Kilim Rugs

What Is A Kilim Rug?

What Is A Kilim Rug?

Are you in the market for a new rug? As you shop, you may notice that kilim rugs are particularly popular. 

That’s because they have a fascinating history, a unique appearance, and many practical advantages when compared with other rugs

Read on to learn all you need to know about this household favorite.

Where do Kilim rugs come from?

The word “kilim” is of Turkish origin. It is used to refer to a high-quality pileless rug made from flat weaving techniques.

These techniques come from the geographical area which includes parts of Turkey as well as North Africa, the Balkans, parts of the Middle East, and South and Central Asia.

Kilim rug

What makes a Kilim different from other rugs?

Unlike other rugs, flat weave rugs like Kilims do not have piles. This gives them a distinct texture when compared with other rugs. It also makes them easier to maintain and less likely to shed.

Flatweave rugs are woven on a loom. Although they are still handmade, they are woven on a loom, not knotted by hand one knot at a time. This makes them quicker to create, which explains why they’re available at a more affordable price point.

In a pile rug, the design is created through the use of strands of different yarns which are knotted onto warps and tightly pressed together. The creation of a Kilim rug is very different. Both warps and wefts are woven together to create a flat weave rug with a design.

What are the advantages of Kilim rugs?

  • Cheaper

If you’re looking for a beautiful rug on a limited budget, then a Kilim is a great option. You can still enjoy a high-quality, handcrafted rug, but you won’t pay as much as you would for a hand-knotted equivalent.

  • Quality materials

Most Kilim rugs are made from 100% wool, although occasionally the warp will also contain cotton. These are ideal materials for rugs because they hold a vegetable dye perfectly. Wool also makes them resilient.

  • Lightweight
    Because of the materials used, Kilim rugs are easy to handle and move around. They’re also considered suitable for high traffic areas, so they can be used in busy family households or even commercial buildings.
  • Easy maintenance
    Pile rugs require more maintenance than Kilim rugs. There are no piles in a Kilim to trap dirt or dust, so if you have allergies, you might consider opting for this type instead. There’s also no risk of shedding to clear up!
Kilim rug
  • Attractive designs

The wool of a Kilim rug absorbs and holds vegetable dye very successfully. As a result, Kilim’s are known for eye-catching and impactful designs. This vibrant Kilim Area Rug shows how you can use a rug to add color and character to any living space.

How to recognize a Kilim rug: 

If you look closely at a Kilim rug, you’ll notice small vertical slits between different colors. This is why they’re often called slit-woven textiles, and this effect produces a unique “HD” appearance.

You can find a range of stunning Kilim rugs in the Rug Source online store.

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