The appeal of anything plastic is that you can keep it clean by hosing it down with water. The Swedes were onto this idea back in the 1970s when colorful plastic PVC ribbons were paired with traditional looms for an easy-to-clean and mold-resistant rug that works just as well in the kitchen as it does on the porch or in the garden.
There are a few Scandinavian rug companies still putting plastic to use, and others who now use ribbons recycled from plastic water bottles and straws. The rugs are all made without heavy metals or toxic softeners, and can be kept clean with the garden hose or a standard washing machine. Here are our 10 favorites.
Above: The Gittan Rug, pictured in Black, from Brita Sweden is made of soft plastic foil PVC and measures 2000 millimeters by 1500 millimeters (or about 6.5 by 6 feet); $368 at Royal Design. Other sizes are available. You can also order the rug directly from Brita Sweden.
Above: One of our favorite sources for plastic Swedish rugs, Pappelina has a variety of appealing designs made from phthalate- and toxic-free PVC material. The Vivi Rug, shown in mustard and vanilla, is priced between $60 and $433 at Fjorn.
Above: Brita Sweden’s Karin Rug, pictured in concrete, is between $93 and $433 at Nordic Nest.
Above: Another style from Swedish brand Pappelina is the nautical-looking [product id="1026279"]Duo Plastic Rug[/product], shown in Coral Red and Vanilla. It’s also made in Sweden from phthalate-free PVC and polyester and is available in a 2.75-by-5.25-foot size for $258 at Fjørn.
Above: From Nordic Nest, the [product id="1026300"]Woods Rug Black[/product] in a classic black-and-white stripe made of PVC and polyester. Prices range from $129 to $241 at Scandinavian Design Center.
Above: Pappelina’s Vera Plastic Rugs, in ocean blue and vanilla, are $93 to $433 at Fjorn.
Above: Nordic Nest’s Fade Rug starts at $135 at Nordic Nest.
Above: Brita Sweden’s Paris Rug, measuring 170 by 250 centimeters, is $788.
Looking for more indoor-outdoor rugs? See our posts: