Where and how to customize your kilim rug

Where and how to customize your kilim rug

Custom kilim carpets offer a way to incorporate the beauty and rich cultural history of traditional kilim rugs into your home with a personalized touch. 
Here's what you need to know about custom kilim carpets:

What are kilim rugs?
Kilim rugs are flat-woven, pileless textiles known for their vibrant colors, bold motifs, and distinctive geometric patterns. They originated from nomadic peoples in regions like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and other Central Asian countries. 

Materials
Kilim rugs are traditionally made from wool due to its durability, pliability for spinning, and ease of dyeing. Wool can be used for both warp (vertical threads) and weft (horizontal threads). Sometimes, cotton, linen, silk, or animal hair (goat, horse, or camel) may be incorporated to improve durability, add softness or sheen, or create accents. 

Customization options
When ordering a custom kilim rug, you can personalize several aspects:
  • Size: Tailor the rug to perfectly fit your space, whether it's a large area rug or a runner.
  • Colors: Choose from a wide range of colors, often derived from natural vegetable-based dyes for a muted, organic palette.
  • Motifs and patterns: Incorporate traditional symbols that represent desires like happiness, fertility, good fortune, and protection against threats, or tribal insignia specific to a certain region. Geometric patterns are a common characteristic of kilim rugs due to the flat weaving technique.
  • Materials: While wool is the most common material, you can explore incorporating other materials like cotton, silk, or animal hair for specific textures or effects. 

Where to find custom kilim carpets
Several places offer custom kilim rug services:
  • Dedicated rug specialists: Many companies specializing in oriental and area rugs offer custom kilim options, often working with international looms and skilled artisans. Kilimbags.com allows you to choose from their collection and select your preferred colors for a custom weave. We do emphasize a collaborative design process with their clients, involving colorway and yarn selection, detailed renderings, and ethical weaving practices.
  • Online marketplaces: Etsy, for example, features numerous sellers offering custom kilim rugs, often handmade with unique designs and incorporating vintage materials. Reviews suggest positive experiences with custom orders on Etsy, highlighting quality, communication with the maker, and quick delivery.
  • Local rug stores: Stores like justmorocco impirts in Clearwater, FL and Rug Gallerie, also in Clearwater, offer a wide selection of rugs and may provide custom cutting and binding services, which could be a starting point for custom kilim rugs. They might also work with artisans who create custom pieces. 

Cost
The cost of custom kilim carpets varies depending on size, materials, complexity of the design, and the maker. Prices can range significantly, from around $117.87 to upwards of $5097 for larger, more intricate designs. For example, we do offer a 3x4-foot custom kilim for $1100. 

Finding the right custom kilim
  • Do your research: Explore different styles, motifs, and materials to get a sense of what you're looking for.
  • Communicate your needs: Clearly articulate your vision for the rug, including size, color scheme, desired patterns, and any specific symbols you'd like to incorporate.
  • Consider the setting: Think about the room where the rug will be placed and how the colors and patterns will complement the existing décor, furniture, and lighting. You can aim for harmony by matching colors or create a focal point with contrasting colors.
  • Read reviews: If purchasing online, check customer reviews to gauge the quality of the product and the customer service offered by the seller. 
By considering these aspects and working with a reputable maker, you can create a beautiful and unique custom kilim carpet that reflects your personal style and adds warmth and character to your home.
Back to blog