Scandinavian Rya Rugs

Vintage Scandinavian rya rugs—sometimes called ryijys or ryamatta—are versatile home decor textiles used interchangeably as carpets, wall hangings or tapestries, and coverings for chairs, benches, or beds. These dense and luxurious artistic wool carpets are the embodiment of a cozy interior space.

The mid-20th century craze for this traditional handcraft resulted in a range of abstract and geometric patterns executed in bold and bright colored shaggy high-pile wool, often designed and handmade by women.

Below are images of several of our favorite recent inventory pieces by designers including Marianne Richter, Kerstin Adde, and Birgitta Salenius. To view additional vintage design catalogues from the 1960s and 1970s, check out The Nordic Museum of Sweden’s Digital Collections here and here.