Scandinavian Rugs

A Scandinavian rug keeps things simple: soft, light colors, clean geometric lines and plenty of natural texture. This collection holds more than 90 Scandinavian area rugs and runners in wool, wool blend, polyester and polypropylene, most of them hand tufted or hand woven. Sizes run from 2x3 accent rugs and 2x8 runners up to 9x12 and 10x13 room-size rugs. If your home leans calm, bright and uncluttered, these rugs are made to fit in rather than take over.

What Makes a Rug Scandinavian?

Scandinavian design, also called Nordic or Scandi style, grew out of long, dark northern winters. Rooms are kept light and practical, and every piece has to earn its place. A Scandinavian style rug follows the same thinking:

• Neutral palettes. Beige, ivory, natural and grey grounds that reflect light and sit easily with pale wood floors and white walls. Blue is the most common accent color in this collection.
• Simple geometry. Stripes, zig zags, grids and small repeating shapes instead of ornate medallions. About 30 rugs here are striped and almost as many are geometric.
• Natural texture. Wool, hand woven flat surfaces and tufted pile you can see and feel. Texture adds warmth where color is kept quiet.
• Restraint. Fewer elements, more space. Even the patterned rugs leave room to breathe, and about 10 rugs are solid.

Scandinavian rug designs overlap with mid century and modern styles, and some rugs here also carry a bohemian or contemporary tag, with ikat and abstract patterns for a softer, more relaxed take on the look. For more clean-lined options, see our modern rugs.

Shop Scandinavian Rugs by Material and Weave

Scandinavian Wool Rugs

Around 50 rugs in the collection are wool or wool blend. Wool is the classic Nordic fiber: warm, springy underfoot and naturally resistant to soil. It takes dye in a slightly soft, matte way that suits muted Scandi colors. Wool blend rugs mix wool with other fibers and keep much of the same feel. Find more in our full wool rugs collection.

Polyester and Polypropylene Rugs

Polyester is the single largest material group here, with nearly 40 rugs. Polyester rugs are soft, hold color well and cost less than wool, which makes them a good fit for a first apartment, a kids' room or a guest room. A handful of polypropylene rugs are made for indoor and outdoor use, so you can carry the same simple look out to a covered porch or balcony.

Handwoven Scandinavian Rugs and Flatweaves

About 40 rugs are hand woven. A handwoven Scandinavian rug is typically flat or very low, close in feel to a traditional Nordic flatweave or kilim. These rugs are light, reversible in look, easy to shake out and ideal for layering. See more in flatweave rugs.

Hand Tufted Rugs

Around 50 rugs are hand tufted, with a soft, even pile that adds warmth underfoot. Choose tufted for bedrooms and living rooms where you sit or stand barefoot, and woven for dining rooms and hallways where low height matters more.

Scandinavian Rugs by Color and Room

Neutral, Beige and Blue

Beige and blue are the two biggest color groups, followed by multicolor designs. You will also find ivory, natural, grey, black, red, purple, pink, green and brown. A beige or ivory rug with a thin black or grey line is the most classic Nordic choice. For more quiet colorways across every style, browse neutral rugs.

Living Room and Bedroom

Most area rugs in the collection are suggested for the living room, bedroom and dining room. In a Scandinavian living room, a light rug under the coffee table brightens wood floors and ties together a pale sofa and natural wood furniture. In a bedroom, a soft tufted rug at the foot of the bed or on either side keeps mornings warm.

Kids' Rooms and Playrooms

Around 30 rugs are also suggested for kids' rooms and playrooms, where simple stripes and soft colors work well. See more in kids rugs.

Hallways and Entryways

The collection includes about 20 Scandinavian runner rugs for hallways, entryways and stair landings. Browse more lengths in runner rugs.

Scandinavian Rug Sizes

The most stocked sizes are 2x3, 5x8 and 8x10, followed by 2x8 runners, 4x6 and 9x12. Sizes are nominal, so check the exact measurements on each listing.

Room or use	Recommended size
Doorway, bedside or under a desk chair	2x3 or 3x5
Hallway or entry	2x8 runner
Kids' room, reading corner or small bedroom	4x6
Small living room or end of a bed	5x8
Medium living room or queen bed	7x10 or 8x10
Large living room, king bed or dining table	8x11 or 9x12
Open-plan room	10x13

For a Scandinavian rug 8x10 in a living room, aim for the front legs of the sofa and chairs to rest on the rug. A rug that is too small is the most common mistake in a minimal room, because there is less furniture to frame it. See all 8x10 rugs.

Caring for a Scandinavian Rug

• Wool and wool blend. Vacuum regularly with the beater bar off or raised. Expect light shedding for the first few weeks. Blot spills with cool water and a clean cloth, and have the rug professionally cleaned when needed.
• Polyester and polypropylene. These resist stains and moisture and can usually be spot cleaned with mild soap and water. Polypropylene handles damp conditions best.
• Light colors. Pale rugs show dirt sooner. A no-shoes rule, regular vacuuming and turning the rug every few months keep beige and ivory rugs looking fresh and help them fade evenly in sunny rooms.

Flat, hand woven rugs can slide on hard floors, so put a rug pad underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Buy Scandinavian Rugs from RugKnots

We have been sourcing rugs since 1987. Every Scandinavian rug listing shows its material, weave and exact size, so you know what will arrive. Shipping is free on all orders in the contiguous US, and returns are free for 30 days. Looking for related styles? Browse neutral rugs, modern rugs and wool rugs.