To help you pick the perfect rug for your space, we compiled recommendations and expert buying tips from Nemai Studio, then researched high-quality options at every price point. Our favorite is the Infinity Collection Shag Rug from Rugs.com, a stain-resistant, non-shedding design flaunting a 2.5-inch pile height. These are the best shag rugs you can order online. This rug is ideal for low-traffic areas and cozy corners of your home. Gómez says, “Creating a reading nook with a shag rug is a great idea.” This area rug has an undeniably retro vibe reminiscent of 1970s interior design, but the solid hues give it a more subtle, versatile aesthetic. It comes in 16 colors ranging from onyx black and smoky gray to off-white and dusty pink. You can also choose from 20 sizes and four shapes, including rectangular, square, round, and runner. This rug is made of 100 percent polyester and boasts a generous 2-inch pile height. The material is conveniently stain-resistant. But unfortunately, only spot-cleaning is recommended, as the tall fibers will likely get caught in a vacuum. This Moroccan-style rug only comes in one color (ivory). Still, the solid hue and pared-down design make for a highly versatile piece that works with various decor schemes. You can choose from five sizes, and while the larger options come with steep price points, this rug might be worth the extra investment in the right space. In addition to easy care, this rug comes with exceptionally soft shag in seven sizes, four colors, and two shapes (rectangular and runner). While it offers durability and simple maintenance, the 1.5-inch pile height makes the rug a little tricky to vacuum. The other thing to note is that if you get a larger size, you’ll need to make sure your washer and dryer drums are big enough to fit it. This low-maintenance shag rug comes in eight sizes and 11 colorways. The eclectic design isn’t the most versatile and may not fit all design schemes. But the scattered half-moons, blocks, and stripes are perfect for making a statement when you want to keep your colors neutral. This area rug is 100 percent wool, a naturally insulating, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant material. With a pile height of 1.25 inches, it feels incredibly soft and plush between the toes, but requires a firm brush for general maintenance and professional cleaning once or twice a year. Since the Greek Flokati Rug is somewhat tricky to clean, it’s best for low-traffic areas. It only comes in two hues, gray and indigo, but Castillo thinks the latter is a perfect pop of color. “Placing this blue rug in your room will bring it to life with a relaxing touch,” she says. This shag rug is power-loomed from highly durable, stain-resistant polypropylene. The synthetic fibers are extremely soft, plush, and dense. While the construction can hold up in busy areas of your home, you might want to use this in lower-traffic regions to maintain the shape and texture. You can easily spot-clean small stains, and while the pile height is 2 inches, it’s even vacuumable. Though this shag area rug only comes in gray and white, the abstract design adds interest to the neutral backdrop. Professional cleaning is recommended for more stubborn stains, but you can still vacuum the rug with a non-rotating head on a high-pile setting. This rectangular area rug is available in only three relatively large sizes, so it’s not suitable for small spaces. And while the only color option is ivory (the natural hue of undyed wool), a subtle geometric pattern and plush feel could add plenty of texture and dimension.
Material
When browsing options, pay attention to the material. Many shag rugs come from synthetic materials, such as polyester or polypropylene. Both are stain-resistant and often non-shedding, unlike their naturally sourced counterparts. Wool rugs and those blended with cotton and bamboo-derived viscose are inherently insulating and soft with odor-resistant properties. However, natural-fiber rugs are typically more expensive and prone to shedding.
Style
Shag area rugs became popular in the ’60s and ’70s, so they have an inherently retro aesthetic. However, they come in a wide range of styles. You can get a solid color in a bold or neutral hue or long fibers with a subtle sheen reminiscent of faux fur. Then there are options featuring prints, patterns, tassels, and fringes. In any case, Gómez says, “Shag rugs are perfect for creating a cozy and warm vibe and adding extra texture to any space.” You can even layer them over larger rugs or on top of carpets for added dimension.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Contributing writer Theresa Holland specializes in textiles and home furnishings within the commerce space. Theresa has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home decor, furniture, and lifestyle products. Always check the brand’s care instructions to make sure yours is vacuumable. If so, your best bet is to use a non-rotating, brushless head on a high-pile setting to prevent the fibers from getting caught. According to Gómez, you can also rotate the rug periodically. “This will prevent the pressure from building up in one spot,” she explains. For this story, she interviewed Lina M. Gómez and Fendy Castillo of the Decorist design duo Nemai Studio, who provided buying tips, cleaning insight, and product recommendations. After considering dozens of shag rugs in various styles and price ranges, she ultimately selected options with high-quality, versatile, aesthetically pleasing designs.
