Flea Market Find: Vintage Kilim Rugs
These popular floor coverings work well in every room of the house
When browsing a flea market, you will encounter many dealers selling a variety of antique rugs, but no type of rug is trendier and in more demand today than kilims. These versatile flat-woven rugs come in a variety of patterns, motifs and colors. Read on to discover great ways to use these popular rugs throughout your home and how to score one at the market this weekend.
Kilim rugs hail from the Middle East and Central Asia. These woven floor coverings were originally created by nomads for centuries. Their geometric motifs, some religious, were produced directly on a loom. While all original kilims are unique, many are variations of one another.
Typically, kilim rugs at a flea market will run you anywhere from $200 to $2,000, depending on size and quality. You can find them for a bit less or much more, but that’s the average. Vintage kilim rugs commonly come in irregular sizes. You may not always find your standard 5-by-8-foot size, but that’s the fun of the hunt.
Decorating tip: If the edges of your kilim rug are frayed or uneven, consider laying a sisal rug underneath it to create a more sophisticated bohemian look.
Decorating tip: If the edges of your kilim rug are frayed or uneven, consider laying a sisal rug underneath it to create a more sophisticated bohemian look.
Kilim motifs aren’t just decorative; they bear meaning. Some are symbols of motherhood and fertility. Others express a tribal weaver’s desire to protect family from wild wolves. Some share symbols of hope and promise. You can take to the web to find out what the motifs on your vintage find mean.
The Turkish rug here emphasizes this room’s vintage flair. One in a patchwork pattern is a little harder to come by. This combination of multiple prints is highly coveted for its unique twist on the traditional Turkish rug. You may find yourself spending a little more than average on this style.
In a sunny locale, a vintage kilim rug can live in a backyard setting. Throw one down on your back porch for your next outdoor gathering. For an eclectic look, layer a few in various sizes and colors in an artful way.
Buying tip: Collect smaller pieces over time to create your own patchwork vibe. A trio in different colors and styles might end up costing you the same as a larger version, but they provide much more flexibility.
Buying tip: Collect smaller pieces over time to create your own patchwork vibe. A trio in different colors and styles might end up costing you the same as a larger version, but they provide much more flexibility.
For an unusual way to incorporate a kilim rug, try it as upholstery, such as re-cover your ottoman. This idea allows you to snag a more affordable, smaller rug and use it in an impactful way.
Update your bland bedroom with a little Turkish rug action — a traditional print can make for a magical transformation. This larger style will cost you a pretty penny, possibly more than a cool grand, but this piece won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
Buying tip: Large kilim rugs are heavy, which means the dealer may not want to lug them all the way back home at the end of the day. Swing by the dealer’s stand near closing time to see if you can score a deal.
Buying tip: Large kilim rugs are heavy, which means the dealer may not want to lug them all the way back home at the end of the day. Swing by the dealer’s stand near closing time to see if you can score a deal.
Throwing down a rug in the kitchen is a hot new trend. Make it count. Snag your absolute favorite piece at this weekend’s flea market — one in a size for a kitchen should be relatively affordable. If you find one, there’s no place more perfect to lay it down than in your cooking place. (Messy cooks might want to skip this one.)
For a fun twist on a neutral nursery, add a colorful kilim. This darling space boasts a rug full of rich tones, and it’s great for both boys and girls.
The Turkish word kilim means “to spread roughly.” Try spreading this style on your bathroom floor as a replacement to the common bath mat.
More flea market finds:
Vintage Signs | Vintage Ladders | Brass Animal Figurines | Steamer Trunks
More flea market finds:
Vintage Signs | Vintage Ladders | Brass Animal Figurines | Steamer Trunks