Kelim Rugs
Unlike plainweave rugs, artisans often favour diagonal patterns on Kelim rugs to represent a unique look amongst other Oriental-style rugs. Found in beautiful burnt hues and made from wool yarns, our Kelim rugs redefine traditional Kelim craftsmanship combined with our own design language with a strong sense for geometric shapes and extraordinary colour blocking. Get inspired by the ancient Turkish rug weaving technique that we use in manufacturing these rugs and create the ultimate heritage look inside your house.
Explore Our Kelim Rugs Collection Enriched With Nomadic Artistry
Kelim or Kilim, is a type of Persian rug but in contrast to the luxurious ornate silk carpets, these are flat-weave, tapestry woven rugs with the most distinct colourful geometric patterns. Kelim rugs are traditionally more humble and affordable pieces, but nowadays, they have carved a niche with their cultural and heritage features that are nothing short of real-life tales about the ethnic craftsmanship of nomadic communities in the East.
Kelim has diversified over the years, both in patterns and materials and is featured in both indoor and outdoor rugs. A variety of sizes and shapes of large and small kelim rugs, and runners are not only used as floor coverings but are also considered worthy wall art! Discover an authentic collection of these exquisite carpets at Rugshop—the best pieces to enhance your space with a nomadic boho chic aesthetic—sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Kelim Rugs - History, Culture and the Stance of Eclectic Artistry
Kelim is a broad term for a tapestry that has been popular since ancient times. It hails from Turkish origin and more widely from the Persian Empire, but it was found in many other parts of China, Morocco, Africa and Central Asia. Meticulously handcrafted, Kelims rugs are authentically produced by tightly interweaving the warp and weft strands. The technique combines horizontal weft strands that are pulled tightly downward to conceal the vertical warp strands. The most distinguishable characteristic of Kelim carpets is their motifs and vibrant colours. These motifs and patterns also signify specific heritage by representing the villages, regions or cities in which they are produced.
Iconic Features of Kelim Rugs
You don’t have to be a rug expert to spot the Kelim rug squares, triangles and eye symbols from a distance or readily tell them apart from other types or styles of carpet. Geometric patterns, linear symbols and motifs are all iconic features of the kelim rug. These things share a characteristic semblance with the Moroccan rug, and like other types of tribal rugs, kelims are different from all of them. For example, Moroccan carpets are mid-pile while Kelims are completely flatweaved. But that is not all. Below are some of the key features that make Kelim rugs and runners all the more unique.
- Motifs: Storytelling is a fundamental feature of kelims, and motifs are the language. Since they were traditionally used as Kelim prayer rugs, the motifs and symbols largely embodied subjects that people usually pray for, such as fertility, protection, happiness, children, love and luck. The Elibelinde, Bereket, eye, cross, amulets, and Anatolian running water motifs are typical of kelim rugs.
- Vibrant Colours: Bright reds, pale ochre, blue, brown, and cream—the colours and the combination of them are highly partial towards a vibrant, eclectic style.
- Sturdy Materials: Typically crafted from high-quality thick strands of wool and cotton, these carpets are nothing close to being delicate; they are epitomes of strength and longevity.
- Pileless or Flatweave: A fully flat sheet of fabric, Kelim rugs and runners do not have piles, though they are often heavy and dense with the thick threads that give the carpet density but not plushness or height.
- Anti-Skid Texture: Kelim rugs are not smooth or silky, they rather have a coarse texture defined by the visible warp and weft threads that form the pattern. And their surface texture also makes them naturally anti-skid.
Different Types And Variations of Kelim Rugs
The fundamental identity of Kelim rugs is their unique weaving technique. It originates from Turkish villages, most significantly the Anatolian communities, where tribal women wove them. The designs, motifs and symbols denoted their subjects close to the life events and personal circumstances of their lives as a form of narrative art. The craft, widely adopted by other regions and communities, spread into numerous variations in terms of patterns, themes and symbolism.
Therefore, the variations of Kelim carpets are defined by the regional styles, dimensions, and texture.
- Anatolian Kilim rugs: this is the original and most popular variant of all that showcases the spectacular craftsmanship of the people here, especially the women, and works as a strong cultural representation of Turkish culture. Vibrant colours, storytelling and intricate designs are the striking features of
- Moroccan Kilims: also known as “hanbels," these designs are crafted by Berber tribes in Morocco. They are characterised by their minimalist designs, neutral colour palettes, and abstract geometric patterns, often featuring diamond shapes, stripes, or chevron motifs.
- Baluchi Kilims: These flatweave carpets, which are native to particular areas of Baluchistan, are recognisable due to their characteristic striped patterns, which signify running water, the most important thing in arid regions. Maroon, liver colour, ochre yellow, brown, and dark blue are some of the typical colours used in this type.
- Modern Kelim Rugs: At Rugshop, we stock a range of modern Kilim rugs that redefine traditional designs and symbolism with a contemporary touch, available in a variety of different materials like acrylic and polypropylene that are affordable, easy to maintain and so stylish.
Shop Finest Kilim Floor Rugs Online in Ireland at Rugshop
Transform your space into a haven of beauty and comfort with our exquisite Kilim rugs today. Rugshop is the best place to buy Kilim carpets online in Ireland. Since we source these rugs directly from the manufacturer, you can get them at a much cheaper price than any retail store. Find a wide variety of indoor and outdoor kilim rugs available in material options like acrylic, polyester, Turkish wool and pure wool. Shop with confidence because your every purchase at Rugshop is backed by our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and unbeatable value.
FAQ
1. Are Kelims good collectibles?
As genuine handcrafted pieces with rich artistry embodying cultural heritage, kelim rugs have competent features that make them suitable as investment pieces or collectables. These carpets are comparatively cheaper than antique Oriental and Persian carpets; hence, buyers often perceive them as secondary or inferior. However, due to the distinctive tapestry's long lifespan, high-quality pieces can fetch high prices and make an invaluable collection.
2. How do I care for my Kelim rugs and runners?
Kelims are quite low-maintenance rugs. Simply vacuum them regularly, with occasional brushing and spot-cleaning of any spills, to prevent hard stains. They are made of cotton and wool so you may wash small kelim rugs in the washing machine but avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the fibres. For bigger ones that won’t fit in the washer, we recommend professional rug cleaning services.
3. Are Kelim rugs suitable for high-traffic areas?
Kelims are authentically used as prayer mats or even as throw carpets rather than floor coverings. However, we at Rushop have partnered directly with the manufacturers to procure some of the most thoughtful pieces that are designed to be highly durable and resilient, making them suitable for high-traffic areas such as living rooms, hallways, and entryways.