Elibelinde
The Anatolian “hands on hips” figure — a stylized woman standing for motherhood, fertility, and the good fortune of the household.
Kilim Rugsكليم
Getting to know kilim rugs
Kilims are flat-woven rugs with no raised pile. Their low profile and geometric patterns make them worth considering on their own or as a layer over another rug.
The weave
What makes a rug a kilim
The weaver builds the pattern directly into the fabric by interlacing colored threads.
Flat-woven, not knotted
A kilim has no raised pile. Colored threads form the pattern as the rug is woven.
Pattern on both sides
The pattern is part of the weave and can be seen on both faces. Ask us whether a particular rug is suitable for use on either side.
Fibers and color
Ask us about the fibers and dyes used in the piece you're considering. Close-up photographs can show variations in color and weave.
Motifs & meaning
A note on traditional motifs
The examples below come from Anatolian weaving traditions. They are background to the craft, not a guide to the origin or meaning of our Egyptian rugs.
Ram's horn
Curling horns, called koç boynuzu in Turkish, symbolize strength, courage, and protection. Often paired with the Elibelinde to represent a couple.
The eye
A guardian charm against the “evil eye,” woven in to keep envy and misfortune away from the home it warms.
Tree of life
Branching lines linking past, present, and future — a wish for a long, rooted, and flourishing family.
Living with a kilim
Choosing a kilim for your room
Geometric patterns
Compare the rug's colors and pattern with the furniture already in your room.
A low profile
A flat-weave sits low to the floor. Check door clearance and ask about care before choosing one for a busy space.
Made to be layered
A kilim can sit over a larger jute or sisal rug. Repeating a color across the two makes the combination easier to work with.
How to spot the real thing
Look at both faces and the edges. The pattern should be part of the weave, rather than printed onto the surface.
Care
Keeping a kilim beautiful
Vacuum gently
Use a suction or soft brush attachment and avoid a rotating beater bar, which can catch the fringe and loosen the weave.
Rotate now and then
Turn the rug a couple of times a year so foot traffic and sunlight wear it evenly over its long life.
Mind direct sun
Natural dyes are beautiful but sun-sensitive. Keep kilims out of harsh, all-day direct light to preserve their depth of color.
Ask about available kilims
Send your room dimensions and preferred colors. We'll share the kilims we can source, with photographs and prices.