A rug’s pile refers to the density of fibers. The pile height or thickness of the rug and the length of the fibers in the weave combined determine the pile of a rug. They can range from a flat/short pile or long and shaggy.

Pile Height To Consider
Pile heights vary: less than 1/4″ (low); 1/4″ to 1/2″ (medium); 1/2″ to 3/4″ (plush); some shags can be even longer.

High Traffic Areas
Thick pile does not necessarily equate to quality. Some very fine rugs are thin. That said, high-traffic areas can benefit from rugs with some density.

Short and Durable
Shorter pile rugs will, as a rule, last a bit longer than longer piles. Low pile rugs are extremely easy to maintain because they are usually more durable and thus simpler to clean.

Think About Furniture
Longer-pile rugs can feel softer, but their threads and fibers are prone to twisting, matting, or being crushed. The legs of furniture will more easily leave indentations. Thinner rugs are better for dining rooms because the low pile makes the movement of chairs easy.

Proofs In The Pile
High pile rugs are softer and definitely fluffier looking than low pile rugs. They have longer threads, giving them a gorgeously luxuriant appearance.

Clean with Care
Shags and other longer-pile rugs can get caught in the rotating beater bar of your vacuum cleaner. Either turn it off or use an attachment without one. When in doubt, contact a professional rug cleaning company and they can point you in the right direction.