The interior design lovers are seeing a new trend these days: shag rugs! If you wonder what is a shag rug? and where to buy it or how to style it, we devote this article to it! A shag rug, also known as a flokati rug, is a type of rug with long, thick pile giving it a shaggy appearance. The pile on a flokati rug is usually made of wool, acrylic, polyester, or a blend, and can stand 1-3 inches tall.
Flokati rugs feature a deep, plush pile that creates a soft and cushy feel underfoot. The long fibers are loosely woven together, giving shag rugs their characteristic shaggy, textured look. Unlike carpets with tight weaves and short, dense piles, the pile on a shag rug is left uncut and irregular. This loose construction is what gives shag rugs their laidback, casual style.
The origins of shag rugs can be traced back to Flokati rugs handwoven in Greece using thick, long-fibered sheep’s wool. Traditional Flokati rugs featured simple geometric patterns in natural wool colors. In the 1960s and 70s, synthetic shag rugs gained popularity in abstract graphic prints and bright colors, becoming a hallmark of groovy hippie and bohemian décor.
Today, shag rugs are available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and materials while retaining their signature deep, plushy pile. Their relaxed, welcoming look makes them a popular floor covering choice for casual living spaces. The shaggy texture adds cozy softness underfoot in bedrooms, living rooms, dorms, and more.
Pros of Shag Rugs
Flokati rugs offer many benefits that make them a popular choice for home décor. Some of the key pros of flokati rug include:
Flokati rugs are soft, warm, and provide insulation. They hide dirt and stains well and have a unique visual texture. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them versatile and easy to coordinate with any style or décor theme.
Cons of Shag Rugs
Flokati rugs certainly bring a fun, retro vibe to any space, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are some of the potential cons to consider before purchasing a flokati rug:
shag carpet is difficult to clean, trap dust and allergens, shed fibers, and are not suitable for high-traffic areas as the fibers can become flattened and ruined.
So if you choose a shag rug, be prepared to put in the extra cleaning effort. Also consider placing it in lower-traffic areas like bedrooms. Properly caring for a shag rug will help maintain its stylish and plush look.
Best Places to Use Shag Rugs
Flokati rugs can add a fun, retro vibe to many rooms in your home. Here are some of the top places to use these plush, textured rugs: bedrooms, living rooms, offices and nurseries.
Choose solid colors or subtle patterns for bedrooms, neutral colors for living rooms, and colorful or patterned rugs for dens/offices and nurseries. Make sure the rug is large enough for the space and made with natural, non-toxic materials for nurseries.
Shag Rug Materials
Shag rugs can be made from various materials, each with their own characteristics. Consider factors like cost, comfort, and lifestyle when choosing a shag rug material.
Wool is durable and luxurious but expensive. Cotton is soft and eco-friendly but stains easily. Polyester is affordable and durable but may not regulate temperature well. Acrylic is a budget-friendly option that mimics wool but may pill over time.
For luxury and durability, wool is the top choice. Cotton offers a natural, breathable feel but requires more maintenance.
Polyester and acrylic are budget-friendly synthetic options. Polyester excels at stain resistance while acrylic mimics a wool-like texture; however, as always, we don’t recommend synthetic options since it is not healthy for our body.
Shag Rug Styles
Shag rugs come in a variety of stylish designs to match any room’s aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular shag rug styles:
Solid Color
Solid color shag rugs can make a bold statement and bring a bright pop of color to a room. They work well in modern, minimalist spaces. Solid shag rugs come in virtually any color under the sun.
Ombre
Ombre shag rugs fade between two or more colors in a gradient effect. This creates a visually interesting rug that can tie a room together. Ombre shags look great in boho, eclectic, or mid-century modern styled rooms.
Geometric
For a graphic look, geometric flokati rugs have abstract shapes like zigzags, diamonds, triangles, and more. The geometric pattern stands out against the high pile texture. Use these fun shags in contemporary or retro-inspired home decor.
Moroccan
Moroccan shag rugs take inspiration from traditional Beni Ourain rugs with their looped pile texture. Natural cream and white shades paired with a subtle pattern embody a bohemian Moroccan style.
Bohemian
Boho shag rugs tend to feature faded, distressed looks and a blend of eclectic colors and patterns. These rugs work perfectly in free-spirited, laidback spaces. Look for braided tassels and an artisanal vibe.
Shag Rug Care
Flokati rugs require some special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips:
- Regular vacuuming – Vacuum your flokati rug at least once a week to remove dirt and debris that can get trapped in the long fibers. Use a vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush to agitate the pile and lift dirt from the base of the fibers.
- Professional cleaning periodically – Every year or two, have your flokati rug professionally deep cleaned. The powerful equipment used by professional cleaners can thoroughly clean the rug down to the backing. This prevents dirt from building up over time.
- Spot cleaning – Immediately blot any spills or stains on a flokati rug with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub, which can spread the stain. For water-based stains, dab with a cloth dampened with cool water. For oil-based stains, use a solvent-based spot cleaner made for carpets.
- Using a rug pad – Placing a non-slip rug pad underneath a flokati rug helps reduce wear from furniture legs and prevents bunching or shifting. The pad also provides extra cushioning. Look for a dense, firm pad designed for high pile carpets.
Shag Rug Sizing Guide
When choosing a flokati rug, it’s important to select the right size for your space. Flokati rugs come in typical sizes like 2’x3′, 4’x6′, 5’x8′, and 8’x10′. However, you’ll want to carefully measure the room you plan to use the rug in rather than just selecting a standard size.
Before measuring, sketch out where you want to place the rug and what furniture will be on top of it. Allow enough space so that chair and table legs can fit on the rug without slipping off. Leave an extra 12-18 inches of rug around the edges of your furniture arrangement.
Once you know the ideal placement, use a tape measure to determine the length and width you’ll need. Measure the open floor space from wall to wall, not including any areas where furniture will sit. Round up to the nearest whole foot. Many rugs can be custom ordered in specific dimensions if needed.
Keep in mind that flokati rug have thick, plush piles that take up more visual space. A 5’x8′ shag will feel smaller than a low pile or flatweave rug of the same size. Size up by 1-2 feet on each dimension if possible. This will prevent your new shag rug from looking or feeling too small for the room.
Where to Buy Shag Rugs
Shag rugs can be found at a variety of retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the top places to shop for shag rugs:
Online Retailers
Buying flokati rugs online opens up a world of options, often at lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Many online retailers specialize in rugs and offer a wide selection of shag rug styles, sizes, colors, and materials. Popular online sources for shag rugs include:
The advantage of shopping online is the huge inventory and ability to filter and compare many rug options. Watch for free shipping offers and easy return policies when buying rugs online.
Big Box Stores
Major home goods chains like IKEA, Target, Walmart, and Costco sell shag rugs at affordable prices. While the selection is more limited than specialized online rug stores, these retailers offer the convenience of in-store shopping. The quality can vary, so inspect shag rugs closely before purchasing.
Visit specialty rug stores like Rug Studio or Safavieh for a wide selection of quality flokati rugs. For unique vintage options, check out thrift stores, flea markets, and online auctions. Consider your budget, desired quality, and convenience when choosing where to buy.
Cost of Shag Rugs
Flokati rug can vary widely in price depending on several factors such as size, material, quality, style and brand.
Bigger rugs are pricier than smaller ones. Synthetic materials are cheaper than wool or silk. Higher quality rugs cost more. Trendy styles can be more expensive. Well-known brands have higher prices.
Overall, most synthetic shag rugs run $100-$500 depending on size. Mid-range wool shags run $300-$800 on average. High-end designer shag rugs can cost $1,000-$5,000 or more. With so many variables, it’s possible to find a shag rug in most budgets if you know what to look for.
In conclusion, shag rugs, also known as flokati rugs, bring a fun and retro vibe to home decor. With their soft and plush texture, they add warmth and personality to living spaces. While they require special care and consideration for high-traffic areas, their versatility, variety of styles, and material options make them a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and nurseries. When investing in a shag rug, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, material, and maintenance to ensure it complements and enhances the overall aesthetic and comfort of the space.