Scandinavian Rölakan Rug: Mid-Century Modern Handwoven Wool Kilim (120x90 cm)

This cheerful flatweave is a classic example of the Scandinavian rölakan tradition—minimalist geometry rendered in soft, durable wool with a beautifully balanced color story. Handwoven in the mid-20th century, the rug features a stylized “tree” border and a serrated lozenge medallion floating in a warm neutral field—an unmistakable nod to Nordic nature translated into modern design.

Compact and reversible, it’s a perfect accent for a reading nook, entry, office, or layered Scandinavian/boho interior.

Created on a ground loom with a tapestry (kilim) technique, the piece shows the crisp interlocking of colored wefts and the tiny dotted “stitch” lines that Scandinavian weavers often use to articulate borders. The palette—sea-green, sky-blue, terracotta, butter-yellow and cream—has gentle abrash from small-batch dyeing, giving the rug organic depth and movement.

Features

Dimensions: 120 × 90 cm (≈ 47.2" × 35.4")

Origin: Scandinavia (Swedish workshop tradition)

Date: Vintage, c. 1960s–1980s

Materials: Hand-spun wool wefts on a light cotton warp

Construction: Handwoven rölakan/kilim tapestry; fully reversible; slit & interlocked tapestry joins

Design: Central serrated lozenge with “hook” motifs; side brackets; wide end panels with repeating stylized fir-tree figures and dotted path stripes

Colors: Terracotta red, blue, sea-green, butter-yellow, ivory; natural abrash variations

Weave density: ~7–8 weft ridges per cm (~18–20 per inch)

Pile height: Flatweave (≈ 2–3 mm thickness)

Condition: Very good vintage—light, even surface wear and minor age toning; edges sound and fringes intact; clean and ready to use

Use: Entry, kitchen runner (crosswise), office, nursery, reading nook, wall hanging, or layered under a coffee table

Weaving tradition: Tapestry-woven rölakan typical of Swedish/Scandinavian craft—crisp color blocks, reversible fabric, and decorative dotted accent lines in the end borders.

Knot structure: Not knotted; it is a flatweave (no pile).

Regional identification: Fir-tree borders, stepped lozenge, and restrained, nature-inspired palette are hallmarks of Nordic mid-century workshops.

Age read: Colors show gentle abrash and even handling wear consistent with mid-20th-century production.

Signatures/marks: No maker’s cartouche visible; design language aligns with Swedish studio output of the era.

Materials & handle: Springy wool wefts with a firm cotton warp (see fringes); medium tapestry density gives a supple yet sturdy hand.

Motifs & meaning:

Fir/“gran” trees in the end panels symbolize forest and shelter.

Hooked brackets & ram’s-horn–like bars in the field are protective/strength motifs known throughout northern folk art.

The central serrated lozenge reads as a seed or shield—growth and guardianship—floating in calm negative space.

Layout theory: A medallion-and-open-field composition framed by rhythmic tree bands; the dotted lines act as “pathways,” guiding the eye and softening the strong geometry.

Borders vs. field: Bold, figurative end borders counterbalance the minimalist field, a tasteful Scandinavian take on tribal symmetry.

Care Instructions

Use a quality rug pad to prevent slipping and reduce wear.

Vacuum regularly with suction only (no beater bar) on both sides.

Rotate every few months for even exposure.

Blot spills immediately; spot-clean with cold water and a small amount of wool-safe soap.

For deep cleaning, use a professional flatweave/wool specialist.

Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to preserve colors.

Bring home a piece of Nordic design history—this handmade rölakan adds color, craftsmanship, and calm geometry to any room without overpowering your space. Its reversible, hard-wearing weave makes it as practical as it is collectible.