Avoid These Mistakes When Placing A Shag Rug In Your Home

A shag rug can instantly add a touch of luxury and coziness to any room. However, achieving the perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality requires careful consideration — you should avoid some vital mistakes when integrating a shag rug into your home. This includes buying the wrong size rug or a rug with the wrong material.  Also, keep in mind that the wrong placement or utilization of these fluffy accessories could disrupt the harmony of your interior design, which will take away from the luxury element of the rug. And let's not forget the issue of maintenance. Without proper cleaning, your plush rug can quickly turn from a stylish addition into a shabby nightmare.

By considering all these factors, you can enjoy the plush comfort and stylish appeal of your shag rug for years to come. We'll now explore the common mistakes in detail and the best practices to ensure your shag rug perfectly complements your home.

When placing a shag rug, the first factor to consider is sizing. Incorrectly sizing your shag rug can disrupt the harmony of your room's layout. Both undersized and oversized rugs pose challenges. A too-small rug may not anchor your space adequately, whereas an excessively large rug can overpower your room, making it look smaller and cramped. Before purchasing your shag rug, ensure you accurately measure your space to choose the right size rug for your room. 

Adding to the potential missteps to avoid, purchasing the wrong type of shag rug for your space is a critical factor often overlooked. Shag rugs come in various materials, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal and durability level. A mistake you could make is choosing a rug based solely on its visual appeal without considering its functionality and the demands of your space. For instance, a leather shag rug might be stylish but might age too quickly and lose its bright appearance over time. Also, consider the comfort level you desire. If you're looking for a super soft, plush feel underfoot, a flokati shag rug would be ideal. By understanding the attributes of various rug materials, you can select a rug that enhances your home's aesthetic appeal and serves its purpose effectively.

Color compatibility is another crucial factor that is often overlooked. Choosing a shag rug color that clashes with your room's existing color scheme can create visual discord or a mismatched look. Shag rugs come in a variety of colors, so take the time to select one that enhances your room's aesthetics and aligns with your existing furniture and accessories.

Placement also plays a pivotal role in harnessing the full potential of your shag rug. If you overlook the importance of strategic rug placement, you could inadvertently compromise the rug's lifespan and its contribution to your interior design. One of the initial mistakes to avoid is placing a shag rug in a high-traffic area. The long, loose fibers of a shag rug can easily trap dirt and might quickly become matted and worn down in busy sections of your home. Therefore, placing your rug in areas like the entryway, hallway, or bustling kitchen might be counterproductive. Instead, consider areas like the living room, bedroom, or a personal study with minimal foot traffic.

Lastly, when it comes to maintenance, this is not an area to neglect. Proper care can significantly prolong the life of your rug, keeping it vibrant and plush for many years. Shag rugs, due to their dense, high pile, tend to trap more dirt, dust, and allergens than low-pile rugs. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential for preserving your rug's appearance and maintaining a healthy environment in your home.

That being said, it's important to always adhere to the manufacturer's care instructions, and for optimal rug care, don't underestimate the value of periodic professional cleaning. Also, remember that vacuuming a shag rug isn't the same way as a low-pile rug. Instead, turn off the beater bar on your vacuum cleaner and use the suction function only. A good shake outdoors can effectively dislodge dust and dirt for smaller rugs.