The story of LAYERED: From a personal need to new take on Scandinavian design

When Malin Glemme couldn’t find the perfect rug, she decided to design one herself – and LAYERED was born. Today, the brand is celebrated for its bold and artistic rugs that redefine Scandinavian interiors. Read Design Stories’ interview to learn how LAYERED became a design trendsetter and what makes its rugs truly unique.

LAYERED BRINGS together modern design, traditional artisanship, and sustainable materials in a distinctive and innovative way. The journey began in 2015, when founder Malin Glemme set out to find the perfect rug – one that was high-quality, sustainable, and bold. When her search came up empty, she took matters into her own hands, designed her ideal rug and had it handcrafted in India.

The rest is history. The rug caught attention in a Swedish interior magazine, sparking so much interest that Glemme decided to launch a brand dedicated to rugs. Since then, LAYERED has grown into one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated design names with its expressive and vibrant rugs that add character to homes around the world.

Hey, Malin! Let’s start from the beginning: Who are you, and how did the story of LAYERED begin?
“Hello! I’m Malin Glemme, founder and creative director of LAYERED. The brand was born from my own personal need – I was looking for high-quality, design-driven rugs that felt modern and bold, but I couldn’t find anything that matched my vision. That’s when I decided to create my own.

LAYERED was founded in 2015 with the ambition to redefine Scandinavian interiors, bringing warmth, texture, and artistic expression to the floor. From the start, we have focused on craftsmanship, sustainability, and a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.

“Rugs set the tone for the entire room, creating a strong visual identity and a sense of harmony in the space.”

Our rugs are more than just functional pieces – they are centerpieces that set the tone for the entire room, creating a strong visual identity and a sense of harmony in the space.”

Sustainability is a cornerstone of your brand. Where and how are LAYERED rugs produced?
“Sustainability is deeply integrated into everything we do at LAYERED. All our rugs are handmade by skilled artisans, primarily in India and Greece, using high-quality natural materials or recycled fibers, such as recycled wool and PET. We work closely with our producers to ensure fair working conditions and minimize environmental impact.

Many of our collections are crafted from repurposed materials, giving new life to existing resources. We also explore circular business models, such as vintage collections and rug rentals, to extend the lifespan of our products and promote more conscious consumption.”

LAYERED collections feature many interesting patterns. Where do these designs draw their inspiration from?
“Our design language is a blend of Scandinavian minimalism and bold artistic expression. Inspiration comes from various sources: architecture, fashion, and historical design movements.

Over the years, we have collaborated with incredible designers and creatives, such as Alice Crawley and renowned Swedish artists, to bring unique perspectives into our collections.

“Each collection tells a story.”

Our notable Swedish collaborations include interior stylist Lotta Agaton, color expert Teklan, and artist Evelina Kroon, each contributing their own distinct aesthetic to LAYERED’s design universe. Each collection tells a story and aims to bring something new to the world of textile design.”

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Malin Glemme's best tips for decorating with colorful rugs

1. Start small

“A colorful rug can completely transform a space and add warmth, personality, and depth. If you’re hesitant about going all-in with bold colors, start small! Choose a rug with a base in neutral tones but with accents of color.”

2. Choose a rug that complements your interior palette

“Another approach is to pick a rug in a color that harmonizes with your existing interior palette, so it feels cohesive rather than overwhelming.”

3. Layer with other materials

“Layering textures and materials helps balance the look. A colorful rug paired with natural materials like linen, wood, and soft textiles creates a rich yet effortless feel.”

See also:

• All rugs by LAYERED >

Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: LAYERED