How to identify a Kilim?

The most important characteristic of a kilim rug is that it is flat, hand-woven and it has no pile. When you run your hand over the rug it’s not soft like a silk or wool rug. Kilim rugs were made from nomadic tribes. They had many functions. For example, they were a great source of protection from the weather and the cold ground. Because they are flat-woven, they don’t weigh much. Therefore, they are relatively easy to wrap and fold. This also explains why kilim rugs were made by nomadic tribes. All that traveling meant packing smart!

These rugs were mostly made in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and other oriental countries in Asia, Central Europe and north of Africa. Given the different areas, kilims can come from they have different spelling variation, the most popular is kilim.

How are Kilims Made?

Kilims are flat-woven rugs without any pile. This is achieved by weaving the threads in a crosswise method. The weft, also known as the width of the rug, goes under and over the warp, also known as length of the rug. The weft is mostly made of cotton or wool. The Warp is mostly made of wool. You might also find two or more segments of a kilim weaved together, and you won’t be able to tell since the design conceals the stitching of the different segments.

The design typically consists of a border pattern that runs along the sides of the kilim. Sometimes, one side of the kilim has fringes the other can have a woven edge. Colored threads are woven in the kilim like a basket. So you can flip a Kilim on both sides and you can’t really tell which side is top or bottom. Vegetable dye was used as a source of colors. An interesting fact, about these hand-knotted rugs, is that they are mostly by women.

Design and Pattern

Kilims are recognizable from other rugs because of their rectilinear design. Irregular color and asymmetrical patterns are popular in these rugs. In fact, they show the weavers originality and creativity. They typically portray the weaver’s heritage. For example, there are small images of Sheppard’s, camels or sheep. These reflect the world of the weavers. Each region will have its own signature. Kilims from Persia will differ from those from Turkey and Afghanistan. For example, each region will have motifs that are symbolic in their own region.

Oriental and Modern Kilims

Kilim rugs are now popular rugs in today’s market. Given their tribal past and design, they provide a great boho feeling. They are incredibly versatile. You can use a small kilim and use it as a throw over a table. In Iran, for example, they have pillows also made out of them. Kilims can also be wall hangings. In comparison to other rugs, they are much more affordable. It is also important to note that original kilims are oriental rugs since they made from oriental countries. Given the great design, brands have used the tribal design with their motifs in their machine-made rugs. You can also have hand-knotted rugs made today by brands with a modernized kilim design. For example, the colors are lighter because they use synthetic dye instead of vegetable dye.

Browse the beautiful selection of Kilims at Rugman, here.