Shag rugs are back. They're warm, soft, and instantly cozy. Many Canadian homes are incorporating them into living rooms, bedrooms, and play spaces. A beige shag carpet gives a room a sense of calm, whereas colorful shag area rugs inject vitality.
But hereโs what matters: Are they a good addition to your family? Yes, they can be, but with the caveat that they demand a certain level of care. Letโs break down what you will get with the right rug. Additionally, what might hold you back, and what you should consider before tapping the buy button.
What Makes Shag Rugs Different
A shag rug is not like a flat-woven floor area rug. It has a longer pile. Thicker fibres. That's how they feel so soft. They invite you to sit or lie upon the floor.
Here's why they're different:
- Comfort: It feels like sinking into foam when you step onto one.
- Warmth: They're great for cold Canadian winters.
- Style: From a beige shag carpet to patterned shag area rugs, fits most styles.
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Noise Control: Thick fibres help muffle sound, which is particularly helpful in apartments and homes with heavy traffic.
For most families, these advantages are enough to make the decision. But there are trade-offs for comfort.
Cleaning a Shag Rug Isn't Easy
This is where most people hesitate. Shag rugs trap dirt. Dust, crumbs, and pet hair settle into the pile. Regular vacuums have trouble.
- You can keep them clean, but it requires a bit of effort.
- Shake out the smaller carpeting outside.
- Use a suction-only machine, not one with a rotating brush.
- Blot spills immediately before they set in.
- Have a professional cleaning done at least once a year.
If your home includes children or animals, youโre already in for a bit of an uphill battle. A cream-colored shag rug has its charm, but in comparison to darker moquettes, it tends to pick up and show stains with far less effort. If you have a lot going on and a lot of clutter, maintaining such a rug can become a deal breaker.
Comfort vs. Practicality
There's no argument about it, shag rugs are comfortable. Children adore them. Pets snuggle on them in an instant. Bedrooms are cozier with them.
But in high-traffic areas, they donโt hold up well. Shoes flatten the pile. Dirt builds up. They look messy faster than flat rugs.
Great places for shag rugs:
Bedrooms
- Living rooms (in low-traffic areas)
- Playrooms (if youโre ready to clean often)
- Home offices
- Not great spots:
- Hallways
- Dining rooms (crumbs are a nightmare)
Entryways
If you prefer comfort where you spend the most time, a shag rug is a winner. If you require durability in front of doors or beneath tables, opt for a product with a lower pile.
Shag Rugs and Allergies
Allergy families need to consider twice. Shag rugs trap more dust and dander than flat rugs. That equates to more cleaning if someone is allergic.
This doesnโt rule them out. It simply means youโll need to put in extra effort. A good vacuum with HEPA filters helps. So does pairing the rug with an air purifier.
Choosing Size and Style
If youโre leaning toward buying one, the next step is to choose the right size and style.
Size tips:
- Living room: Choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on.
- Bedroom: Choose one that surrounds the bed and provides soft landings on every side.
- Small rooms: Use a medium rug so it doesn't overpower the room.
Style tips:
- Beige shag carpets are classic. They complement modern and traditional houses.
- Bolder colors or patterned shag area rugs make a statement.
- Lower pile versions look neater and are cleaner than ultra-deep shags.
Buying Rugs Online
Increasingly, more people prefer to buy rugs online. It saves time, and the variety is bigger than in most local stores. But there are things to watch for.
Check product photos carefully: colors can shift depending on lighting.
- Read reviews: people often mention how soft the rug feels or how much it sheds.
- Look at return policies: rugs are significant investments; youโll want the option to return them.
- Measure twice: a rug too small or too large completely alters the character of a room.
It's easier to compare beige shag carpets with patterned or colored ones when browsing online. This narrows down what actually works for your environment.
Shag Rugs with Pets
Pet owners tend to be concerned with shag rugs. The reality is, they're not the simplest rugs for pets. Hair clings to the strands, dirt tracks in with ease.
That being said, many families continue to have them with pets. You simply require a plan.
- Opt for mid-tone shades, as they will hide the hair more effectively.
- Observe the usage of a handheld vacuum cleaner or a lint roller.
- Position cleanable mats at entrances to prevent dirt from being carried across the carpet.ย
For active dogs and cats, restrict shag rugs to small spaces, like a special pet area, instead of in expansive family rooms.
Where They Shine Most
So where do shag rugs really excel? In places where ease is more important than functionality. Imagine this: rolling out of bed on a cold winter morning onto plush fibres rather than a chilly floor, and snuggling up in the den with a blanket, resting your feet on a shag rug. That's the true benefit.
Living rooms and cozy corners in homes are most benefited. Shag rugs are used in condos in Toronto and Vancouver to warm up concrete or wood floors. Suburban family homes often feature basements and bedrooms for added comfort.
Quick Pros and Cons
To wrap it all up, here's the truth:
Pros:
- Soft and comfy
- Adds warmth during chilly months
- Effective in bedrooms and living rooms
- Sound-absorbing
Cons:
- Tougher to clean
- Spills and dirt show sooner.
- Not suitable for dining areas or corridors
- Catches allergens
Last Thoughts
So, are shag area rugs suitable for your household? It depends. If you want comfort, they are appropriate. If tidying up is your top concern, consider a lower-pile carpet instead.
Beige shag carpets may be timeless neutrals, while colorful shag area rugs add a hint of personality. Just be sure to consider where you are placing the rugs and the effort required to maintain and upkeep them.ย
The positive is that there is never a hurry to purchase a rug. Similar to any other product, you can shop for rugs online. This allows you to browse by size, color, and material from the comfort of your own home. If you are looking for the best rugs, check out The Rug Market collection.ย