Plush or Shag? How I Chose the Softest Carpet for My Family Home

As a parent of two young kids and the owner of a rather active dog, I’ve had to be extremely intentional about every decision I make in our home—especially when it comes to flooring. I needed something that wasn’t just soft, but safe, warm, and easy to maintain. That’s what led me to explore two of the most talked-about carpet styles: plush carpet and shag carpet.

I used both in different rooms of my house, and after living with them for over a year, I’ve come to appreciate the differences beyond just looks or softness. Let me walk you through what I learned, and maybe you’ll avoid some of the mistakes I made.

First Impressions: What Softness Really Means for Families

When you think about “soft” carpet, your mind probably goes straight to comfort. But as I found out, softness means different things in different contexts. For instance, the plush carpet I installed in our primary bedroom had a luxurious, smooth texture. It felt like walking on cashmere. My kids loved it too—it was perfect for quiet play before bedtime.

Then there’s shag carpet, which I put in the playroom. Its high, loose fibers created this incredibly deep, cushioned floor—like walking on a thick fleece blanket. My dog instantly claimed a corner for his naps, and my kids couldn’t stop rolling around on it. But as I quickly realized, softness can come at the cost of practicality.

=>>> Choosing the right carpet can be tough. Click here to explore the key differences between Frieze and Plush and make your choice easier.