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Kilim rugs have a timeless appeal. They are an essential decor piece for modern households, but they also add a bit of tradition to your space. You can also use them in any area of your home, and while generally recommended for indoor spaces, there are kilim rugs that are also suitable for outdoor use.
From wool kilim rugs to silk and cotton kilim rugs, at Alesouk, we have a collection of hand-woven and authentic kilim rugs for sale. At affordable prices and with varying designs, we have options suitable for everyone's taste.
In today's guide, we will tell you more about the selection of kilim rugs we sell. Keep reading to learn more about the motifs, patterns, and designs that separate Uzbek, Turkish, and Afghan kilim rugs!
A kilim rug is similar to a regular rug, the main difference being that kilim rugs are more traditional in their designs and motifs. Furthermore, they are made with specific weaving techniques that vary depending on the area of origin.
Traditional kilim rugs usually originate from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other parts of Central Asia. There are several other popular types of kilim rugs, including those from the Balkans, Anatolia, and the Caucasus, each with its own unique characteristics and designs.
Kilim rugs are an excellent investment opportunity for those looking to add originality and tradition to their living spaces. The hand-weaving techniques and the vibrant colours used make kilim rugs extremely eye-catching. Furthermore, each piece is original in representing intricate geometric and other patterns. Some are made with natural fibres, while others are made with synthetic and natural fibres.
Nevertheless, it is essential to understand that kilim rugs are available in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Some are used as floor coverings, while there is the option to purchase decorative pieces and use them as wall hangings.
This means you can easily find a kilim rug that fits your living area and interior design.
Kilim rugs have existed for centuries. The word kilim, pronounced kee-leem, is of Turkish origin, and it is also presumed that some of the first kilims might originate from the area and parts of Central Asia. Research shows that some of the earliest signs of people using kilim rugs date to the Bronze Age when women in various tribes would weave kilims and use them as floor coverings.
The historical background of kilims reveals that these decorative pieces have been part of communities for a long time. They were not just used as floor coverings but also played a significant role in trade markets and were incorporated into various wedding and prayer rituals. In fact, the origin of kilim rugs is believed to be closely connected to prayer, as people used them when praying, underscoring the cultural value of these rugs.
Nowadays, kilim rugs are available in various versions, each with its own purpose. Some are used for prayer, others as floor coverings, and some as simple decorative pieces. The motifs and symbols represented on the kilim can vary, but they always captivate those who appreciate the true background of the designs. Each region of origin has unique motifs and symbols, which we will delve into in another section.
As mentioned, kilim rugs can vary depending on the region of origin. The differences are most noticeable in the patterns or colours used, while the weaving techniques can also vary slightly.
At Alesouk, we have a separate section dedicated to handwoven and authentic rugs. Our offerings include Turkish, Turkmen, Persian, and Afghan rugs, while there is a separate section on kilim rugs. You can learn more about our Turkish, Uzbek, and Afghan rugs in that section. Here's more on the key features of each one:
Turkish or Anatolian kilim rugs have very vibrant colours and bold geometric patterns. A specific weaving technique is used in the making, allowing the kilims to have intricate designs. Some of the common symbols you will see on these kilims include floral symbols, plants, leaves, and geometric symbols. Due to the quality fibres used in the making of these kilims, you can rest assured that they will last for years after you purchase them without showing any signs of deterioration.
Uzbek kilim rugs have significantly influenced the country's trade market. In fact, they were commonly used during the Silk Road trades. They are easily distinguishable from other kilim rugs in the use of vibrant red hues, natural dyes, and floral motifs. Furthermore, they include various important symbols for the country's culture and beliefs, such as fruit for fertility, the sun for good luck, etc.
Afghan kilim rugs are similar to the other two groups in the colours used, but the symbols vary slightly. Besides the geometric shapes regularly used in the designs, Afghan kilim rugs tend to have some animals and plants represented as well. Furthermore, all the traditional kilim rugs are made with natural dyes, predominantly earthy tones, reds, yellows, etc. Apart from floor coverings, these rugs are commonly used as decoration, as the designs are always symbolic and reflect the beliefs and heritage of the Afghan people.
When discussing authentic, hand-woven kilim rugs, it's easy to assume that no two rugs are the same. They vary in the designs, motifs, and materials used in the making. Next up, we will discuss the common kilim materials and patterns and shapes you can notice on most of these kilims:
When discussing authentic and hand-woven kilims, each kilim rug for sale is different from any other. However, the designs usually incorporate the following four categories of symbols:
The patterns shown on various kilim rugs depend on the weaving techniques used by the people creating them. Unlike machine-made rugs, the rugs that we sell at Alesouk are fully hand-made and hand-woven with a specific technique called hand-looming, something that is unique to the Uzbek region. Other regions use flat weaving, braiding, etc.
A fully hand-operated machine is used for hand-looming, and the fibres are also dyed with natural dyes. After the entire rug is weaved, the process is finished by trimming any loose threads and washing the rug to remove any remaining threads, dye, and dust.
Various materials can be used to make rugs, but the traditional kilim rugs for sale at Alesouk include only three materials - wool, cotton, and silk. Here’s more on the properties of each one:
You've decided to purchase a kilim rug from Alesouk? How amazing! Now, it's time to learn how to maintain the rug to keep it in its initial state.
Namely, the first thing you should remember is that the kilim rug, like all other rugs, needs vacuuming at least a few times monthly. Depending on how heavy the foot traffic is in the area, you might need to do this more often.
Next in line is the occasional spot cleaning, which you can do as needed. If you notice spots or accidentally spill something on the carpet, try to clean it as soon as possible. Blotting on the spot is better than scrubbing to avoid damage. Also, clean with a clean cloth that you dip in a mixture of water and mild detergent. We recommend not using any strong chemicals on these carpets, as the natural dyes might be affected.
Deep cleaning is also wise and should be done at least once per year. Leave this to professionals, who will know how to clean the kilim rug to remove all dirt and debris while preserving the weave and dye.
Finally, we recommend that you avoid placing these rugs in direct sunlight for long, as that can also affect the colour. If you have kilim rugs, try using window coverings or curtains, and rotate the rugs often to ensure all areas get equal exposure to sunlight.
Finding authentic kilim rugs might not be as easy as you assume, considering mass manufacturing is widespread. However, at Alesouk, we have only handwoven and authentic kilim rugs to offer.
If you look into our section dedicated to kilim rugs, you will also find them divided according to the regions where they originate from. Our offerings usually include Turkish, Afghan, and Uzbek cotton, silk, and wool kilim rugs. All come at affordable prices and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you're not satisfied with your purchase, we have a hassle-free return policy.
Visit Alesouk, find your ideal kilim rug, and order it today. For any details, feel free to contact us!
Prices of kilim rugs can vary greatly. First, authentic, hand-woven kilim rugs are generally more expensive than mass-produced ones. Then, kilim rugs made with natural fibres and dyes are more expensive than kilims made with synthetic fibres. Finally, the size and design complexity can also influence the price, so consider that when making your final purchase decision.
Kilim oriental rugs are durable, meaning they can be used in high-traffic areas. We recommend them for indoor rather than outdoor areas and homes instead of commercial spaces. While they can handle a lot of traffic, they can easily become dirty and require regular maintenance.
Usually, kilim rugs can be repaired if they sustain damage. That includes patching holes, re-weaving certain areas, securing loose threads, etc. The only type of damage that is common but not easy to repair is fading colour, but you can always add some extra natural dye to try and fix the issue.
