Kilim Wiki

What is a Kilim?

Kilim, a word of Turkish origin and sometimes written as kelim, gelim or killim, denotes a pileless rug of many uses produced by one of several flatweaving techniques that have a common or closely related heritage and are practiced in the geographical area that includes parts of Turkey (Anatolia and Thrace), North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia and China.

What is a Vintage Rug? Overdyed Vintage Rug? Distressed Rug?

Vintage Rugs are also known as distressed rugs, and represent a trend that has achieved a crossover between fashion and home décor. People don’t just want their jeans to look ‘lived in,’ but they want their rugs to look ‘lived on’...

Chaput Pala Rugs

In Turkish, the word Chaput (tr.: Çaput) is used to describe a rug woven with old pieces of cloth cut into long pieces of fabric. Women used to weave beautiful kilim rugs from these pieces during the winter season when they would not work outside the house in the fields...

Dyes & Dyeing

The proverbial pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow may be just a fanciful delusion but it also gives apt expression to man's primeval fascination with nature's colors...

Language of Kilims

One day a Yuruk tribal chief saw a kilim rug cast on the ground by a tent. Looking at it brought anguish to his heart, so he called on his men to find the father of the girl who had woven that kilim rug.

Origins

The origins of the kilim area rugs are buried so deeply in the past of the human race that we will probably never really know the true story of its genesis. Undoubtedly the greatest obstacle faced...

Regions

Major kilim producing regions in Turkey...

Tulu Rugs

Tulu is the English pronunciation for the Turkish word, "tüylü" meaning hairy. The technique used for weaving is similar to that of the Middle and Western Anatolian carpets.

Turkotek Articles

Turkotek is an outstanding web site devoted to the appreciation of textiles, especially tribal weavings. Turkotek introduced "Salon du Tapis d'Orient", a specialized forum based upon the salon which was a form of social interaction popular during the 19th century. Kilim.com presents selected articles and discussions to our readers.

Kilim Motifs and Symbols

Kilim rug motifs are derived from symbols that were used in ages gone by to inform, communicate and to convey ideas. Over time, some of these signs merged with myths, acquired hidden significance and moved into the world of esoteric symbolism.

Why Buy A Wool Rug?

Everyone knows that wool is soft underfoot, and keeps a room insulated from heat and sound, but there are a number of other practical, health, environmental, and ethical benefits, that may make you consider choosing a wool rug for your home.

Hand-Woven Runner Rugs: The Ultimate Guide

Runner rugs can make a dull room come alive with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. But there is much more to them than just aesthetics - they also serve as a functional piece of home decor with many benefits! 

What Is A Hand-Woven Runner Rug?
A hand-woven runner rug measures anywhere between two and three feet wide and run between six to fourteen feet long. They differ in length depending on where you place them in your home and their intended purpose.

Many people choose hand-woven runner rugs because they offer a simple and stylish alternative to the traditional, boring doormat. They bring an element of warmth and sophistication into your home while also serving as a functional decor item that can protect your floors from dirt and debris when you enter or exit through doorways. Plus, you’ll never have the same rug as someone else.

Oushak Rugs

What is a Turkish Rug?

Kilim.com Testimonials

Testimonials and photos from our customers

Designing With New and Vintage Hand-Woven Area Rugs

Design with New and Vintage Hand-Woven Rugs, Tips and Suggestions

Choosing and Decorating with Kilims

Every kilim rug, however it is placed or used, introduces into the surroundings a whole world of cultures and ancient traditions that are being slowly extinguished by modern industrialization...

Placement, Hanging and Storage of Area Rugs

The original tribal or village kilim area rug was a sturdy product meant to last long with normal care under the trying conditions of a nomad tent or village home. However, no matter how sturdy they were when first woven, vintage and antique kilims do require that bit of extra care.

Cleaning Rugs

Once you bring your new, beautiful kilim home you will want to make sure it stays this way for as long as possible. Here you can find some useful information on how to take care of your beloved kilim rug easily...

Living With Rugs

Exquisite living environments all designed with kilim area rugs, contemporary area rugs, vintage Turkish and Persian rugs and more...

Yosemite Ahwahnee Hotel Kilims

Rug Thickness Guide

Bohemian Interior Design

Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Style

Minimalist interior design style

Transitional Interior Design Style

Traditional Interior Design Style

Farmhouse interior design style

Weaving Techniques

The reason that rugs are a subject of such fascination and admiration for so many is that within their threads they carry the weight of history. The designs (which may have religious, talismanic or totemic meanings) tell the stories of their weavers, and of traditions passed down from one generation to the next.

Bookstore

Our bookstore offers you several books especially about kilims, carpets and rugs. You can get further information and purchase books from Amazon.com if you click on the book.

How can I see a rug in my room?

Experience Virtual “Home try-on” on iPhone or iPad

Use Apple's new AR feature for iPhone and iPad to see how a product looks in your home in 3D

How to Decorate with Blue Area Rugs: Our Tips and Tricks

Basic Measurement Guide for Stair Runners