Why Are Vintage Kilim Rugs Getting So Popular?

KnotNCo has one of the most comprehensive ranges of vintage Kilim rugs for sale in Australia.

Starting from humble beginnings, our family business has been importing and selling the highest quality handmade rugs in Australia for over 30 years.

Here at KnotNCo, we are passionate about bringing you handcrafted rugs from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and Türkiye, made to last a lifetime.

Some of the most prized of these rugs is the Kilim rug. While ever-present in the Persian rug market, this kind of carpet is seeing a resurgence in popularity.

This could be related to a couple of factors, namely that the pendulum swing from ‘millennial grey’ has returned us to homes with colour, personality, and a story.

These are three traits that Kilim rugs have in spades. With a history spanning back a hundred years and a timeless geometric design, it’s easy to see why these rugs are appearing in more and more homes.

What are vintage Kilim rugs?

Kilims are a flat-weave rug used for over a millennium in Tribal areas of Central Asia and Anatolia. Historically used by nomads as floor covering, tent covering & on horseback portable because of its lightweight nature Perfect for a summer rug, coastal or to bring more character & life into your interior. 

Durable and Wear Resistant Suitable for High Traffic Areas

Kilim rugs are a specific kind of flat weave carpet that originated in Türkiye, in what was once the sprawling Persian empire.

This part of the world was famed for weaving, and for the resulting quality rugs that adorned the floors and walls of tents.

When the Silk Road opened the possibility of scaled trade, these rugs became valued worldwide—not only for their quality, but for their storytelling.

The art of Kilim rugs, in particular, is one of the oldest traditions in the world, and this method of weaving differs considerably from hand-knotting Persian rugs that you might be more familiar with. Vintage Kilim rugs are known for having no pile.

Weavers create this kind of rug using warps (vertical yarns) and wefts (horizontal yarns) on a loom.

The techniques have been passed down, generation by generation, in the same way that the resulting rugs are passed from father to daughter, and so on.

Why are vintage Kilim rugs getting so popular?

Vintage Kilim rugs are having a moment, and it’s easy to see why. At KnotNCo, many of our customers love that each rug tells a story, with handwoven patterns, rich colours, and subtle imperfections, making every piece completely unique to the owner’s home.

For this reason, Kilim rugs bring warmth and personality to a space in a way that mass-produced rugs can’t.

Additionally, mixing modern interiors with more traditional craftsmanship is a surging trend, with designers and homeowners alike seeking that timeless, authentic feel.

One of the most beautiful and storied aspects of Kilim rugs is that the very first rugs have much in common with modern Kilim rugs.

The history and origins of Kilim rugs

Kilim rug-making traditions date back hundreds of years, to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, Anatolia, and the Caucasus.

These communities relied on Kilims for practical purposes like floor coverings, saddle bags, and tent decorations.

The techniques and designs were passed down through generations, often taught to young girls as part of their cultural education. 

Each tribe or region developed distinctive patterns and motifs, reflecting unique cultural identities and beliefs.

For instance, Turkish Kilims often feature geometric patterns symbolising fertility and protection, while Persian Kilims may include motifs representing animals and nature.

Over time, Kilim weaving spread across various regions, including Iran, the Balkans, and North Africa, each adding individualistic styles.

Despite the evolution of weaving techniques and the introduction of new materials, the core principles of Kilim weaving have remained largely unchanged.

How to identify genuine vintage Kilim rugs?

In the context of Kilim rugs, the term "vintage" typically refers to pieces that are at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old.

This classification distinguishes them from antiques, which are generally considered to be over 100 years old.

Here’s what you should do to identify the genuine artefact:

• Feel the texture : Genuine Kilim rugs are flatwoven, meaning they have no pile. They should feel flat and firm underfoot, not plush or fluffy.
• Check both sides : Turn the rug over. Authentic Kilims have the same design on both sides.
• Examine the edges : Look at the fringes. In handwoven Kilims, fringes are often the continuation of the warp threads and are not sewn on separately.
• Inspect the weave : Gently pull at the edges. If the rug unravels easily, it's likely machine-made. Authentic Kilims are tightly woven and durable.
• Look for imperfections : Small irregularities in the pattern or weave are signs of handcraftsmanship and authenticity.
• Assess the colours : Vintage Kilims often use natural dyes, leading to subtle variations in colour known as 'abrash'. Synthetic dyes produce more uniform colours.
• Consider the age : Genuine vintage Kilims typically show signs of wear, such as slight fading or softened fibres, due to their age.
• Know the origin : Familiarise yourself with regional styles. For example, Turkish Kilims often feature geometric patterns, while Moroccan Kilims may include symbolic motifs.

Shopping for vintage Kilim rugs Australia

KnotNCo is a leading supplier of authentic vintage rugs. As a family business, we are passionate about bringing a piece of history into your family home, to be enjoyed for generations to come.

We source our exquisite rugs from some of the world's most renowned regions for rug-making.

Our trusted suppliers are dedicated to preserving the traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage of their locales.

By partnering with these esteemed artisans, every rug we offer is of the highest quality, reflecting authentic techniques passed down through generations.

This commitment to sourcing from the best allows us to provide you with unique, beautiful, and durable rugs that add warmth and elegance to your home.