If You’re a Fan of Scandinavian Decor, This Is the New Stylish Rug Brand You Need to Know About
Scandinavian style has been popular for so long, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still stumble upon a gem of a brand that’s still lesser-known. The latest discovery I’ve made in this regard? Heymat, a Norwegian brand of rugs and entry mats. These aren’t just any area carpets though—they’re all made of 100 percent recycled plastics, backed in anti-slip rubber (meaning no need for a separate rug pad), and are designed to stand up to dirt, sand, and years of wear and tear. Even better, pieces can be thrown right into the washing machine for a full refresh whenever needed.
As far as the design goes, that’s where the Heymat story gets interesting. Prior to the brand’s beginnings in 2016, husband and wife team Sonja Djønne and Thoralf Lian actually ran a third-generation family business specializing in industrial mats, which are known for their dirt-trapping capabilities and general durability. For Heymat (which takes its name from the Norwegian Norwegian phrase “heimatt,” or “to return home”), they’ve taken that commercial technology and married it with modern Scandi simplicity when it comes to aesthetics — think graphic patterns like concentric circles, shaded rectangles, linear motifs, and landscape-inspired ombrés, all designed by regional artists and collaborators.
Personally, I’m partial to Mix Teklan, the color-blocked style shown above, which is available in a warm, ‘70s-inspired colorway that incorporates a few of my favorite shades at the moment: lavender, pink, mustard, and olive green. It comes in a size that’s close to 3-feet by 5-feet, which is perfect for an entryway, small mudroom, or even bedside, in my case. As for how it’s holding up, so far, so good. I had a white H&M rug in this spot previously, and I love what this touch of earthy color does for the energy of my room, and I don’t worry about tracking dirt over it either, since I can just pop it in the wash. Some of Heymat’s styles feature prints specifically designed to camouflage dirt and debris, too.
The Loom Mat, the newest pattern which dropped today at Design Within Reach and is shown below, actually takes its inspiration from Bauhaus textile icons Anni Albers’ and Gunta Stolzl’s own graphic paper sketches. Designed by Vera & Kyte, a female design duo consisting of Norwegians Vera Kleppe and Åshild Kyte, these particular mats are also available in two sizes, each depicting its own abstract thread and loom motif that varies slightly depending on the colorway, brick or green-blue.
Prices for the pieces start at $150, so they’re not exactly cheap. You’re getting something that’s explicitly made for a high traffic area though, which will make a difference in the lifecycle of the rug. That — combined with a recycled pile construction that still feels soft enough for bare feet, in my opinion — and you can start to understand the rationale on cost here. Beyond DWR, you can also find Heymat’s product in the Design Milk online store or on their own website.