Design House Stockholm’s Level rug may look like two rugs layered on top of each other, but its effect is a clever optical illusion by textile designer Lena Bergström – the hand-tufted surface is, in fact, completely flat. The illusion is enhanced by a pointillistic blend of differently coloured wool fibres, creating the rug’s distinctive depth and lively character. Although the Level rug has a distinctly modern look, its inspiration comes from history: layered rugs were once used in nomadic tents, and in Nordic homes textiles were traditionally placed on floors and walls to keep out the cold.

Hand-tufted from durable wool, the Level rug is made to withstand daily use and works equally well beside a sofa, in a bedroom or in more public spaces such as offices and hotels. Each rug is crafted by a small family-run workshop in India that is dedicated to sustainable production and provides employment for young women, supporting their financial independence.