What is a Shag Rug & How to Style One

If you’re looking for a cosy addition to your living space, shag rugs are a great option to consider! Popularised in the 60s, shag rugs are a retro treasure, but they also bring a warm and welcoming feel to modern homes. No matter your interior style or taste, shag rugs can complement any home when styled right.

Shag rugs are a great addition to any home as they add a cosy feel, texture and warmth to your space. Since they are so versatile, they can be styled in many ways to match your personal style and the overall aesthetic of your home. In saying this, they can be difficult to style, due to their fuzzy, eye-catching nature. In this article, we’ll discuss shag rugs and how to style them. 

What Are Shag Rugs Made Of?

Shag rugs are known for their fluffy, shaggy look. They can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, faux and real fur, acrylic and leather, as well as polyester and polypropylene. There are plenty of different types of shag rugs made from materials like wool, acrylic, polypropylene, polyester, viscose, leather and a mixture of fabrics. 

Wool shag rugs and those made of synthetic materials are easiest to find at an affordable price. If you are looking for a shag rug that is simple, long-lasting and durable, consider a wool shag rug or Flokati shag rug, made from 100% wool. 

Are Shag Rugs in Style?

So, are shag rugs in style? Short answer: yes! Shag rugs have been popular since the 60s and their popularity has only grown over the years. With so many styles, sizes, colours and shapes available, you can easily find a design that suits your home and your style. 

How to Style Shag Rugs

When it comes to styling rugs of any kind, there are key elements to consider. Since shag rugs make such a statement with their texture, it’s important to carefully consider all the elements of the room to avoid a clash, from the size, shape and placement to the pattern and the colour palette, furniture and decor in your room.

Choose the Right Size

When choosing a shag rug, it’s important to pick the right size for your space. For instance, if the room is small, you’re better off choosing a smaller size shag rug to prevent it from overwhelming and overtaking the entire space. If your room is large, choose a larger shag rug to add warmth and fill up the space. 

Ideally, your shag rug should be large enough to fit all your furniture on it. For example, in the living room, you should be able to place your couches, armchairs and coffee table comfortably on the shag rug.

Pick the Right Shape for Your Space 

Shag rugs come in various shapes, from rectangular and round to irregular shapes. What you choose can depend on how you intend to use your shag rug. If it’s adding visual interest to your space, go for a circular or irregularly shaped shag rug. If your shag rug is for warmth and comfort in the living room, a rectangular shag rug will do the trick. 

Consider the Placement 

Shag rugs aren’t just for living rooms in the 60s. Rugs can be used in any room of the house, although, some placements work better than others. 

Shag rugs are a great addition to living rooms and bedrooms. You can also place small, miniature rugs around your home as a small touch. Place a small shag rug in front of a side table or hang one on your couch.

Create a Cosy Nook 

Shag rugs are perfect for creating a cosy nook in your home, whether it’s for reading, lounging or having a cup of tea. Place a small, round shag rug in a cosy corner of your home with a comfortable, stylish, sleek armchair, and you have a cosy nook.

Bedroom

There’s nothing more cosy and comforting than hopping out of bed onto a soft, shaggy rug. If your room is not carpeted, place a shag rug under your bed, or a small shag rug by your tallboy, dresser or wardrobe.

Living Room

Bring a warm, cosy feel to the area where you relax and entertain in. Shag rugs are a great addition to living rooms. Not only are they soft and warm under your feet but they add visual interest to the space. Shag rugs can act as a centrepiece in your living room or as a way to bring the space together. 

Keep it Simple

Not sure how to decorate with a shag rug? Shag rugs are not as subtle as say, a jute or sisal rug. Their shaggy, soft texture is eye-catching. When styling your shag rug, keep the elements in your room simple. This doesn’t mean you need to go for a full-on minimalist look, but stick to sleek furniture with clean lines and avoid ornate details. 

Make a Contrast with Sleek Furniture

Shag rugs are cosy, warm and welcoming. By pairing your shag rug with sleek, modern furniture, you can create a stylish contrast that isn’t overwhelming to the eye. Consider a soft and slim sofa and coffee table and other furniture and decor with clean lines to balance out the fuzzy texture of your shag rug. 

Think About the Colour Palette 

When styling shag rugs, one of the most important things to consider is the colour palette of the room. Shag rugs come in various colours, from bold and bright tones to muted and neutral shades.

If you’re feeling adventurous, choose a shag rug in a bold colour to make a statement. A bold and bright-coloured shag rug naturally becomes the statement piece of the room, so these work best with rooms with neutral tones. If your room already has a lot of bold colours, keep the balance with a neutral shag rug.

Embrace a Natural Look

Bring a natural and organic feel to your home with a shag rug made of natural fibres, like wool or cotton. Pair it with wooden furniture and lots of greenery to create a fresh, inviting and homely space. 

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