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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
With thick fibers and tall pile heights, shag area rugs are soft and plush with textural flair. "We love working with this type of rug for living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, and even kids' rooms," says Lina M. Gómez of the Decorist design duo Nemai Studio.
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.
Best Overall
Rugs.com Infinity Collection Shag Rug
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Stain-resistant and non-shedding
Ultra-soft and plush
No nonslip backing
Our top choice is the Infinity Shag Rug from Rugs.com. It's made in Turkey from 100 percent polyester and features an ultra-plush pile height of 2.5 inches. The material has a super-soft, luxurious feel. Not only that, but the stain-resistant, non-shedding fibers can hold up to everyday wear. It's even pet- and kid-friendly. One thing to note is that it doesn't have a nonslip backing, so you'll want to get a good rug pad for underneath.
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.
Price at time of publish: $69
Shape: Rectangular, round, square, runner | Available Sizes: 20 | Pile Height: 2.5 inches | Material: Polyester
Best Splurge
Lulu & Georgia Noa Moroccan Shag Rug
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Lulu & Georgia
High-quality, natural materials
Luxuriously soft and plush
Versatile aesthetic
Expensive
Only one color
If you prefer higher-end, natural materials, Lulu & Georgia's Noa Moroccan Shag Rug is an excellent choice. It's hand-knotted from 95 percent wool and 5 percent cotton, flaunting a 1-inch pile height, a luxuriously soft feel, and plushness underfoot. Since it's not as shaggy as other styles, you can vacuum it without worrying about the fibers getting caught.
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.
Price at time of publish: $998
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 5 | Pile Height: 1 inch | Material: Wool, cotton
Best Washable
Ruggable Shag Rug
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Ruggable
Machine-washable and dryer-friendly
Water- and stain-resistant
Exceptionally soft
Requires extra-large washing machine
Tricky to vacuum
High-pile rugs aren't known for being easy to clean, but with options like the Shag Rug from Ruggable, it's a different story. After testing a flat-woven option, our tester gave the company a 4 out of 5 overall score and liked the easy, washable design. The brand extends this same care flexibility to its take on shag area rugs. This Ruggable Shag Rug is conveniently machine-washable, dryer-friendly, and water- and stain-resistant.
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.
Price at time of publish: $409
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Available Sizes: 7 | Pile Height: 1.5 inches | Material: Polyester
Best Stain-Resistant
AllModern Morin Geometric Shag Area Rug
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Wayfair
Performance material
Vacuumable pile height
Plush and soft
Design isn't as versatile as some
We also like the Morin Geometric Area Rug from AllModern. It's 100 percent polypropylene, a type of stain-resistant thermoplastic that can mimic the look and feel of natural fibers. With a pile height of just over an inch, it's plush and soft but not so tall that you can't vacuum 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.
Price at time of publish: $400
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 8 | Pile Height: 1.18 inches | Material: Polypropylene
Best Neutral
Rugs USA Natural Greek Flokati Area Rug
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Rugs USA
Solid, versatile colors
100 percent natural wool
Soft and plush
Tricky to clean
For something more neutral, consider the Greek Flokati Area Rug from Rugs USA. Available in ivory or taupe-gray, the solid hue and shaggy surface can provide texture and dimension without overwhelming your space. With 13 sizes and four shapes to choose from, there's something for every home.
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.
Price at time of publish: $142 for 2'x3'
Shape: Rectangular, round, square, runner | Available Sizes: 11 | Pile Height: 1.25 inches | Material: Wool
Best Patterned
Jonathan Y Merida Stacked Grid Shag Area Rug
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Bed Bath & Beyond
Modern grid design
Stain-resistant and vacuumable
Designer-recommended
Limited colors
Castillo is a fan of Jonathan Y's Merida Stacked Grid Shag Area Rug, and we can see the appeal. It features a stacked grid pattern similar to modern straight-lay tile, which could add bold dimension and interest to any space. This shag area rug uses stain-resistant polypropylene material and has a 1.54-inch pile height. But since the weave is similar to a twist carpet, it takes well to vacuuming.
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.
Price at time of publish: $71
Shape: Rectangular, runner | Available Sizes: 5 | Pile Height: 1.54 inches | Material: Polypropylene
Best Solid
SAFAVIEH Milan Shag Collection SG180-1414
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Walmart
Nine colors available
Plush, dense fibers
Stain-resistant and vacuumable
Not ideal for high-traffic areas
Prefer solid tones? Check out Safavieh's Milan Area Rug. It comes in 35 sizes, three shapes (rectangle, round, and runner), and nine colors ranging from off-black and true navy to retro brown and classic ivory.
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.
Price at time of publish: $167
Shape: Rectangular, round, runner | Available Sizes: 35 | Pile Height: 2 inches | Material: Polypropylene
Best Abstract
Crate & Barrel Rivinias Shag Abstract Area Rug
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Crate & Barrel
Durable wool-rayon yarns
Long-lasting quality
Luxuriously soft
Limited colors
Larger sizes are expensive
If you're interested in an attractive abstract shag rug, consider Crate & Barrel's Rivinias Shag Abstract Area Rug. This wool-rayon blend rug results from durable yarns spun by hand, then knotted into a carpet-like pile. While the larger sizes are expensive, you can count on a luxuriously soft, welcoming feel and long-lasting quality.
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.
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 5 | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Wool, rayon
Best Moroccan
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Inez Moroccan Shag Rug
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Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Naturally sourced fibers
Vacuumable
Functional yet tasteful
Limited sizes
Only one color
Nodding to the traditional designs handwoven by indigenous tribal people in Morocco, the Inez Shag Rug is just as functional as it is tasteful. It's loomed from 90 percent wool and 10 percent viscose, a naturally sourced blend boasting ample insulation and odor resistance. The Inez Rug is also conveniently vacuumable.
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.
Price at time of publish: $1,860
Shape: Rectangular | Available Sizes: 3 | Pile Height: Not listed | Material: Wool, viscose
Our top pick is the Rugs.com Infinity Collection Shag Rug, a reasonably priced piece made of ultra-soft, stain-resistant, non-shedding fibers. If you're on a budget, the designer-approved Home Dynamix Oxford Shag Area Rug is a solid choice. And if you prefer natural fibers, we recommend splurging on the Lulu & Georgia Noa Moroccan Shag Rug.
What to Look for in a Shag Rug
Pile Height
Long, dense, and sometimes scraggly or fluffy fibers are the primary characteristic of shag rugs. Unlike flat-woven designs, they have a tall pile height, which is the distance from the floor to the surface of the rug. Pile heights for this type of rug range from 1 inch to upward of 2 inches. The choice is mostly a matter of preference, but taller fibers tend to be tricky to clean and are more prone to crushing.
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, Lina M. Gómez of the Decorist design duo Nemai Studio 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.
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Can you put a shag rug in the washing machine?
Larger shag rugs may simply be too big to fit in your washer drum, and many call for spot-cleaning or professional cleaning only. However, some are machine-washable and even dryer-friendly, as long as they don't have a rubberized backing. Select a delicate and/or bulky cycle and run it on cold water. And if you're unsure, check the manufacturer's care instructions.
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Can you vacuum high-pile rugs?
It depends on the pile height and weave pattern. As noted, shag rugs can range from 1 to about 2.5 inches in pile height. While you can often vacuum a 1-inch pile, taller fibers may get stuck. If the fibers don't clog your vacuum, the process could leave you with a damaged rug.
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.
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How do you keep a shag rug fluffy?
Due to the high-pile design, shag rugs are prone to compression, especially when placed in high-traffic areas or underneath heavy furniture. To keep yours fluffy, Fendy Castillo, Gómez's partner at Nemai Studio says regular vacuuming is key. "Use a rug beater to loosen up dirt, then vacuum it again to get an even fluffier look."
According to Gómez, you can also rotate the rug periodically. "This will prevent the pressure from building up in one spot," she explains.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Contributing writer Theresa Holland specializes in textiles and home furnishings within the commerce space. Holland has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home decor, furniture, and lifestyle products.
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.