Kilims are perhaps best described as the folk art of Turkey. The symbols and motifs used in weaving kilims are common amongst most weavers, but each tribal or regional group has their own way of interpreting those symbols. While many kilims are woven today for the commercial market, the same is not true of older kilim pieces. Until about 1975, the rug world was just not interested in kilims. Times have certainly changed! Kilims have made their way into the decor of the world, from palaces in the French countryside to the mountains of Colorado.

Breadcloth kilims are a traditionally used for bread preparation, due to their tight weave that keeps flour from penetrating the material.  Some are woven of wool, others of hemp (called “kendir” in Turkish), and some are even so tough that they are used as tarps for harvesting olives, etc. 

While amenable to use on the floor, breadcloth kilims are also ideal for use as window treatments, as a bed canopy, or even as wall art.  Their popularity in the design world continues to grow, and they have begun popping up in some of America’s premier design periodicals in recent months.