Kilim Rugs

212-585-1900

In the world of Oriental rugs and carpets, many people mistakenly believe that kilim rugs are just another type of Oriental rug. As some types of kilim rugs are less expensive than true Oriental rugs, it is not unusual for collectors to begin with kilim rugs and later work their way up to more expensive Persian, Turkish, and Chinese rugs. However, looking at kilim rugs as low-end Oriental rugs does them a great disservice. In fact, as collectors have begun to study and acquire kilim rugs, their value has gone up considerably. One of the most surprising things about kilim rugs is the fact that they are not necessarily rugs at all. The Turkish word "kilim" refers to the actual weaving technique used. What we call a kilim rug could actually be used in many different ways in the tribal world it came from.

The kilim technique has its origins in various tribes in Turkey, Iran, and elsewhere, including Greece. However, Turkey is the modern epicenter of kilim rug production, the only place where all of the kilim techniques are preserved. The basis of all kilim techniques is the construction of a tapestry by using two different sets of threads which are crossed at 90-degree angles. The names of these two sets are the weft (the horizontal threads) and the warp (the perpendicular threads). Kilim rugs are not produced on a loom, but are instead woven by hand, often with the weaver sitting on the floor. Because kilim rugs are produced in a tribal setting, synthetic dyes are never used. The colors used in kilim rugs are derived from walnuts, grass, tea, wood, and flowers using techniques that are passed down from generation to generation.

In appearance, kilim rugs are just as beautiful as their more "sophisticated" counterparts. The motifs usually consist of geometric patterns, which are usually repeated throughout the kilim rug or every few lines of the design. The most distinctive aspect of kilim rug design is the simple fact that kilim rugs are not produced specifically for Western consumption. Other Oriental textiles changed over time to meet the demands of the Western world. Kilim rugs, however, are produced without Westerners in mind, and are pure products of the cultures that create them. Because they are woven on the floor, they can sometimes have imperfections that would never happen on a loom. However, these imperfections can lend them a character and soul that is sometimes missing in factory-produced rugs. In terms of function, in the tribal world kilim rugs can be used as wall hangings in tents and cottages; dust covers for beds; a place for guests to sit; covers for luggage on camels; and more.

At Oriental Rug Care NY, we believe that kilim rugs are valuable works of art and artifacts of the living, breathing tribal world of Turkey and its neighbors. At the same time, each unique kilim rug is an irreplaceable piece of history, the result of the knowledge of thousands of years worth of kilim-weavers. If you are the proud owner of a kilim rug, there is no better place to turn than Oriental Rug Care NY for all your kilim rug care needs. Our kilim rug experts are trained for eighteen months in the care, cleaning, and restoration of all types of Oriental rugs, carpets, and kilims. We understand both the construction and the dyeing techniques used to create kilim rugs, and can not only clean but also repair and restore any kilim rug that is brought to us. We offer free pick-up and delivery to our local customers and also accept shipping from all 50 states. Look no further than Oriental Rug Care NY for all your kilim rug care and cleaning needs.