Swedish Röllakan
Rölakan rugs are a type of Swedish flat-weave rug, characterized by their smooth, durable surface and intricate geometric or abstract patterns. Unlike pile rugs, rölakan designs are woven flat using high-quality wool, making them both functional and stylish. While traditional designs often featured muted tones, modern interpretations use a wider range of vibrant colors.
Ingegerd Silow (1916-2005) was a key figure in the mid-century Swedish design scene, renowned for her innovative rölakan rugs. Her work blended contemporary sophistication with elements from the Swedish Grace Movement and inspiration from her travels in the American Southwest and Mexico. Silow’s designs, made from high-quality materials and rooted in Swedish folk weaving techniques, were mass-produced and became widespread in post-war Sweden. In addition to her flat-weave rugs, she also designed rya rugs and other home furnishings, making her work accessible to a broad audience. Silow's skillful use of color and her ability to update traditional motifs with vibrant palettes helped define her lasting impact on Swedish textile design.
Her rugs, marked by her bold “IS” signature, are celebrated for their meticulous attention to color, creating a harmonious blend of hues even in the background areas. Silow’s distinctive style and innovative approach extended beyond high-end commissions, as her work became accessible to many Swedish households through collaborations with popular rug companies like Axeco AB. This ability to balance tradition with a contemporary twist was central to Silow’s legacy, helping her designs remain relevant and admired for decades.



