Swedish Rag Rugs For The Kitchen
You know what is a great accessory in the kitchen? A rug! Change it when you're bored, change it by the season, by the trends, or don't change it at all - keep it as a faithful companion (well, almost.) I really like to bring in some sort of softness into the kitchen if possible, something of comfort preferably. With so many hard surfaces in a kitchen, something soft, even one item, can impart a relaxed feeling.
I'm focusing today on Swedish style rag rugs because it's my guess that you may not be aware of this distinctive type of rug. It is a style I happen to love, one that will not be found in Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel or Room and Board. For that reason alone, I really want to share these with you.
Most of the Swedish rag rugs you will find are vintage rugs, although some are new, depends on the source. I have 3 and I'm almost afraid that next time I go to some antique shops in Denmark, I'm going to collect a few more (with me, sometimes a collection turns into an obsession!) I had one at the outside entrance to my office and it had been in place for over 10 years with an occasional washing. They wear like iron! Of course, you can also find many beauties at our web shop: Scandinavian Made
Now, in my new home, maybe tomorrow, I'll find the rugs I own amongst the remaining boxes of our belongings and will put one in the kitchen and place the other two elsewhere in the house. The prices are very reasonable, considering they have a wonderful vintage look and are in great shape. I guess I like them because of the texture.I like them better than the typical American rag rugs.
Pairing one of these rugs with a collection of sleek surfaces and another few textural objects would make a strong design statement for a modern point of view. Very cool....especially if you can find one in this year's trendy yellow! However you want to express your style, there is a rug design for you.
What do you think? Do you like them?
Happy rug hunting!
Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 07:42PM
Reader Comments (8)
I LOVE rag rugs. My grandmother made crochet rugs from old dresses, she'd rip the fabric, and make rag balls then crochet away. I have two of her rugs, they are very old. So thanks for this post. Glad you are posting again.
Thank you Michele, good to hear from you. I'm glad I can bring up a great memory for you. I have some hand made things from my grandmother as well and it's so meaningful to have these things. I'm sure you must treasure those rugs. :)
My wife has her grandmothers old loom. Used to sell them at craft fairs. Problem is there is quite a bit of time invested in each rug and people didn't want to pay much for them. When "country blue" and stenciling ducks on your kitchen walls went out of style people quit buying them.
Maybe they'll make a comeback???
I really love these colors. Even in your pictures I can see the quality of the weave and their soft texture. I've never seen rag rugs that look this good before! I'll definitely have to look at your links.
As always,thanks for your great info.
I love the rag rugs, but one of my favorite swedish rugs is a plastic rag rug. Able to go through the washer, holds up to dogs and kids, bright colors. Very reasonable, I purchased mine at a Scandia shop in the Worcester/Auburn, MA area.
The furniture give a look classic in modern back ground. But even then every thing seems fit in well.
Mike, you know what? You can definitely transition these rugs to a more modern, somewhat minimalist, setting. You don't need the geese and ducks to go with it. I promise!
Joyce, thanks for your comment, I appreciate it! Yes, they do have a different look and texture, and there are so many variations on the theme, and that's why I already have 3!
Monique, I love the thought of a plastic rag rug. I'll bet it gives a totally different texture, probably one that's a little unexpected. Like that idea.
I am also Norwegian, and I do love the rag rugs. I have several woven by my grandmother. The plastic rag rugs are also great. They were really popular in the 70s and are now enjoying a revival - great in the kitchen when you drop the tomato sauce.