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.
-
People Don’t Write Songs About Just Any Sheets — These Egyptian Cotton Ones Live Up to Their LegacyHere’s what makes Egyptian cotton sheets so special (and the sets that warrrant the hype)
-
The 12 Best Silk Pillowcases — From A Style Editor That Packs At Least One in Every Travel BagSilk may be a beauty secret, but it’s also a design detail. Here’s why the most beautiful beds (and sleepers) never go without
-
The 12 Best Silk Pillowcases — From A Style Editor That Packs At Least One in Every Travel Bag
Silk may be a beauty secret, but it’s also a design detail. Here’s why the most beautiful beds (and sleepers) never go without
-
The 13 Best Dinnerware Sets to Impress Your Most Discerning Guests — and Elevate Your Everyday RitualsHot restaurants have them customized. Great hosts collect them. These are the dinnerware sets that do more than just serve food
-
Parachute Just Dropped a Collection at Target and It's a Guaranteed Sell Out — Do Yourself a Favor and Don't Miss OutHigh quality bedding and bath linens just got a lot more accessible. Parachute's signature effortlessly chic style is now available in over 200+ pieces at Target
-
Now Serving: Jewelry for Dinner — Alighieri Brings Its Signature Raw Beauty to the TableAlighieri CASA is what happens when a jewelry house designs your cutlery — and yes, it’s just as fabulous as it sounds
-
I Can't Believe The Exact Rug I've Been Eyeing From the Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Collab is on Sale Right NowIt's got an eye-catching pattern and soft wool finish. But the best part? It's almost 50% off right now
-
Slub Weaves and Silver Sardines — H&M Home Makes a Case for a Summer Edit That Doesn’t Take Itself Too SeriouslySomehow, they’re both having a moment — and H&M Home knows exactly what to do
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
-
NYC's New Rules Forced Me to Find a Chic Compost Bin — Here's 7 Options Significantly Cheaper Than the $300 FineComposting is now mandatory in NYC. Here’s how to do it stylishly
