What is a kilim?

A “Kilim” (sometimes called “gelim”) is a flat-woven Oriental rug, made much like Navajo rugs, without pile. These are also hand woven in wool fibers. They don’t generally last as long in floor use as the thicker knotted pile carpets (perhaps an average of about 25 years compared to 50-80 years of use for a hand knotted pile carpet) and they cost considerably less. Kilims have traditionally been woven in all the major rug weaving countries such as Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan as well as North Africa. In India, flat woven kilims are called durries. Kilims tend to have a more graphic look and an informal feel. I personally really love kilims because they were often not woven for commercial export. They tend to retain the oldest and most traditional designs/colors and an authentic/archaic sensibility. Although, we also offer new kilims with wonderful contemporary and minimalist designs too! Check out our selection of kilims here.