Flat weave rugs can seem quite ordinary, but switching to a different style can significantly boost the design appeal of your living room.

Flat weave rugs can seem quite ordinary, but switching to a different style can significantly boost the design appeal of your living room.

In the world of interior design, a new trend has emerged that adds a touch of comfort and style to any space – short-pile shag rugs. This versatile rug style, with pile measuring between 0.8-1 inch, has gained popularity among designers and homeowners alike.

Arvin Olano, an esteemed interior designer, introduced the concept of low-pile shag rugs, setting the stage for this contemporary trend. One such example is the ARJÉ x Nordic Knots short-pile shag rug, which blends different pile lengths and features bold contemporary colors.

Many of the best rug brands, including LAYERED, are starting to produce short-pile shag rugs at more affordable price points. Malin Glemme, the founder of Scandinavian rug company LAYERED, is a proponent of short-pile shag rugs, offering a minimalist design ideal for spa-inspired bathrooms.

Short-pile shag rugs are not only stylish but also practical. Their dense structure wears well and disguises signs of everyday life. However, to keep these rugs looking their best, it's essential to follow a proper cleaning routine.

Here's a guide to maintaining your short-pile shag rug:

1. Shake or Beat the Rug Outside: Take your rug outside and give it a good shake or gently beat it with a broom handle to remove loose dirt and dust. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading or fiber damage.
2. Vacuum Carefully: Vacuum the rug on both sides. Turn off the vacuum’s beater bar or brush roll to avoid pulling fibers out. Use the upholstery attachment for delicate areas or hand-clean those parts. Vacuum regularly to avoid dirt buildup.
3. Lift and Revivify the Fibers: Use your hands, a carpet rake, or a gentle tool like a horsehair upholstery brush to lift the pile fibers lightly without pulling. This restores fluffiness without damaging the rug.
4. Spot Treat Stains: For stains, blot gently with a white microfiber cloth using a mild cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals to protect the fibers and colors.
5. Deep Cleaning (Occasional): For a deeper clean, use a carpet cleaner with an upholstery attachment or a dry carpet shampoo. You can also create a mild detergent solution (water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent), apply it gently with a sponge in a grid-like pattern, then rinse the rug with fresh water using a clean sponge. Let the rug air dry completely, preferably hanging or elevated for good air circulation.
6. Professional Cleaning: For wool or delicate shag rugs, or for particularly stubborn dirt and stains, consider professional cleaning annually to preserve the rug’s texture and longevity.

This process balances routine maintenance (vacuuming and shaking) with more thorough cleaning when needed, using gentle tools and mild detergents appropriate for shag rug fibers.

In addition to Anthropologie and Ferm Living, offering short-pile shag rug options, designers like Sashya Thind emphasise the role of these rugs in bringing shape to a room, making them a versatile choice for various areas, including under dining tables and hallways.

The ongoing 70s revival is also influencing rug trends, with the hand-knotted shaggy short-pile shag rug coming in a 70s color palette. Whether you're looking to add a touch of retro charm or a contemporary twist, short-pile shag rugs offer a stylish and practical solution for your home.

1. Arvin Olano, a renowned interior designer, pioneered the use of low-pile shag rugs in contemporary design.
2. Scandinavian rug company LAYERED, founded by Malin Glemme, now produces short-pile shag rugs in a minimalist style suitable for modern bathrooms.
3. Interior design expert Sashya Thind suggests using short-pile shag rugs under dining tables and in hallways, as they can bring shape to a room.
4. The hand-knotted shaggy short-pile shag rugs are available in a 70s color palette, reflecting the current 70s revival trend in rug design.
5. A proper cleaning routine is essential to maintain the appearance and longevity of short-pile shag rugs, involving regular vacuuming, shaking, and the occasional deepcleaning.
6. In addition to Anthropologie and Ferm Living, other design brands offer short-pile shag rug options, providing homeowners with various stylish and practical choices for their living rooms and home interiors.

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