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The bright patterns and colours of kilim rugs have been gracing the floors of kings, shepherds and everyone in between for centuries now. Woven in a region that extends from the Balkans to Central Asia and includes Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, they are produced by flat-weaving techniques and often express Islamic influences as well as nomadic tribal traits. Brimming with character and unique personality, kilims have been used as utilitarian pieces, prayer rugs as well as decorative accents. Today, they add flair to a home and are often an affordable handmade option. Here’s what to know about the traditional piece.
THE KILIM RUG
A kilim rug is produced by tight interweaving to create a flat surface with no pile. Kilims are generally woven with a slit-weave technique, which produces very sharp-etched designs that emphasise the geometry of the weave. Bold diagonal patterns are often favoured as they strengthen the structure of the rug.Kilims are made of natural materials such as wool, cotton, sisal, goat hair and jute. The visible weft strands carry the design and colour and are almost always wool, while the hidden warp strands can be wool or cotton. Due to the basket-style weaving technique, most kilims have the same design front and back.
A kilim rug is produced by tight interweaving to create a flat surface with no pile. Kilims are generally woven with a slit-weave technique, which produces very sharp-etched designs that emphasise the geometry of the weave. Bold diagonal patterns are often favoured as they strengthen the structure of the rug.Kilims are made of natural materials such as wool, cotton, sisal, goat hair and jute. The visible weft strands carry the design and colour and are almost always wool, while the hidden warp strands can be wool or cotton. Due to the basket-style weaving technique, most kilims have the same design front and back.
The true origin of kilim rugs is relatively unknown. Some historical evidence suggests that rug making dates back to Neolithic times of 6,000 BC, when flat-weave rugs had motifs and symbols rooted in prehistoric Anatolia (present-day Turkey). However, what are believed to be the earliest actual examples of rugs date from 500-700 BC, and are from the Pazyryk area of the Siberian Altai Mountains region.
Kilim rugs evolved as a craft form from utilitarian weaving, but the lack of physical evidence means tying the origins of the generic kilim rug to a specific time and place is difficult. Groups dispersed over vast geographic areas probably developed their own techniques individually.
THE STYLES
Kilim rugs are a highly regarded folk art and an expression of the region in which they are woven; a region’s culture and tradition will be expressed through colours, styles, patterns and symbolism.As kilims come from such an extensive area of land and each one is so unique, it’s difficult to cover the variety of styles comprehensively. Rather, you’ll see a range of styles of kilim rugs in the images to follow.
Kilim rugs are a highly regarded folk art and an expression of the region in which they are woven; a region’s culture and tradition will be expressed through colours, styles, patterns and symbolism.As kilims come from such an extensive area of land and each one is so unique, it’s difficult to cover the variety of styles comprehensively. Rather, you’ll see a range of styles of kilim rugs in the images to follow.
HOW TO USE IT
A kilim rug is extremely versatile and an affordable way to style various spaces in the home.
A kilim rug is extremely versatile and an affordable way to style various spaces in the home.
In the living room
Kilims add colour, texture and warmth to living spaces and suit modern, contemporary, traditional and relaxed interiors. Here, the kilim harmonises with the floor and artwork and brings warmth to complement cool white furniture.
This kilim suits the eclectic living space, which features colourful characters and patterns throughout.
A brown Moroccan leather pouffe and two wooden stools tie the kilim rug to this sleek modern interior, creating a warm and inviting living space.
Most kilims are brightly coloured, but older, more faded rugs will offer soft, desaturated colours.
In the bedroom or nursery
Add colour and character to a bedroom or nursery with a kilim rug, without diminishing any sense of tranquility.
In the dining area
Kilims are a practical option for dining areas as they are lightweight and easy to shake out. Natural fibres mean they can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water, while colours and patterns hide crumbs and spills. And should any stains occur, just flip the rug over. They’re the same on both sides.
Kilims are a practical option for dining areas as they are lightweight and easy to shake out. Natural fibres mean they can be spot cleaned with mild soap and water, while colours and patterns hide crumbs and spills. And should any stains occur, just flip the rug over. They’re the same on both sides.
In the kitchen
For the same reasons of being easy to shake out and clean, kilims are also a practical option for the kitchen. Additionally, they can make a kitchen feel a little cosier and provide a stunning juxtaposition to modern lines and sleek surfaces.
In the bathroom
Kilim rugs add comfort underfoot in the bathroom, as well as bringing both physical and visual warmth to a stone or tiled floor.
Kilim rugs add comfort underfoot in the bathroom, as well as bringing both physical and visual warmth to a stone or tiled floor.
In hallways and on stairs
Being durable and low pile, kilims are great for entry areas, stairs, and near doors with low clearance.
As a runner
This kilim defines a transitional space – an open passage – and adds colour and pattern to an otherwise neutral area.
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