Curated by Rug the Rock
Authentic Persian, Afghan & Oriental Kilim Rugs
Spanning everywhere from Iran, Turkey, and the Caucasus to Central Asia, Afhanistan, and even Morocco, at Rug the Rock you can purchase original kilims online from various regions across the world.
Deeply rooted in the traditions of the Middle East, these flatwoven rugs showcase the artistry of skilled weavers, bringing the craftsmanship of the ancient nomadic peoples to modern Canadian and American homes.
Shop luxury designs encased in everything from earthy browns and neutral pastels to meaningful tribal symbols and diamond patterns, which are designed to enhance the artisanal feel of your space.
FAQ
What are kilim rugs?
Originating from the Middle East (probably Anatolia), kilim rugs are made by hand with traditional flatweaving techniques that produce bold, sharp geometric and linear patterns.
These pileless rugs feature various colors of wefts and warps that are interwoven and can be placed on both floors and walls as decorative and functional pieces.
How can you tell if you’re purchasing a real kilim rug?
Authentic kilim rugs are flatwoven, meaning that they shouldn’t have a thick pile. They should also be made from natural, vegetable-based dyes rather than synthetic ones, and feature patterns on both sides.
Another way of identifying a real kilim weave is with pattern irregularities that demonstrate handmade craftsmanship.
Are there any differences between a kilim and a pile rug?
Kilim rugs are different from traditional pile rugs, as a unique type of weave is used to create them.
While kilim rug designs are crafted by interweaving wefts and warps of various colors, creating a flatweave, with a pile rug short strands of wool are knotted and pressed together to form a pile.
How should I clean my kilim rug?
To keep your kilim rugs in pristine condition, try shaking and beating them to remove any dirt that’s settled in between the fibers.
Avoid using a washing machine or harsh detergents as this can cause permanent damage to the material, and instead get your rug cleaned professionally by a service that specializes in this area.
Can kilim rugs be used outdoors?
While we don't recommend using handwoven wool kilims outdoors, they have traditionally been used in open areas by nomads.
This means they can still be used to jazz up any outdoor area, including your backyard, patio, porch, or mudroom.
Kilims intended for outdoor use should be made from weather-resistant materials to withstand outdoor conditions and can also be taken out for a picnic or placed by the poolside.
How can I style a kilim rug?
One effective way of styling your kilim rug is by layering it with another flatwoven or low pile rug; choose the larger rug in a plain color or more subdued pattern and place the bolder kilim on top.
When styling your rug around other pieces of furniture, choose a neutral color scheme to help the kilim’s geometric motifs stand out.