Our Vintage Kilim Rug Collection

What is a kilim?

Kilim rugs are made by one of the oldest rug production methods in the world, a specific style of nomadic or village weaving that involves interlocking strands of wool or fiber. The result is a highly durable, versatile thin carpet with no pile. The word kilim is a Turkish word referring to the tradition’s simple weaving technique. Originating in the Middle East, the world’s first kilims typically featured tribal symbols. As nomadic herders traveled around the continent, the kilim weaving method disseminated and soon became known throughout the world. As new regions and cultural groups began to weave kilim rugs, they naturally incorporated imagery related to their own heritage into the pieces. 

The global kilim market has shifted dramatically through the years. Traditionally kilim rugs were dismissed as primitive and utilitarian, unfit for export and sophisticated settings. Through the years, however, the utility of the kilim became its appeal and today kilims are revered as expertly crafted, high-quality handmade rugs with exquisite dyes, making them authentic collectibles. Kilim weaving methods lend themselves to large-scale, often geometric, medallion, or multicolor, motifs. Vintage handwoven kilim rugs typically boast muted, warm colors, such as rust or orange.

Shopping for a vintage kilim? What to know: 

Though Turkish kilim rugs or Anatolian kilim rugs are the most well-known, vintage kilim designs can be found across the Middle East and Central Asia, including Persia, Anatolia, West Caucus, East Caucus and Bessarabia. Matt Camron’s comprehensive kilim area rug collection is a vibrant representation of this diversity of tradition and heritage. To view our current inventory of vintage kilim rugs, visit our showrooms or browse our collection online. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, know that our team is uniquely positioned to locate and acquire virtually any rare vintage Turkish, Moroccan, Afghan, or other kilim rugs upon request. In fact, the Matt Camron team travels all over the world each year to source rugs, so our inventory is constantly evolving.