There are so many kinds of rugs available. There are a variety of designs and origins of rugs that are loved by people all over the world. Here is a comparison between Kilim rugs and traditional rugs.

Kilim Rugs vs Traditional Rugs

Following are the differences between kilim and traditional area rugs:

The Origin

Kilim Rugs

Kilim rugs have a mixed history. While “Kilim” is a Turkish word, it has been manufactured in many countries like Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and some other countries in the Middle East. Kilim is a Turkish word, which means “textile or rug without piles”. This rug is an extremely beautiful and durable rug and it has a lot of different patterns and designs.

This rug has a rich history and it’s told through different weaves and patterns, which makes this rug that much special. These rugs are available in different sizes as well, from area rugs to large floor-covering ones. Kilim rugs are also considered to be oriental rugs, by a lot of people.

Traditional Rugs

Traditional rugs, on the other hand, don’t belong to one country. They are more like basic rugs which are manufactured in different countries all over the world. Traditional rugs are a more modern type of rug, but they can go with any type of home décor.

These rugs have a very warm yet minimal appeal to them and they are really popular among people who want something a bit more minimal in their homes. The patterns and designs of these rugs can be similar to oriental rugs, but they can also be abstract and minimal, which is something a lot of people gravitate towards.

The Weaving

Kilim Rugs

The next most important thing to go over about Kilim and traditional rugs, is the weaving. This is also something that sets both rugs apart from one another. Kilim rugs are known for their flat weaving technique. This weave also makes the rug very lightweight and it doesn’t pile up. The weaving of a Kilim rug is actually done with two sets of yarn.

One is laid flat horizontally, while the other has a vertical orientation. The strands are woven over each other, with the horizontal strand going over and under the vertical one, or vice versa. Afterward, motifs and designs can be added in a flat weave as well and this is how this rug is made.

Traditional Rugs

Traditional rugs are also woven in a very interesting way. The weaves, upon closer inspection, look twisted and that’s what provides durability to the rug. These rugs can be made from many materials, but the main gist of the weaving technique is that each strand is twisted and then heat treated, to set the strand in place, and then the individual strands are woven together.

This creates a very fluffy or tufted surface for traditional rugs and this is what imparts that characteristic thickness to the rug.

The Price

Kilim Rugs

The price of rugs is also very important to know, because of the way they are made. Depending on what material is used, the price can vary a lot for different types of rugs. The cost of kilim rugs are considered to be a lot more expensive because they are made of wool and they are quite more durable. Kilim rugs are extremely luxurious and they are also quite long-lasting.

They are also considered to be very sentimental heirlooms for a lot of people, because of how they’re made.

Traditional Rugs

Traditional rugs, on the contrary, are quite reasonable in price and they are preferred by people because they don’t want to spend a fortune on rugs. Traditional rugs can cost you anywhere between $45 to $750, depending on the material as well as how big of a rug you’re going for. Kilim rugs can cost you about $5000 to $10000 because they are considered to be a luxury item and they are also made by hand, so it will obviously be a bit more pricey than most machine-made rugs.

The type of rug you go for depends solely on how much you’re willing to spend, so it’s important that you take this factor into consideration as well.

Craftsmanship

Kilim Rugs

Kilim rugs have a very unique look and feel to them and part of the reason why they are so expensive is because they’re made completely by hand. The flat weave of a Kilim rug is best achieved by hand weaving the rug. It is very time-consuming and a lot of manpower and effort goes into making one rug, so it’s obviously going to come at a price.

Being handmade, it is also considered to be quite long-lasting, and even though you’re paying a huge price for this rug, it is going to last you a long time. Because of the flat weave, Kilim rugs are generally a lot more lightweight and they can be handled pretty easily as well. They are not as tufted and thick, which, surprisingly, a lot of people don’t like in oriental rugs, so if you’re someone who doesn’t like fluffy rugs either, then a Kilim rug might be a good option for you to try.

Traditional Rugs

Traditional rugs are made by power looms, so they are categorized as machine-made rugs. These rugs might not be as beautiful as oriental or handmade rugs, but they are manufactured pretty quickly, and that too, without any manpower. A power loom is operated by machines and motors and there’s no need for human labor.

This is a quality that makes this rug very popular among people because even though it’s machine-made, it’s still very strong and durable and it can last a decent amount of time as well. Inexpensive traditional rugs are usually made out of synthetic materials, while expensive ones can be made from wool or silk. These rugs are also quite tufted and thick in appearance, so if you’re looking for a rug with a good amount of tuft, then traditional rugs are what you want to go for.

But keep in mind that we are discussing low-quality traditional rugs. High-quality traditional rugs are also handmade and are extremely durable.

Durability

Kilim Rugs

Last but not least, durability is also another huge factor that differentiates a Kilim rug from a traditional rug. Kilim rugs are generally a lot more durable than any other machine-made rug because there is a lot of strength in the strands of wool and the hand weaving.

It lasts for a huge amount of time, about 70 to 100 years, and even after that, they can be used as vintage rugs. So, Kilim rugs are definitely a work of art, which will never go out of style.

Traditional Rugs

On the other side of the spectrum, traditional rugs are not as durable as handmade rugs, because a lot of the time, there just isn’t that strength and tension in the strands which can endure heavy foot traffic and rough use.

A lot of the time, the synthetic materials used in making traditional rugs can be quite low-quality and it can impact the overall durability of the rug. They are also quite fluffy, which means that they can get bald in certain areas very quickly and can become very uneven. But many traditional rugs that are handmade with durable materials like wool can last for generations.

Conclusion

Kilim and traditional rugs are two of the most common and popular types of rugs. So, it’s good to know what sets each rug apart and how you can tell the difference. Whether you want kilim or traditional rugs, you should check out wholesale Oriental rugs Virginia.