The Best Modern Kilim Rugs

Kilim rugs are everywhere, with modern interpretations offeringbold, graphic patterns in everything from pastel shades to neons and even monochrome.

Despite having been around for thousands of years, their timeless designs still look fresh today. Kilim patterns provide a pop of colour to modern interiors, addingglobal sophistication with an eclectic edge.

Their distinctive, nonpile flat weaves bringbring patterned energy into modern spaces, and marry particularly well with Mid-Century Modern style furniture.

Fab in hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and even in kitchens – or hang one on a wall for a fun twist; acolourful Kilim makes an awesome wall hanging in an otherwise neutral room.

Like Berber rugs, Kilims are steeped in cultural practices, with weaving methods varying across Turkey, North Africa and areas of the Middle East. The special flatweaving techniques have been passed down through generations. 'Kilim' is a word of Turkish origin, translating as “to spread roughly.” To make Kilim rugs, multi-coloured wool fibers are interwoven to create a flat, distinctive textile. The knots are then evenly shorn off, leaving a clean pattern behind.

Pick from these modern designs for an easy home update.

MONOCHROME

Mad for monochrome? So are we. The Ferm Living Kelim Rug for Nest has a dynamic, modern graphic print that would look striking in minimalist, modern and contemporary homes.

PASTEL

Add some light-hearted fun to your home with this pastel-perfectKelim Blue Triangles rug from Ferm Living for AMARA. With an on-trend Aztec-inspired pattern that's made modern through simplified shapes and fresh pastels, it's the perfect flat-weave for calm, modern spaces.

GRAPHIC RUNNER

The Contrast Edge Baneh Kilim in pink and orange from The Conran Shop reminds us a little bit of the old SMPTE colour bars we'd see on the TV when a channel was off-air. The striking geometric design is actually made from bamboo, which you'd never tell from the soft, silk-like texture. Great for hallways, landings and corridors.

FRESH AND FUNKY

The colourful Vida area rug from Habitat is oh-so-cheerful, with a mix of bright and pastel hues. It's inspired by traditional Kilims, though there's something refreshingly modern about this flat-weave.

ABSTRACT

Larusi is the king of contemporary Kilims, and the proof is in the pudding with the KL646 design. An XXL flat-weave with a modern, abstract pattern in a pastel palette, it's a subtle and versatile option that won't tire quickly.

BABY BLUE

Swoon Editions' tribal inspired Shackleton rug is so subtle, it would work in most minimal and contemporary schemes as well as the more mutedrustic or Scandi ones. Stone-washed, the Shackleton’s flat-woven design has a contemporary colour palette that gives it character, with simple stripes that give it a classic look. The design comes in a runner too, for £99.

EIGHTIES CHIC

Aztec pattern made modern with cube-like lines in an Eighties colour palette, Wayfair's multi-colouredKelim rug is pretty punchy. Super fun for kid's rooms and playrooms, and for daring, retro-inspired spaces.

GOLD THREAD

The diamond patterned R93 Kilim from The Raj Tent Club really sparkles – literally. With a gold thread woven into the design, this psychedelic print has a decidedly modern edge. Tribal luxe, if your will.

NEW NEUTRALS

With a neutral colour palette of greys, creams, beige and black, the Poncho Kelim Rug from John Lewis would suit grown-up spaces with wood furniture and home accessories in other natural materials.

MODERN KILIM

A traditional Kilim diamond pattern but updated with wobblier, more organic lines (rather than being rigid diamond shapes), this contemporary design has been hand-woven in Afghanistan, withabstract and a-symmetrical colour pattern.

NAVY RUNNER

The Tabarly runner from Swoon Editions has a subtle nod to North African design with Moroccan-style shapes, but with a navy colour palette and a touch of blush, it's been brought bang up to date.