What Is a Shaggy Rug? What Are Its Features?

Rugs—an indispensable element of modern, ethnic, and timeless decor—stand out not only for their stylish appearance but also for their many benefits, such as thermal insulation. Available in thin, thick, long-pile, short-pile, and pile-free varieties, rugs are suitable for use year-round. Rugs that provide a soft, cushioned feel underfoot are known as “shaggy” rugs, created using special weaving techniques that produce a long-pile texture. Shaggy rugs are available in a variety of pile heights, making them ideal for use during seasonal transitions and throughout the winter months. Additionally, since they are offered in a wide range of color options, they can be chosen to create a soft, inviting atmosphere in any decor.

What Is a Shaggy Rug? 

A shaggy rug is a type of rug made from shaggy material—known as “pile”—that creates a longer pile. The tufting technique is one of the methods used in this type of rug and has been used since the 1950s for all textile products, including long-pile kilims and rugs. They can be made by hand or machine from a variety of yarns, such as velvet, wool, and plush. The average pile height ranges from 3 to 5 cm.

What Are the Characteristics of Shaggy Rugs?

Shaggy or deep-pile rugs are very warm and comfortable to walk on. They are
typically used in bedrooms or living rooms and/or as specialty rugs on hard floors. Since they offer a choice of high or low pile, they can be incorporated into decor styles that align with current trends. The features of shaggy rugs can be listed as follows:
They give your interior a warm and luxurious look.
They provide a soft surface underfoot.
They have sound-dampening properties.
They serve as a good layer for thermal insulation.
They are easy to maintain and clean.

The Most Popular Shaggy Rug Models 

Shaggy rug models, which combine a stylish, timeless, and modern look, are frequently chosen by users. However, since they are not standard rugs, each user can incorporate a different shaggy rug into their home decor. In addition to short and long pile options, they come in a wide variety of colors and are available in materials such as velvet and polyester yarn.

Things to Consider When Buying a Shaggy Rug 

The factors to consider when buying a shaggy rug are generally related to decor styles. Short- or long-pile shaggy rugs are suitable for use in different areas of the home. While this largely depends on usage habits, higher-pile options are preferred in children’s rooms or living rooms due to their soft feel. When it comes to styles, yarn thickness is just as important as pile height. That’s why you can choose from Apex Rugs’ selection of shaggy models—ranging from thicker
to thinner, and from taller to shorter pile heights.

Are Shaggy Rugs Easy to Clean? 

Shaggy rugs may seem challenging to clean due to their long, dense fibers. However, contrary to popular belief, cleaning shaggy rugs is actually quite practical. Shaggy rugs are generally soft, which makes it easier to remove dirt. You can vacuum the rugs to get rid of daily dust.

How Do You Clean a Shaggy Rug at Home? 

To remove daily dust and particles, vacuum the rug with an electric vacuum cleaner, and air it out occasionally to allow other dust particles to settle. When it comes to stains, you can gently wipe them away with carpet shampoo, taking care not to damage the fibers. Brushing the fibers can cause them to mat, so using this type of cleaning tool is not recommended. If you prefer, you can also seek professional help.

Can a Robot Vacuum Clean a Shaggy Rug?

Thanks to their brush mechanisms, robot vacuums pick up fine dust and particles from rugs and floors. Since these brushes can rotate easily on short-pile shaggy rugs, you can achieve effective cleaning. On the other hand, since the average threshold height for robot vacuums is 4 cm, they may not be able to climb onto longer rugs. Therefore, as long as the robot vacuum doesn’t encounter
any obstacles, it can easily clean shaggy rugs.

Are Shaggy Rugs Healthy? 

Thanks to their soft, long fibers, shaggy rugs are easy to clean and do not pose any health risks. However, as with any rug, vacuuming them daily and removing dust provides a more comfortable experience for people with allergies.
If you’d like to incorporate shaggy rugs into your decor to take advantage of their soft appearance and thermal and sound insulation properties, check out Apex Rug’s shaggy collections.