Let’s talk about one of my favorite recent things – antique and vintage kilim rugs. I’ve been admiring vintage and antique rugs in general because of the warmth and sense of history they bring to a room, but I’ve been interested in kilim rugs for a few reasons. “Kilim” is a Turkish word meaning a flat woven rug that doesn’t have a pile. This means they are hardwearing, pet/kid-friendly, and ideal for high-traffic areas. They are also more affordable than most of their antique/vintage rug counterparts. I have been buying them for use in halls, bathrooms, and in front of doors (they are great for those places because they are so flat), but they also come in large, area-rug sizes.
The shop I’ve been purchasing my rugs from is Kilim Rug Home. The owner has impressive reviews, offers great pricing, is very attentive when it comes to questions, and offers a wide variety of styles and sizes. (There is a coupon code for their Etsy shop at the bottom of this post.) The inventory is always changing and growing, so I’ll check up on new stock now and then to see if a rug is available that fits a spot in my house.
The first rug I bought was this one in the foyer… I bought it before we even had a house, but it’s about 4′ x 6′, which is a versatile size that could be used in a hall, kitchen, bathroom, etc. It ended up working perfectly in our foyer!
It complements the original slate floor and the antique Sheridan chest beautifully. I even bought a pink tassel to match.
I’ve shown this particular antique kilim rug from that angle a few times (taken from my studio), but here is how it looked from the other side (the dining room.)
There is something about this foyer that feels very homey to me…like it’s been this way forever instead of just two months and I think the antique kilim rug is a part of that. The walls are currently covered in wallpaper, which is actually subtle and pretty, but it has peeled off in a few places so it will have to be removed. I’m excited about adding trim work and refreshing everything while retaining this traditional fee.
Here’s a better look into my studio. We’ll eventually close off that opening with French doors so I can keep the cats out of my paints and have quiet when I need it.
The second antique kilim rug I ordered was this beautiful blue and cream rug. The colors are just gorgeous!
We will eventually use it in our bathroom, but I have it in the bedroom in front of my wardrobe. Again, it adds a softness and warmth. It’s clearly too small to be an area rug for this room, but it would look nice layered over a neutral flat-weave rug like jute or sisal.
And I went out on a limb with this colorful rug for the long hallway that leads to the bedrooms. It is over 20′ long, so I needed a long rug that would add softness and interest. This was a perfect size and I found myself drawn to the pink, navy, and green color scheme. Of course, blue and green is my norm, but the pink warms it all up. I put a felt rug pad under each of the rugs to prevent them from shifting and to add more cush. (I took this picture before I had the rug pad under it.)
I don’t have a staircase in this house, so I feel like the hallway is where I can put some of that “staircase decorating energy.” I am very excited about adding trim, updating the light fixtures, and making this hallway look very special. Again, the antique kilim rug is a big part of that vision.
The colors and slight wear showing its age are just so beautiful.
I have another runner coming for my kitchen as well as a small mat to put by the back door.
Use code “MISSMUSTARDSEED” when checking out to get a total of 70% off almost all of the antique and vintage kilim rugs and accessories at Kilim Rug Home.
Here are a few antique kilim rugs that caught my eye…
17 Responses
Kilims add so much warmth and personality to a room. They look great in your new house! We are moving into a new-build next spring and I’m looking forward to shopping the Etsy shop you mention. Thanks!
I love kilim rugs as well. I had ordered from this shop when you posted it on IG a few weeks ago. He has a great selection and is very responsive to questions and very quick to ship. The rugs are so beautiful and I agree they add so much character and texture to our home. I got my rug from Turkey much quicker than things shipped to PA from Texas. Your rugs are beautiful!
I, too, ordered a rug from him when you posted on IG. Amazing service, gorgeous ( I mean really stunning) runner rug for my foyer, and the price was right. I cannot say enough good things about this shopping experience! He even threw in a little gift… a little zipper pouch made of an antique rug scrap.
I peeked through the rug catalog…did you see those awesome Christmas stockings? They are too cool!
Can you tell us how you care for your rugs, vacuum etc?
Thank you for this! I saw a footstool covered in an antique kilim rug in NYC a couple of years ago and I’ve been on the search for an affordable one ever since. I just ordered the perfect piece for my worn out footstool.
I just bought a 10×13 rug and 3 pillows from him 2 days ago! While I am still nervous about buying such a big item based on the colors on my screen, I was confident going into the purchase that he was a sound vendor because of your recommendation. Thank you for that! Burak was very helpful, communicated well, and worked with me to get the rug I wanted at a price I could not beat anywhere else. I have told several friends about him, and they are waiting for my rug to arrive to see if I am satisfied with it before reaching out to him. He will be the first place I look when I am ready for the next rug.
The rubs are beautiful in your new home! The color you refer to as “pink” shows on my screen to be a warm pink or more coral. Is that true? Love your selections!
I have two rugs from that company and have been very happy with them.
Beautiful rugs that you picked out. Your home is looking great. Nice to see you add a little pink here and there. Thank you for the code, just put my order in.
I ordered a small bathmat from this shop a few weeks ago based on your blog. It’s lovely and he was a pleasure to work with. I’d like to get a few more for other spots in my home.
Marian – what is the discount that is being offered? I just ordered a rug and put in the coupon code and it was not accepted. I have messaged the seller to find out why it was not accepted but was curious about
Let me confirm with him, but he will respond to messages and make sure you’re getting the best price.
Just beautiful! I am wondering about cleanability! With dogs and kids and traffic, I have always purchased washable rugs( runners)- not too expensive, then replace when they are worn out. I would be so afraid of placing one of these beauties in a high traffic area. With that being said, how will you care for them?
Are the vintage/used rugs cleaned before sending, or do they need to be cleaned upon arrival?
Melissa – I was curious about that too. I would assume they’ve been cleaned. I can’t imagine anyone shipping a dirty dusty rug. Marion?
You can roll that blue and cream rug right up and send it my way, Marian! I have a number of old rugs in my home and they do add so much character!