Textile designer Ulla Parkdal employs traditional techniques to weave rugs and carpets in an array of designs and colors, from bright grids and diamond patterns to dual-patterned pieces featuring intricate borders and monochromatic centers. The Swedish weaver’s work is known across the world for its complex markings and sturdy durability.
Parkdal was born in Gothenburg, Sweden. She later received her post-secondary education at the HDK - Academy of Design and Crafts at the University of Gothenburg. After her studies, Parkdal went into rug making as her primary profession. She also served as a politician for many years for the Social Democratic party of Sweden, while simultaneously engaging in her passion for weaving textiles.
During the 1960s, Parkdal worked as the head designer for Eric Ewers AB, a textile company based in Sweden. She primarily collaborated on concepts produced by the Rakel Carlander weaving studio.
When Carlander’s studio closed in the 1990s, Parkdal bought a large weaving loom and began to work independently. She has since woven tapestries, rugs and other textile works. She has produced many pieces for churches around Sweden, including a red travel cape for a bishop in 2000.
Parkdal uses the Nordic röllakan technique, also known as “Swedish flat weave,” which borrows from traditional Turkish rug-making traditions. This method has been used in textile production in Sweden as far back as the mid-18th century. Parkdal’s woven wonders are outstanding textile works that combine this heritage with a modern style.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of Ulla Parkdal rugs and carpets.
Scandinavian Mid-Century Slate Gray Flatweave Rug By Ulla Parkdal
By Ulla Parkdal
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of mid-century Scandinavian textile artistry, this vintage flat-weave rug designed by Ulla Parkdahl is titled Sparrenholm, showcasing her distinctive ability to me...
Wool
Swedish Mid-Century Beige Flatweave Carpet By Ulla Parkdal Signed "UP"
By Ulla Parkdal
Located in New York, NY
This captivating vintage flatweave rug, designed by renowned Swedish textile artist Ulla Parkdal, embodies the refined minimalism and natural harmony that define Scandinavian moderni...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Vintage Scandinavian Beige Flatweave Rug By Ulla Parkdal
By Ulla Parkdal
Located in New York, NY
This striking vintage Swedish flat-woven rug by renowned textile artist Ulla Parkdal is a masterful expression of Scandinavian modernism. Woven circa mid-20th century and signed "UP"...
Wool
Doris Leslie Blau Scandinavian Vintage Blue Flatweave Rug By Ulla Parkdal
By Ulla Parkdal
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Swedish flat-woven rug, designed by the celebrated textile artist Ulla Parkdal, is a sublime expression of Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Created circa the 1950s, i...
Wool
Scandinavian Mid-Century Slate Gray Flatweave Rug By Ulla Parkdal
By Ulla Parkdal
Located in New York, NY
This captivating vintage flat-weave rug by acclaimed Swedish textile artist Ulla Parkdal is a masterclass in Scandinavian modernism and color theory. Woven in the mid-20th century, t...
Wool
$5,599Sale Price|20% Off
W 57 in L 74 in
Antique Navajo Carpet, Handmade Wool, Neutral colors, Ivory, Beige, Gray & Brown
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the Four Corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly rega...
Wool
Silk Moroccan Boho-Chic Flatweave Rug In A Slate Blue Shade
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Moroccan Folk Kilim flatweave from the late 20th century. Slate blue, yellow, red, black, and white are among the hues on this pileless flat Moroccan tribal carpet-textile ...
Silk
$10,399Sale Price|20% Off
W 72 in L 112 in
Antique Navajo Carpet, Folk Rug, Handmade Wool, Beige, Gray, Soft Coral
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade...
Wool
$1,599Sale Price|20% Off
W 28 in L 41 in
Vintage Navajo Carpet, Folk Rug, Handmade Wool, Beige, Caramel, Tan
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade...
Wool
$26,999
W 101 in L 150 in
Large Antique Eye Dazzler Navajo Carpet, Handmade, Wool, Beige, Tan, Gray & Red
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly rega...
Wool
$20,799Sale Price|20% Off
W 132 in L 170 in
Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet, Handmade Oriental Rug, Beige, Taupe, Shrimp Coral
Located in Port Washington, NY
Oushak rugs, also known as Ushak rugs, are woven in Western Turkey and have distinct designs, such as angular large-scale floral patterns. They usually evoke a calmness and peacefuln...
Wool
$6,399Sale Price|20% Off
W 48 in L 81 in
Antique Navajo Carpet, Folk Rug, Handmade Wool Rug, Beige, Gray, Brown
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly rega...
Wool
$2,592Sale Price|20% Off
W 58 in L 81 in
Vintage Silk Kaysari Rug, Turkish Rug, Handmade Oriental Rug, Taupe, Gray, Green
Located in Port Washington, NY
Hand-knotted in the 1920s, very rare Turkish silk Kaysari. Looks like a 16th century Polonaise Design. Evenly low and wear areas. Measures: 4'10" x 6'9".
Wool
$7,999Sale Price|20% Off
W 55 in L 85 in
Antique Navajo Carpet, Handmade Rug, Brown, Blue, Beige, Taupe Soft Red Color
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly rega...
Wool
Pictorial Animal Human Turkish Rug, Mid 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Eclectic Vintage Turkish Pictorial rug from the middle part of the 20th century. 2'2'' x 3'6''
Wool
$2,272Sale Price|20% Off
W 62 in L 66 in
Vintage Navajo Rug, Handmade Wool Oriental Rug, Shrimp, Beige and Taupe
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly rega...
Wool
$7,199Sale Price|20% Off
W 55 in L 84 in
Vintage Navajo Carpet, Folk Rug, Handmade Wool, Beige, Red, Tan
Located in Port Washington, NY
Navajo rugs and blankets are textiles produced by Navajo people of the four corners area of the United States. Navajo textiles are highly regarded and have been sought after as trade...
Wool