Living Room Decorating Ideas with Shag Area Rugs

What are Shag Area Rugs?

Shag area rugs are known to have a messy and textural look with long thick fibers that add extra cushion under your feet each season. The area rugs are large enough to cover one-third to one-half of the floor in different rooms and work well to dress up bare floors. They date back to the late '60s when they were commonly used in living rooms and even vans. However, they have a rich history and were first introduced by Greece.

Compared to other area rugs, the long fibers on shag area rugs are intentionally not trimmed to create a messier look that is casual and relaxed. Today, they're available in various color shades and patterns to accommodate different styles of rooms. They're also made out of synthetic, cotton, polyester, and faux fur materials.

As shag area rugs have evolved and become more advanced with their design and construction, they now work well in upscale, luxurious settings. Their long strands create a gorgeous look and enhance the quality of the space, making the room looking complete while tying the furniture together.

Living Room Themes

Many different themes go well with shag area rugs, which contributes to their popularity. Boho themes are one of the most common styles that benefit from shag area rugs. The retro and vintage look of boho living rooms allows shag area rugs to look like a blast from the past. Their semi-messy look can work well in the eclectic setting and still offer a cozy touch. Cane, wicker, and rattan furniture look stylish when they sit on top of the thick area rug.

Contemporary rooms - such as Mid-Century Modern, with neutral decor, also benefit from shag area rugs. The plush and thick texture of the carpet still looks modern and is available in a variety of trendy color shades that enhance the room's visual appeal.

When you're looking for living room decorating ideas, keep in mind that plenty of metallic features also pair well with this area rug style. Shag area rugs can mimic the look of fur and dress up bland floors.

Decorating Ideas

If you're searching for living room decorating ideas with shag area rugs, consider pairing them with wood and glass furniture pieces. Use upholstered furniture sparingly to balance out all the fabric used on the area rug. Shag area rugs also pair well with arched floor lamps without looking too vintage or outdated.

The deep pile carpet should also have a color shade that has good contrast with the walls. For example, if you have dark paint in the living room, opt for an area rug with a lighter color shade. If you have wallpaper with different color shades, choose one of the primary color shades when selecting the color of the shag rug you want to use.

If you need more visual appeal and detail on the floor, there are a few types of shag area rugs with minimal stripes. This idea will create a modern and contemporary look to prevent the area rug from blending in too much with the surroundings.