How to Buy a Shag Rug

Home furnishings are following the trends of the 1960s and 1970s. It's called the "retro" look, and includes chrome, armless chairs and shag rugs. Shag carpeting consists of long fibers, which give it a fluffy look. Shag rugs can spice up a room, but they can be difficult to maintain. So consider these many issues when deciding to buy a shag rug.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consider your decorating style before you buy a shag rug. You will want to have some other kinds of retro furnishings in order for the long napped carpet to fit in with the room.

2. Check into various fabrics and their care. Many shag rugs, such as the hand-woven wool flokati style rugs, cannot be vacuumed. You must pick them up and shake them out or use a vacuum attachment. They work best in little used areas that don't see a lot of traffic.

3. Choose nylon shag rugs or carpet for wide choices of colors and patterns. These rugs must also be vacuumed with an attachment, but they are more durable than wool ones.

4. Walk on the rug in your bare feet if possible before you buy it. Some wool rugs are mixed with silk fibers and offer a luxurious, soft feel. These rugs are wonderful in bedrooms and baths.

5. Prepare for shedding. If you place a red rug in a room with white furniture, the red will show up on the rest of the furniture. Also, if you put a white shag on dark floors or against darker furniture, so choose colors that will not be so noticeable. While decorators often recommend contrast, keep in mind the shedding factor of shag rugs.

6. Measure the size of your area before you begin to look. Rugs typically look smaller in the store because they are in very large showrooms. In your home, too large of a rug can overpower a room.