A kilim is a handwoven rug with no pile. The colored wool threads are woven tightly over and under the warps, so the pattern forms the surface of the rug itself. Kilims are thin, light and usually reversible, and they cost less per square foot than most knotted rugs.
How a kilim is made
A kilim is woven on a loom like a knotted rug, but without knots. The weaver passes colored weft yarn over and under the warp threads and packs it down hard, so the weft covers the warp completely. Where two colors meet, many kilims leave a small slit, which is what gives them their crisp diamonds, steps and hooks. Most are wool on wool or wool on cotton.
Kilim or knotted rug?
- Feel. A kilim is flat and firm underfoot; a knotted rug has a soft pile.
- Weight. A kilim is light and easy to move; a knotted rug of the same size can weigh several times as much.
- Two sides. Most kilims can be turned over and used on either side.
- Shedding. Kilims do not shed. A new knotted rug sheds a little loose fiber for its first weeks.
- Price. A kilim usually costs less than a knotted rug of the same size and quality.
Where kilims come from
Kilims are woven across Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. In Afghanistan, Maimana in Faryab province is known for bold, colorful kilims, and Chobi kilims use vegetable dyes for softer, earthier colors. Anatolian kilims from Turkey are known for strong reds and geometric medallions.
Where a kilim works best
- Dining rooms. Chairs slide easily on a flat weave.
- Halls, kitchens and entryways. A kilim runner is easy to shake out and clean.
- Over wall-to-wall carpet or layered under a smaller pile rug.
- On the wall, as a textile.
Caring for a kilim
Vacuum both sides gently, without the beater bar, and turn it over now and then so it wears evenly. Kilims are the rugs that slide most on hard floors, so put a pad under one: the patented Durahold Plus rug pad grips the floor with rubber and the kilim with felt, and we cut it free to the kilim's exact size. For a deeper clean, have it washed by hand every few years; see how to care for a handmade rug.
Shop kilims and flatweaves in every size, from 2x3 mats to room-size rugs and runners.