Shaggy rugs: how to choose and care for them
Nothing beats a shaggy rug for softness. Here is how to choose the right one and keep it looking plump.
What makes a rug shaggy?
A shaggy rug has a long, loose pile. On Rug Kingdom, shaggy piles typically range from about 20 mm to 50 mm, as listed in each product's specifications. Most are made from heat-set polypropylene, polyester or recycled polyester, which keep their colour and spring and cost far less than a deep wool pile.
Choosing a shaggy rug
- Depth: 20 to 30 mm is soft but practical; 40 mm plus is ultra-plush and best in quiet rooms.
- Yarn: fine polyester yarns feel silkiest; chunkier yarns look more textured and hide marks better.
- Colour: cream and ivory look luxurious but show marks; grey, taupe and space-dyed blends are forgiving. See grey shaggy and cream shaggy rugs.
- Washable: some shaggy rugs are machine or hand washable. See washable rugs.
Where shaggy rugs work
- Bedrooms, beside or under the bed.
- Snugs and TV rooms.
- Not under dining tables, in hallways or by external doors.
Caring for a shaggy rug
- Shake: take small rugs outside and shake them every few weeks.
- Vacuum: highest height setting, suction only or brush roll off. A hand-held nozzle is gentler on long piles.
- Spills: blot straight away; part the pile to reach the base of the fibres.
- Fluff up: brush the pile with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb; lightly steam flattened patches from a distance only if the fibre is synthetic and the care notes allow.
- Furniture dents: place an ice cube in the dent, let it melt, blot, then brush the pile up.
Do shaggy rugs shed?
Most shed some loose fibre in the first weeks, especially polyester shaggy rugs. It settles with gentle vacuuming. Never pull loose strands; trim them level with scissors. More in why rugs shed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make my shaggy rug fluffy again?
Shake it, then brush the pile up with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. For dents, melt an ice cube in the dent, blot and brush.
Can you vacuum a shaggy rug?
Yes, with the brush roll off or suction only, on the highest height setting.
Can you wash a shaggy rug?
Only if the care notes say so. Some of our shaggy rugs are machine or hand washable.
Are shaggy rugs out of style?
Shaggy rugs remain a popular choice for bedrooms and cosy living rooms, especially in textured and Berber-inspired designs.
Shop the guide
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Fossay Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Izaline Checkered Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Green
from £69.98 -
Deline Shaggy Rug in Dark Brown
from £69.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Natural
from £59.98 -
Alto Shaggy Rug in Cream & Blue
from £89.98 -
Alto Shaggy Rug in Cream & Grey
from £129.98
Related guides
- Why do rugs shed, and how long does it last?
- How to vacuum a rug properly
- Bedroom rug guide: size and placement
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.