How to decorate with the IKEA Stockholm rug

2 min read

Ikea Stockholm rug under dining table in bright room with bookshelves, black chairs, and vase of flowers. Text: "Decorate with IKEA's STOCKHOLM RUG."

It is not often that we see rugs taking central stage when it comes to design, but this black and white number by IKEA has graced the floors of the most design conscious people out there. And what's best, at £100 for its smaller size of 170x240, it's really one of the most affordable pieces of iconic design that have come out of Sweden.

Designer: Anna Sörensson; Anna Sörensson was one of Sweden's foremost textile designers when she passed away in 2008, 55 years old. Drawing teacher at the Art Academy, she then started the textile creation. In her studio in southern Stockholm, Anna printed her creations on cotton and linen. They became so popular that she and Ljungbergs Factory began printing them in larger quantities.

The rug is so popular with interiors fans, that it has been featured on the cover of magazines for years!

So here it is, in all its glory, in 10 fantastic rooms amid Scandi, mid-century and industrial furniture, set against wooden floors with white backdrops (or not). Vote for your favourite room, or send me a link to your favourite photo. Do you have a board on Pinterest that is full of references to this rug? If you want to see an even bigger selection of photos featuring this iconic rug, visit my Pinterest board here. Ready?

1. Combine the IKEA Stockholm rug with a leather sofa

Try the Nielsen 3-seater sofa by Made.com

Modern living room with black and white decor, abstract art, and geometric patterns. Bright light from window, glass pendant lights above.

2. A rainbow bookcase makes this space fill with colour

In this dining room there's a lot happening. Mis-match chairs and a colourful library. Combine with a statement pendant light - try Tom Raffield.

Crafted using Tom Raffield's signature steam bending process, this stunning pendant design is inspired by the movement of a butterfly in full flight. Its beautiful oak strips allow the light to intercept and create a striking set of shadows to deliver a moody lighting effect in any home space.

Modern dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, and a vase of flowers. Bookshelves and striped rugs add color; a pendant light hangs above.

3. The IKEA Stockholm run in an industrial setting

The Stockholm rug seems to fit even this industrial inspired room, with its exposed brick walls, chunky metal trunks and movie-type light.

Leather sofa with assorted pillows in a cozy room. Brick and tile walls, framed art, books, and a spotlight create a rustic, artistic vibe.

3. Use it in the kitchen

Bright kitchen with a white table, mixed chairs, striped rug, and plants. Wall art and books on shelves, creating a cozy, modern vibe.

5. Add some colour to it

Living room with colorful cushions on a gray sofa, a striped black-and-white rug, yellow chair, plants by large windows, and a floor lamp.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

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