The 1960s Retro Living Room Design We're Not Sure Is Making A Comeback

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Home decor trends of past decades often resurface. However, some remain outdated reminders of the past. This is the case for shag carpet. The thick, fluffy carpet material was popular in the '60s and '70s, but likely won't make a comeback anytime soon for a few reasons. For one, home decor has shifted to embrace minimalistic aesthetics. Bold shag carpet is not exactly subtle. Additionally, it doesn't help that it can be a pain to clean due to its deep pile that's made from yarn loops. This creates a thick surface that's difficult to clean stains out of. During a time when machine-washable rugs are gaining popularity, it's clear that homeowners are now prioritizing more convenient options. 

The past appeal of shag carpet and rugs makes sense given how cozy they look and feel. However, if you've browsed the aisles of a home design store recently, you may have noticed that most of the carpeting is far thinner than the typical shag. This is the look that has taken over. If you crave the fluffiness of a retro '60s shag carpet, consider opting for a more modern hybrid of these two options. This will prevent your space from looking outdated while still providing the look you want.

Shag carpet and rugs made sense in the '60s and '70s when they paired beautifully with bohemian and mod style living spaces. However, a thick, heavy, and bold-colored classic shag carpet doesn't align well with most modern living spaces since the color schemes and decor pieces these days are generally far more simplistic. Still, many love the look and feel of those plush shag carpets. To achieve the stylish, cozy shag rug look without aging your home, consider opting for a modern upgrade like the SAFAVIEH Hudson Shag Rug. It's fluffier than most modern rugs but comes in simple neutral color options. It also features a non-shedding design that's easy to clean. This rug combines the fluffiness of a classic shag rug with the simplistic design and no-fuss clean-up process associated with modern rugs.

If you prefer pops of color, check out the PureCozy Checkered Rug. It features colorful squares that add personality to any room. This is the perfect way to implement color in a more modern way. It's a bit more subtle than classic bold-colored shag carpet. Additionally, the pile on this rug is fluffy, but not quite as long as a shag rug, which results in an easier cleaning process and less shedding. If you'd prefer to fully embrace modernity when it comes to your carpeting, consider an option with a length similar to the Abani Cream Area Rug. This rug is far thinner than shag carpeting and easier to clean as a result, which is representative of most popular modern rug and carpeting designs.