Shaggy rugs

It depends on the room: small shaggy rugs suit a hallway or the side of a bed, medium sizes work well in a bedroom or small living room, while large and extra large thick pile rugs fit a full living room seating area or a dining table. If you’re between sizes, see our Rugvista rug size guide for placement options and expert advice.

Wool is the more durable and naturally stain-resistant choice, and it holds its shape and warmth well over years of use — a solid pick for a living room or bedroom. Synthetic pile, such as polypropylene, is lighter, often less expensive, and easier to clean, which makes it a practical option for a child’s room or a busier household.

Yes — a shaggy living room rug that sits under the front legs of your sofa anchors the seating area and adds a lot of comfort underfoot. Wool is the sturdier choice for a living room that sees daily use, while synthetic pile is a practical option if the room also gets a lot of foot traffic.

Yes — with their deep pile shaggy bedroom rugs are one of the warmest, softest options to step onto first thing in the morning, and they help to deaden sound in a room with a hard floor. A medium size placed at the side or foot of the bed is usually enough; for full coverage under the bed frame, go up to a large shaggy rug.

Yes, though they need a slightly different routine than a low-pile rug because of the longer fibres. Regular hoovering and prompt spot cleaning keep a shaggy rug looking good day to day, and an occasional deeper clean handles anything more.

Hoover regularly with a suction-only setting or nozzle attachment — a beater bar or robot hoover can pull and tangle the long fibres. Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth and cold water rather than rubbing. See our guide to cleaning a shaggy rug for the full steps and expert advice.

Most shaggy rugs shouldn’t go in a washing machine, as the long pile can tangle or lose its shape in the drum. Always check the care label first — if machine washing isn’t listed, spot clean instead or use a professional cleaner for a deeper wash.