Beige
Black
Blue
Brown
Green
Navy Blue
Orange
Red
Multicolour
Cream
Grey
When it comes to choosing between a kilim or pile rug for your home, there are a number of factors that can influence your decision, such as how they’re made, how they look, and the role they play in your home.
But as with any worthwhile home investment, it ultimately comes down to what’s best for you.
With over 30 years of experience delivering premium handcrafted rugs in Sydney, we believe every home deserves a rug that will tell the story of your space for years to come.
To help you find yours, let’s take a look at the differences between pile and kilim rugs, what they have to offer, and what you can expect from each.
What are kilim and pile rugs?
A pile rug, or knotted pile rug, is what most people think of when they’re talking about rugs.
A pile rug is created by individually hand-tying a series of knots to vertical (warp) threads. These raised piles are then trimmed down to give the rug its signature plush finish, with thickness varying from low pile to high pile and shag.
A kilim rug, otherwise known as a flat weave rug or no-pile rug, is actually created without knots.
The process for how kilim rugs are made without those same traditional weaving techniques requires the unique talents of a skilled artisan, and consists of wool being tightly interlaced in a series of vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads.
This method is what creates a rug surface that’s smooth, flat, and without any visible pile.
Comparing kilim vs pile rugs
We love that you’re considering an environmentally friendly pure wool product, but we also understand that all the options in front of you can sometimes get a little confusing.
To help you decide which might be right for your home, we’ve broken down some of the key differences between kilim and pile rugs for you:
| Kilim rugs | Pile rugs | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $250–$2,500+ | $500–$4,000+ |
| Common designs | Bold, geometric motifs and patterns | Intricate floral motifs and pictorial scenes |
| Thickness |
|
|
| Comfort & feel | Firm underfoot feel | Soft underfoot feel |
| Construction & weaving technique | Flat, interwoven lines with no raised yarn or piles | Knots tied around foundational warp threads to form the raised pile |
| Durability & longevity | Long-lasting, able to maintain its shape and handle heavy foot traffic for decades | Durable, but fibres will compress over time with continued use |
| Cleaning & maintenance | Low effort, easy to shake or vacuum surface dirt | Require gentle vacuuming to clean deep-settled dirt and regular rotation to prevent wear |
| Climate compatibility |
|
|
| Suitable for |
|
|
Consider room usage and traffic
Cost is often a key factor when choosing between a kilim or pile rug, as is the feel of the rug and the use to which it will be put in your home.
Do you like the idea of a home styling investment that’s going to keep on giving for years to come?
Then consider using sturdy new contemporary tone kilim in hallways or under dining tables.
Natural Modern Persian Sumak Wool Rug
247cm x 155cm
Kilim rugs are not so soft when new, but they do the job of floor protection and noise reduction.
They will become even nicer with use, becoming future vintage treasures.
Kilim rugs are also a great choice in the kitchen, helping soften that hard floor area and helping prevent breakages.
These rugs are easy to remove for cleaning.
Prioritise texture for underfoot comfort
If an immediate soft feel is what you desire, then you may consider choosing a Meshwani kilim, which is a semi-pile style available in rug or runner styles.
This little-known style is halfway between a flat-woven kilim and a full-knotted pile rug.
It has a textured 3-dimensional hybrid weave, and the beauty of this thicker style is that Meshwani gives that desirable, aged, soft, boho, and totally handmade look even when it’s brand new.
Minimise future rug maintenance
Kilim were traditionally used by travellers as a reusable tent floor covering, cleverly overlapped to keep out dirt, moisture, and often the desert sands.
The firm, flat, fire-resistant, repairable, and reversible weave of the kilim did this job to perfection.
The tribal tent was a multi-purpose space that was not only comfortable, but also practical and portable.
The modern camping experience can be much improved by layering a kilim over slippery plastic tent flooring.
Kilims can be easily shaken out or brushed off. They wash easily and dry quickly.
The more a kilim is used, the softer and more mellow in tone it will become.
Consider location and climate compatibility
A kilim is a textile with history, something made to last, to be cleaned, repaired, and used.
These flatweaves can have many other uses in the warmer seasons. Use yours for casual picnics, or to construct sun shades, wind shelters, or even cubby retreats for children.
Insulating wool kilims can work to cover hot verandah boards or scorching poolside tiles.
In ancient times, a nomad’s kilims could even provide enough protection to save the lives of families and animals in a sudden sandstorm or a snowstorm.
Explore rug styles for every home and lifestyle
Another less well-known kilim style is Soumak. Soumak is the name of a knotting style, and these traditional rugs come in many weights and sizes.
This was originally a thicker, softer style, which in days gone by often had a double function as a container to transport important items and by night became a child’s warm sleeping bag.
When opened out flat, this style is also an excellent choice in winter as a galley kitchen rug.
In our Sydney rug showroom, we have some superb modern Soumak made with a newly devised flexible knotting method.
Being reversible, super light, and crafted with a delicate wool, they adapt to many uses, such as throws on beds or couches, as well as the floor.
They can even be hung as breezy room dividers. Creative Interior designers, please take note, you will be looking at future heirlooms!
Fine Persian Soumak Kilim
160cm x 165cm
If you’re still unsure about the choice between kilim or pile rugs, you can head to our website or showroom to see the latest popular rug options, such as our new range of paler and muted contemporary kilim colours.
Choosing the right rug for your space
On journeys through rugged terrain, or on routes such as the ancient Silk Road, traders stopped at oases or wells to set up camp, rest animals, entertain, and trade goods.
Traders also stopped at Caravanserai, the equivalent of today’s motel or Airbnb – imagine the excitement of travelling with a rug trading family!
Portable kilims, rugs, and embroidered textiles quickly made a bare room a cosy space for all to enjoy on their journey.
Then there was time to meet up with friends, family, and customers, or to share meals, music, and dancing.
This was truly glamping at its best, enhanced by their artisanal floor coverings.
Drop by the Knot n’ Co showroom today and discover our selection.
We can help you decide whether a gracefully aged and pre-softened mid-century Vintage Kilim rug, or an affordable knotted pile area rug for your main living area, is what you most need.
You can also give us a call and arrange one of our free rug trials for your home, so we may come to you in the traditional caravan style.