Handmade for centuries, Scandinavian rugs have taken on many different forms and functions over time. While Scandinavian textiles are beautifully decorative, they are also incredibly practical.
Known for their harsh weather conditions and almost everlasting winters Scandinavian countries make sure that any textiles produced not only provide the necessary heat but are also decorative. Therefore they would often be used in the form of wall hangings, floor covers and even bedspreads.
Ryas, Rollakans and Trasmattas – What is the difference?
Ryas
The first rugs produced in Scandinavia were Ryas. For many years during the early Middle Ages, Scandinavians used rugs from the Byzantine Empire, but eventually, they started to make their own. This is when Ryas were first produced. Ryas are handwoven rugs with a thick shaggy long pile. Made by tying knots of fabric to produce a piled carpet, Scandinavians used them for everything, including carpets, bed covers, rugs, wall hangings and even coats! Their popularity soon spread across Northern Europe in the Middle Ages.
Mid 20th Century Swedish Rya Rug
Rollakans
Popular among folk-artists, Rollakans are traditional flatweaves and could be found as bedspreads or on general display. These traditional flatweaves were first produced in the early 18th Century in Sweden. They often have a simple aesthetic with all over geometric patterns making them the perfect design feature for Scandinavian homes.
Swedish Flatweave Rug by Judith Johansson
Trasmattas
Made by weaving recycled cloth, Trasmattas or ‘rag rugs’ use discarded clothes, leftover scraps or clippings of fabric. Making these rugs is very environmentally friendly. Originating in Asia at the end of the 18th Century, these rugs have a short pile. Today they symbolise simple, country-style living but traditionally they primarily adorned affluent houses and were constituted a marker of status. Adding a touch of colour to many interiors today they make fantastic runners.
Swedish Handwoven Rag Rug
Scandinavian rug design
Scandinavian rugs are now not only fantastic for bringing a Scandinavian warmth to our homes but often they tell a great story too. Many of the historic rugs show the great history and culture of Scandinavia.
Ryas often featured designs that represented family trees and ties. They even produced wedding ryas which formed part of the marriage ceremony throughout the Middle Ages. Often these wedding ryas featured the initials of the bride and groom, the date of the wedding or a set of double hearts.
Rollakans can typically be categorised into twelve main shapes: the star, the rose, the octagon, the bird, the lily, the tree, the hourglass, the palmette, the human, the deer, the brook horse and the lightning. They will always have a folklore history to the pattern.
Today the most popular rugs are Trasmattas with their mesmerising patterns, colours, designs and textures. Still created in the present day, they are now created as a hobby rather than a necessity but the outcome is still as beautiful.
Lorfords’ Scandinavian Rugs
Lorfords has a large variety of Scandinavian rugs. Browse our full collection of rugs and carpets here.
