The Edit: 4 Sumptuous Shag Rugs
Shag rugs are back, bringing tactile delight and a hint of retro flair to modern interiors.
Supremely soft with a warm and inviting vibe, shags have evolved from a funky ’70s fad to a chic and cozy classic. Here, three design experts share their favorite Jaipur Living shag styles and their thoughts on how to successfully incorporate these fluffy rugs into a room. Plus: The steps you need to know for cleaning these ultra plush, deep-pile accents.
Thanks to its power-loomed construction and polyester and polypropylene materials, the Ferris collection provides retro shag style without the annoyance of shedding.
Blast From The Past
Admittedly, shags aren’t for everyone or every space. But a high-quality shag rug complemented by tasteful furniture and accessories can be utterly gorgeous and statement-making—not to mention feels wonderful underfoot. “We love them in the right place,” says Amy Storm, owner and lead designer of Amy Storm & Co. “They made a strong comeback in the early 2000s and then over time, we saw them get mass produced and cheapened. The end result was they just didn’t look that great. However, when done well, they provide a beautiful and textural backdrop to any room.”
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Consider the functionality of a space before determining if a shag rug is appropriate, advises Brenna Morgan Interiors owner and principal designer Brenna Morgan. “I love how they feel and look,” she shares. “But I do feel that they are best used for areas that are not high-traffic, so they don’t get worn down and stay fluffy.”
Indeed, care is of utmost importance when it comes to shag rugs as their distinctly dense pile contributes to their wow factor. “We love incorporating shag carpets when we can on a project,” adds Jordan Cashman, owner and principal designer of Sage. “We are very inspired and drawn to midcentury-modern design and love how shags can add this amazing textural moment in a space. It can be very transformative!”
Material Matters
Traditional wool? New power-loomed technology? When choosing a shag rug based on construction and material, it all comes down to personal preference and a tolerance for shedding. “I’m more of a naturalist, so I prefer a wool, uber-fluffy pile with long, wild strands. I know it will shed and I’m OK with it because the texture is unmatched,” Storm reveals. “Natural fibers are always my choice,” Morgan agrees. “They clean up the best and have wonderful endurance.”
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On the other hand, rugs that are power loomed of durable, high pile polyester or polypropylene offer a modern interpretation of the classic shag style sans the shedding—making them an attractive option for many homeowners. “While we love the traditional shag and tend to use natural materials over man-made, we find our clients are more drawn to the power-loomed rugs that don’t shed,” Cashman says. “It’s just a low-maintenance option while still getting that amazing plush texture.”
The Maracas collection shows off with a high-low pile, while Lyra speaks to classic shag design with a modern motif.
Barefoot Living
Whether styled to fit with an eclectic, traditional, or contemporary aesthetic, shag rugs always deliver dimension and character, especially when juxtaposed with other materials. “Texture is everything, so having furniture pieces on the shag in contrasting materials like leather or velvet can create beautiful layers and depth in the space,” offers Storm. She says Jaipur Living’s Marlowe rug is a favorite of hers for its versatility: “It has a beautiful hand, nice depth, and offers the perfect neutrals in cream and a warm gray that can vibe into any space.”
Once again, “The key to a shag rug is using it in the right spot,” Cashman emphasizes. “We use them typically in bedrooms and low-traffic family/sitting rooms. We recently used Jaipur Living’s Keoka rug in a client’s TV room that alternates as an overflow guest bedroom when they have company over. It is so heavenly to walk on! Even I have the Keoka in my bedroom and love the bold style and softness.”
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In addition to Keoka, Cashman loves Jaipur Living’s Tala and Marlowe rugs that are the epitome of shaggy softness. “The Marlowe is like a giant oversize sheepskin that I just want to curl up on. This would be amazing in a bedroom—stepping out onto that first thing in the morning would be perfection,” says the designer. “The Tala is nice and neutral, but still has a bohemian nod to it that is perfectly in line with the shag style.”
Morgan, a self-proclaimed “neutral girl,” adores Marlowe as well as the lustrous and gloriously plush Nadia rug. “These type of rugs would be perfect in a nursery where babies are learning to crawl and walk,” she explains. “They are soft and fluffy—perfect for comfort and a good sensory experience for baby.”
For smaller sizes, shake shag rugs, including the Lyra collection, to loosen dirt and dust that can build up within higher pile.
Handle With Care
The designers reveal their top tips for cleaning and caring for shag rugs to keep them looking their best.
Jordan Cashman
“For keeping your shag clean, the first thing we recommend is to shake it out if that’s available to you. This we find is more effective to get all the dirt and sand out than vacuuming. From there, hand-held vacuums are great for really getting into the pile versus your standard upright vacuum. And for any stains or spills, spot clean!”
Brenna Morgan
“Taylor Swift’s song ‘Shake It Off’ is running through my head! It’s best to shake it out if you can instead of using a vacuum cleaner. You don’t want the vacuum to pull at it or thin it out.”
Amy Storm
“We always recommend being careful with your vacuum and suggest using one that doesn’t pull too hard on the strands—turning the beater bar off [is best].”
