Mid Century Flat Weave Kilim Wool Carpet

Several centuries ago the Swedish Rag Rug used as a floor covering was a sign of luxury and a status symbol. Tightly woven from discarded clothes, knit, and linens that were cut into strips, the predominant colors were black, brown, and blue, since the others were scarce. Swedish Rag rugs became more commonplace in the late 1800s when the standard of living in the general population improved.

We are always happy to collaborate with you on a custom carpet that meets all your specifications...and your wildest dreams! Of course, it will be woven on our very own looms with the best materials under the supervision of our experts.

Design: Mid Century Flat Weave Kilim Wool Carpet
Style: Mid Century Swedish Flat Weave Wool Carpet
Origin: Sweden
Material: 100% Wool
Colors: Light Green, Ivory, Brown, Gray, Gray Green, Taupe 
Size: 4'5 X 6'8"
Rug Number: 70003112

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Modern Scandinavian rugs have a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, with the Vikings traveling the Scandinavian Peninsula and Northern Europe. Especially during the colder months, their frigid temperatures led to the birth of rug making among the Scandinavian people. Having developed their own style of flat-woven tapestry rug called “rollakan,” which were also commonly used as coverlets, from the common kilim rugs, they drew their inspiration from the Eastern pile rugs, and developed the most recognizable Swedish rug, the Swedish Rya Rug, which are knotted long-pile rugs that are made with a special linen backing, woven with material through which woolen yarn can be knotted, creating a thick pile shaggy rug.

Both Rollakans and Ryas were originally made from natural fibers, such as undyed sheep’s wool, so the earliest Swedish wool rugs contained only earthy colors such as brown, tan, white, and black. Although weavers would sometimes incorporate decorative patterns, the early rugs were mainly utilitarian, so solid colors were the most common. Because sheep’s wool is naturally insulating and water-resistant, these carpets were perfect for seafaring people who would use them as protective cloaks and blankets.

Eventually, Swedish carpets began to offer much more decorative versions that included a variety of colors and intricate designs incorporating simple geometric patterns and artful motifs based on regional folklore. Aside from becoming an important part of the Swedish Wedding Ceremony, Scandinavian rugs were widely known as a status symbol, and no home was complete without one of these historic textile pieces of art.

As time passed, Swedish rug weavers began mixing traditional rug-making techniques with new designs, carrying this exquisite art form into the 20th century. Today, with their complex and colorful tapestries and knotted rugs gaining attention from across the globe, handmade rugs from Sweden are highly prized among the interior design community, as they have become international art objects recognized for their trend-setting style with shaggy carpets, bold works of art and happy colorful rugs that epitomize modern, mid-century designs. Known for incorporating modernist motifs and designs which naturally go perfectly in any modern or art deco setting, the demand for Swedish carpets will only increase over the next few years.