For the past few years, it’s felt like sheep from New Zealand to the UK have been taking hair supplements — rugs are getting progressively shaggier, with some editorial styles reaching near-human hair lengths. It’s all part of the ongoing 70s revival, seen everywhere in interior design trends.
There’s something free-spirited about taking texture to new heights — until you have to clean it. Shag is all good and groovy until you realize that what you thought was wool is actually plastic, or worse: an unmanageable lint trap that eats socks and snacks on pet hair. Which is why these short-pile shag rugs might be the happy medium we’ve all been waiting for — all the texture you'd expect from the best rugs, but none of the chaos.
Super-shaggy rug styles, though controversial, have been cropping up everywhere.
Interior designer Arvin Olano seems to have reached the same conclusion. “I was craving a new, refined texture for my Rugs USA collection,” he shared in a recent Instagram post. “During my research, I came across the most incredible short-pile mohair rug — but I couldn’t believe the five-figure price tag. That’s when I realized there were no short-pile shags at an attainable price point to achieve the look I wanted. There were plenty of long-haired options, mostly made of plastic, but for my collection, it had to be wool.”
And thus, Gaia was born — a 100% New Zealand wool rug in four neutral tones, soft, plush, and practical. High-end versions of this concept — like the egg-shaped, masterpiece, Ato by Gallotti & Radice, which debuted at Salone del Mobile 2024 — have been floating around the luxury sphere since the ’70s comeback. But if you don’t have a five-figure budget for a floor covering, styles like Arvin's are among the first to bring that sensibility down to earth.
Which got me thinking: if short-pile shag rugs really are the best of both worlds, there have to be more of them out there. So naturally, we went looking — because the groove never really went away, it just needed a trim. Here's what I found.
Price: $259.95
Obviously, we had to include Gaia — the latest in Arvin Olano’s interior designer rug collaboration with Rugs USA. As expected, every detail is considered: whisper-soft shades, a wide range of sizes, and that perfect underfoot squish. Ideal for your coziest spaces, like the bedroom or den.
Price: $199.90
This asymmetric shag is just what the doctor ordered: bold contrast, ultra-soft wool, and a price that makes it a no-brainer. Being from Quince, there’s always that handy price comparison chart, and this one is a doozy — $600 to $1,299 versus some very beloved brands that we won’t mention here. A fantastic short shag steal if we’ve ever seen one.
Price: $399
Art for your floors, this painterly short shag rug is the kind of piece that instantly pulls a room together. Patterned rugs done in this style are rare, making this wool-forward block print a true gem. Best paired with ‘70s design sensibilities — rich woods, fluted details, and warm orange hues.
Price: $515
Don’t be a square. This minimalist rug is quintessentially Ferm Living, embracing the brand’s signature soft, organic shapes. Even as a solid, you can see the plushness — it’s the perfect length of shag, made from 100% New Zealand wool. This size works as an accent, but if you want it to ground a whole room, it’s available in larger versions too.
Price: $1,095
Cubist-inspired and effortlessly cool, this ARJÉ x Nordic Knots piece taps into a major shag sub-trend: pile differentials that create sculptural depth. According to interior designer Sashya Thind, “Where a plain rug with a single texture would feel expansive, a carved surface brings shape to a room beyond the furniture layout.” This one does that in spades.
Price: $479, Was: $599
CB2’s take on the trend is hand-knotted at 10 knots per square inch from — you guessed it — pure New Zealand wool. A crisp white border cuts through the black for just enough contrast, while the half-inch pile (the perfect middle ground between shaggy and structured) keeps things soft underfoot. The kind of blackout you’ll actually look forward to.
Wondering how to clean a shag rug? We promise it's easier than it looks.
-
These Privacy Screens From QVC Are Just What You Need to Make Any Outdoor Space Feel More SecludedYour outdoor space should feel like a secluded sanctuary. With privacy screens from QVC, you can make that happen in the most stylish way possible
-
70s Color Palettes That Work for 2025 — 4 Designer-Approved Color 'Recipes' That Feel Modern Enough for Homes TodayIt's time to bring out your paisley print and disco shoes — the golden yellows, olive greens, and deep purples of 70s color palettes are making a comeback
-
These Privacy Screens From QVC Are Just What You Need to Make Any Outdoor Space Feel More SecludedYour outdoor space should feel like a secluded sanctuary. With privacy screens from QVC, you can make that happen in the most stylish way possible
-
Your Kitchenware Could Use Some Italian Elegance — Get the Look With Crate & Barrel's Tuscan Kitchen CollectionComplete with products all made from sleek, beige marble, this collection captures the rustic charm of Tuscany through practical kitchenware that's simply stunning
-
Decorative Table Linens Might Be The Key To Making Your Tablescape Come to Life — A Designer Weighs InWhy settle for bland tablecloths, placemats, and napkins? From now on, we're styling our tables with exciting linens in all sorts of decorative colors and patterns
-
These Michael Aram Candles Are Like a Work of Art — I Spent 45 Minutes in Store Finding the Best FragrancesAside from a captivating olfactory experience, Michael Aram candles offer a tasteful addition to your home decor through their decorative lids
-
Scalloped Jute Rugs Are Having a Moment — I've Just Found the Best One Right Now With $50 OffThis Walmart rug does scallop trim so well. And combined with jute fabric? Consider this the summer rug of my dreams
-
Drop the Lighter — This $15 Matchbox Is the Chic Home Accessory You’ll Want to Start CollectingMeet the conversation-starting, candle-lighting, universal gift you’ll want by the dozen
-
Stop Hiding Your Clutter — These 9 Patterned Trays Will Instantly Elevate the MessGive odds and ends a new, artistic address
-
Portable Lamps Are Getting Better and Better, But This Anthro One Might Be My Favorite YetWith its distinctive shape, glossy finish, and practical portability, this lamp is bound to enhance your home decor in more ways than one
