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Go Global With Kilim Rugs
Evoking old-world exoticism, kilims add a sophisticated world-traveler touch to floors, walls, pillows and more
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Kilim. The word, pronounced "ki-LEEM," conjures visions of exotic countries and tribal customs, and that's pretty close to the truth. These handwoven rugs, with their intricate designs and characteristic flat weave, were born thousands of years ago in the areas of Turkey (from which the best-known kilims come), Kurdistan, Caucasus, Iran and Turkestan. The regional variations, each with its own cultural traditions and symbolism, led to differences in the colors and motifs used for the textiles.
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| Kilims often get lumped in with their Oriental and Persian cousins, but they have a distinct history and style of their own. In technical terms, the main difference is the weaving method: Carpets have separately knotted strands bound by wefts to form the pile, while kilims are crafted by interweaving warps and wefts on an upright loom to create a flat, often reversible design with no pile. |
Clear as mud? Here's the takeaway: The flat weave makes kilims light yet hardy so they can withstand foot traffic better than a traditional carpet. And because they're simpler to make, their cost has historically been lower, though that's changing as kilims rise in popularity.
by Greg Logsdon
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Nomadic peoples in these areas crafted kilims from the wool of the sheep they herded and used them in a variety of roles: tent flooring, coverlets, screens, sacks, pillows and more. Although kilims for years were overlooked in favor of pricey Oriental and Persian carpets, they've caught fire with collectors and homeowners, and they're moving very quickly from trend to mainstay.
by Niche Interiors
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Although kilims are most often used as floor coverings, they're also common in more decorative applications, such as wall hangings or bench upholstery. In this bedroom, a kilim wraps a simple headboard, echoing its partner on the floor. Often, worn or partially disintegrated kilims can be salvaged to use for smaller items, such as throw pillows or chair seats.
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| Most kilims feature a geometric pattern, sometimes simple, sometimes complex. That's one reason they transition so easily from traditional interiors to more contemporary ones: They blend a surprisingly modern sensibility with an old-world mien. |
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Because the dyes used for the wool originally came from natural sources, earthy colors — particularly red — are the rule. However, some kilims, especially newer ones, have a much more limited palette.
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by Living2Design
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| Medallions, diamond shapes and octagons appear in many versions. Antique kilim patterns often have special meaning or symbolism, depending on the rug's country of origin. |
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It's impossible to replicate the patina and gravitas of an antique kilim, but newly crafted versions have the same richness of color and are often more affordable. Find a reputable dealer in your area who can guide you toward the best purchase for your needs and budget.
More:
Your Décor: Crazy for Kilim
How to Shop for a Persian Rug
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
More:
Your Décor: Crazy for Kilim
How to Shop for a Persian Rug
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Comments
CJ Sebert This rug was a gift from an exchange student we had who's family sent it over from Mancedonia. 
14 months ago · Like
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Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Kilim patterns from various antique textiles were combined to form this bow above a bed. 
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on March 17, 2012.
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