Shag rugs have definitely made a comeback from their heyday in the Sixties and Seventies.
Their return to fashion isn't just a nostalgia craze.
They're available in more modern colors, patterns and textures than ever, while the most traditional types of shag rugs have only increased in popularity over time.
The two traditional shag carpet types enjoying popularity today are Flokati and Aros rugs.
Flokati rugs are Greek in origin, though most today are produced in New Zealand.
They tend to be cream in color, though other colors are available, and have long wool fibers, as if they were pelts that came directly from the sheep.
Aros rugs have their roots in India, but are also predominately produced in New Zealand.
Both types are come in different shapes and lengths: round, oblong, square, and rectangular-the latter often available in lengths for use as hall runners.
Today's rugs come in a wide array of materials, from more organic options like cotton or wool year to synthetic blends of polypropylene, nylon, acrylic and rayon, joined with a base of cotton.
The fibers can either be of equal length, a mix of different lengths from 1 to 3 inches, giving the rugs a more textured look and feel than other types of carpeting.
They're easy to clean by shaking them out once a week, or doing a more thorough cleaning with steam or a small amount of carpet shampoo.
To keep the rugs from slipping, an equally sized rug pad is placed underneath.
Shag area rugs are no longer limited to psychedelic colors and patterns.
You can find them in monochrome prints and textures, or with more colorful options that are still relatively conservative.
Shag rugs of all types are a great way to create a sense of warmth and softness to cold and hard surfaces like hardwood or concrete.