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The Ultimate Guide to Wool Shag Rugs

 

Rocks Shaggy Ochre L1

A wool shag rug has a long, fluffy pile comprising extended yarn fibres with an uneven and bulky appearance that lends the “shaggy” moniker. If you’re looking for a rug that’s particularly soft and cosy, a shaggy wool rug is a perfect choice.

Though they can be made from a range of materials, a shaggy rug made from wool will have the greatest softness and the greatest durability because of the superior natural properties of wool.

For a full breakdown of the benefits of a wool shag rug, keep reading. You can also browse our curated pick of our top wool shag pile rugs to find the perfect one for you, with free UK delivery as a standard.

What Exactly Is a Shag Pile?

In particular, wool shag pile rugs are so desired because of their practical and aesthetic advantages:

  • Strength: Wool is a naturally strong material, able to withstand heavy foot traffic and not be worn down. This durability also translates to longevity; a shag pile rug made of wool is a lasting investment that will stay looking beautiful in your home for years to come.
  • Comfort: Wool is synonymous with luxurious comfort. The natural softness of the material means a rug made from it will be delightfully cosy and comfortable.
  • Style: Wool just looks good, too. The quality of the material means it can quickly recover from crushing or indenting, bouncing back to its original shape easily.
  • Insulation: A large wool area rug will provide excellent insulation, especially if it has a thick, shaggy pile. Retain warmth even with hardwood floors with a quality wool rug that has great sound absorption, too.
  • Stain resistant: Wool resists stains and soiling because of the natural light lanolin that coats its surface, making it practical for any room of the home even if it gets heavy usage. This also translates to easier maintenance.
  • Sustainable: A pure wool shaggy rug, made with undyed wool, uses less water, less electricity, and fewer chemicals in its manufacturing method. Along with the renewable nature of wool, this means it’s an exceptionally environmentally-friendly product.
  • Hypoallergenic: Wool actually has the ability to balance the atmosphere in your home, absorbing the humidity in the air and releasing it back when the air is dry.

So, pure wool shaggy rugs are not only supremely soft and stylishly elegant, they are highly functional, too.

What Is a Flokati Wool Shag Rug?

Flokati rugs are a type of Greek woven rug, with a particularly thick, loose pile. While they can be made in a variety of materials, a wool flokati rug makes for an especially soft and comfortable rug.

Are Wool Shag Rugs Hard to Care For?

As wool is such a naturally high-quality and resilient material, its upkeep is not too taxing. You may find, however, that a wool shag rug retains more dust and debris because of its long, loose fibres. Very shaggy wool rugs may also get caught in a standard vacuum cleaner, so will need special attachments and care. Consider also the colour; a white wool shag rug will show dust and dirt more easily and will need more regular maintenance.

Top tips on cleaning a wool rug.

Our Favourite Shaggy Wool Rugs

At Rugs Direct, we stock a large range of shaggy rugs and wool rugs in a variety of styles. Here are our top picks:

Rocks Shaggy Rugs by Origins

This hugely popular collection by Origins comprises luxuriously soft shaggy rugs woven with 100% pure wool. The tubular pile is heavy at 3 kg/m, and, along with the 50mm pile height, feels incredible to walk on. With a selection of multicoloured designs available, these supersoft rugs can create an eye-catching focal point for any room.

Savannah Rugs From Oriental Weavers

The Savannah Rug range features chunky felted yarn hand woven with 100% wool. The soft textures and plump pile make for a supremely comfortable rug. The understated neutral colours make a perfect wool shag area rug for the living room, able to slot in seamlessly with existing interior decoration styles.

Ascot Rugs by Asiatic

For a vibrant wool shag rug, the Ascot range presents a range of shimmering colours, from rich reds to deep greens. Each rug features a border-style design that showcases the exceptionally soft fibres, and the sheen makes a suitably luxurious finish.

Country Tweed Rugs by Origins

The Country Tweed collection presents rustic wool shag rugs in a range of beautiful shades, from burnished gold to cobalt blue. Perfect for traditional homes, the hand-tufted pile is 100% wool and looks effortlessly sophisticated.

More Affordable Alternatives to Wool Shag Rugs

Though wool comes with many wonderful benefits, it can be expensive. The longevity and quality of the material do mean you get excellent value for money in the long run, but there are also plenty of alternative materials available.

Browse a couple of our favourite shag rugs that are not made from wool, but that still offer style and comfort:

Polar PL 95 Cream_1

Polar Rugs by Think Rugs

Rugs in this popular range are extremely soft and thick, with an 85mm pile that invites you to sink your toes into bliss. Delicate creams, shimmering lilacs and chic coals are just some of the colours you can opt for in this range. The acrylic material is strong and durable and highly practical, making a Polar rug one you can put anywhere in the home.

Extravagance Rugs by Origins

The polyester material of these rugs produces a heavyweight pile which is extremely soft and dense while being eminently affordable. Choose from a variety of sumptuous colours like duck egg blue or fresh lilacs and relish in the amazing comfort of these quality shaggy rugs.

Find Your Dream Rug and Get Free UK Delivery on All Orders

Rugs Direct are one of the largest online retailers of rugs in the UK, with a massive collection of rugs to suit every style and every budget. Whether you’re searching for more shaggy rugs or more wool rugs, or something entirely different, we’re sure to have what you’re looking for.

You can shop by room, size, style, brand and colour to streamline your search and find what you need. We’re committed to a hassle-free shopping experience, offering free UK delivery on every item and an easy returns guarantee for peace of mind.

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