and feel of shag rugs but don’t want the constant upkeep, then you will likely choose a different pile height. There are other high pile rugs that offer extra length but don’t have the same height or depth as full shag rugs. Along with that, no matter what pile height you choose, you can add a rug pad beneath your rug. Rug pads come in various materials, and each one can positively impact the plushness and support of your rug.


Shag rugs are still highly in style today thanks to their various color palettes, materials, finishes, and patterns. Whether you are decorating a retro/vintage space or a contemporary one, shag rugs can accentuate your style and impact the tone of your room. Now, after weighing the pros and cons of shag rugs, you can decide what rug will best suit your room’s daily use and lifestyle.

Protection Information
Protect against common mishaps, such as:
Accidental rips, tears
Accidental stains from food and beverage or human and pet bodily fluids
Delamination, loose threads and torn seams
Minor burn and heat marks (up to 1 inch)
Protection Plan also includes:
  • No deductibles or hidden fees
  • Receipt-less claims process
  • 24/7 customer support

See the full Terms and Conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I purchase the Protection Plan?

It’s as easy as adding the Protection Plan - along with the product you want covered - to your cart and checking out!

What happens after I purchase the Protection Plan?

Once you purchase coverage, you will receive a welcome email, giving you access to your dedicated portal (where you will be able to view your coverage information and file a claim).

When does my plan coverage begin?

Accidental damage coverage begins day 1 of purchase, while defects in materials and workmanship are covered as soon as the 30-day return period expires.

How do I file a claim?

You can file a claim by going to getmulberry.com/login and by logging into your portal. Or you can simply contact the customer support team 24/7 via [email protected].

What happens after my claim is approved?

If damage is beyond repair, Mulberry will replace your product or will reimburse you for your product. If a repair is needed, Mulberry will coordinate technician cleaning or repair. Mulberry will repair your product up to its original retail price.

What if I return my product or want to cancel my Protection Plan?

You are able to cancel your Protection Plan by contacting Mulberry or by logging into your customer portal. Within the first 30 days of purchase, you will receive a full refund.

What if I exchange my product for another?

You can exchange your product for an identical product, without it affecting your warranty purchase. If you exchange your product for a different item, you will need to cancel your existing coverage and purchase a new plan, as coverage is tied to the specific product with which it was purchased.

What countries is coverage available in?

Currently, coverage is only available in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Are there any coverage exclusions?

The Protection Plan does not cover damage that occurs during product delivery, pet damage (other than bodily fluids), odor elimination, intentional abuse of the product, or theft or loss of the product.

Can I purchase the Protection Plan for someone else?

Yes. All protection plans are transferable in ownership.

Coverage by

Mulberry is a best-in-class extended warranty provider that works with retailers to provide customers with accidental damage protection on their purchased products.

The Mulberry Protection Plan is a 1- and 5-year extended coverage program that protects against accidental damage to your rug.

Mulberry provides a quick, online claims process and does not require a receipt to file a claim.

THANK YOU!


Your discount code is on its way.