Get a Vintage Look with Shag Pile Carpet

The shag pile carpet has long been used as a status symbol. First known to grace the floors of wealthy family homes in ancient Greece, this unique carpet style made its way to the Western world where, in the 60s and 70s it took homes by storm, reclaiming its reputation as a status symbol. Shag pile carpeting could be found in many luxurious homes. When it finally went out of style, many breathed a sigh of relief, only to see it return when the 90s arrived. Today, the shag pile carpet has made a triumphant return, back with many choices as far as modern fibres and styles are concerned.

About Shag Pile Carpeting

Those famously-long fibres are woven into the carpet for increased thickness and a lush look. A lot of the carpets available today are made from wool. Wool is a great fibre for any carpeting because it not only naturally repels stains, but dries quickly.

Because of its luxurious underfoot feel, many choose to place shag carpeting in spaces of their homes reserved for relaxing activities like family movie nights or sleeping.

Shag carpeting can be placed in a room in rug format, or can be installed wall-to-wall. As a rug, shag pile carpet is great for drawing attention to a certain feature or part of a room. Placed underneath a glass-top coffee table, for example, the shag rug can add another layer of interest.

Winter is the best time to choose shag carpet, as it contains a thicker layer of insulation that can protect feet from cold coming up through the floor. As a result, this helps to keep an entire room warmer.

When a shag carpet is first purchased, some shedding will occur. Although this is normal and will greatly reduce with wear, it is definitely something to keep in mind.

Care and Feeding

Caring for shag pile carpets in Bedfordshire involves more of an effort than with other flooring types because of its longer fibres and thicker construction. Whilst a regular carpet may only need a quick going-over once in a while, shag carpet benefits most from frequent vacuuming. Twice per week is advised for vacuuming shag carpet, and there are raking tools available just for this carpet type which allow you to ‘groom’ the long carpet fibres.

If installing shag carpet all over the floor of one or more rooms in your home, it’s important to consider its thickness. Shag can interfere with the proper closing of doors, especially when there is underlay added to the already-thick carpet construction.

If spills occur once in a while, as they tend to do, quick action is the best solution. Any spills should be soaked up as soon as possible, either with an absorbent paper towel or cloth. The spill should be dabbed gently until the majority of it has been removed. Stains from deep-coloured items like red wine can be lifted with the addition of tepid water.

You can also steam clean shag carpeting with the same machines that some supermarkets rent. However, any machines with rotating heads that touch the carpet should be avoided at all costs. Rather, choose a machine that has an attached nozzle or suction power head.

Another thing to mind is the shampoo you use on the carpet; non-foaming shampoo is best, unless you wish to be endlessly rinsing out suds. Once cleaning and shampooing is done, it’s best to air out the carpeting or rug for a long period of time so that all those long fibres have time to dry thoroughly and properly.

Although the shag carpet has a reputation for being more work than other carpet types, there is no doubt that it adds style and flair to any room in which it is placed.