Kilim Rugs

The exact origin of Kilim area rugs is unknown. The first Kilim rugs may have been made 1000 years ago in central Asia. Some hypothesize the rugs date back to several millennia before that time.

When categorizing a Kilim rug , it is often lumped in with Oriental rugs. This is technically not the case. Oriental rugs are pile rugs where material is knotted on. Kilims are flat-woven rugs. They are rugs with no pile. They are wool rugs with cotton or silk sometimes woven into the rugs with the wool. Fine camel hair is sometimes combined with the wool to give the rug a shine. Camel hair also makes the rugs stronger.

Kilims were traditionally used to on the ground, hung on the wall, hung over windows to provide added insulation, and the smaller rugs were used as prayer rugs as well. There are many preserved antique Kilims available. Many of these rugs can be found online. Needless to say, if you purchase an antique Kilim rug, it should be for display only. While these rugs were well made, any antique rug will last longer if it remains free from trampling.

An antique Kilim rug will likely cost quite a bit. If you care for your antique rug, however, it is an investment that you can later be resold. Proper rug care is essential. Most dealers will tell you when you vacuum a Kilim rug, use low suction, vacuum both sides of the rug, and never use suction on the fringe. With a few common sense care routines, your Kilim rug should last your lifetime.

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