Pros & Cons of a Shag Rug

Design

• Shag carpeting can help to soften the appearance of a room otherwise full of hard surfaces, such as an office with concrete floors or a living room with wood flooring. They can also add a splash of color to a otherwise drab space, or work to tie in other elements, like drapes or furniture, into the room's overall design.

Maintenance

• Shag rugs, especially those made from sheep's wool, are durable and easy to clean. A weekly vacuuming and occasional shake-out will keep your shag rug free of dirt and debris. Many smaller shag rugs are also machine-washable. However, shag carpeting quickly soaks up liquid, so stains from spills or pet urine are sometimes hard to remove compared to other types of carpeting.

Pricing

• Shag rugs are available for just about any budget, but natural fibers such as wool, leather and sheepskin are on the pricier side. Shag carpets made from synthetic fiber tend to be less expensive. A good rule of thumb is that the the higher the rug's pile, the more expensive it'll be.

Reputation

• The garish colors so commonly associated with shag carpeting of decades ago are still available, but shag rugs can be found in just about every color and style. In fact, shag carpeting is enjoying a comeback with contemporary designers because of its versatility. Today's shag carpeting is both sophisticated and fun -- a short shag can be used to completely cover the floor of a room, or a luxury shag with a 3- to 4-inch pile can add plush comfort to your living quarters. Despite all of this, however, some people still associate shag carpeting with a bygone era.