3 Ways A Kilim Can Add Variety To Your Home

Kilims are a fascinating story unfolding within the interior design space. With their origins in Ancient Persian and Anatolian weaving traditions, they’re marked out as objects of incredible beauty and an asset in any room of the home.

Here, we’ll dive into the history behind these extraordinary objects, and walk you through our top three tips for making the most of Kilims in your space. At Morris & Co., we’ve proudly released only our second-ever Kilim -Dorothy’s Kilim- exclusively for our latest collection, Emery Walker's House.

UNDERSTANDING KILIMS

Kilims belong to a weaving tradition originally from Ancient Anatolia and the Persian Empire. They’re flat woven rugs with no pile and have evolved to contain their very own language of motifs and patterns. These motifs typically respond to social and cultural pressures on the village community in which the Kilim was made. For example, stylised wolves, fertility symbols and icons ward off the evil eye. The result is a rug suffused with colour, shapes and deep meaning.

DOROTHY'S KILIM FROM MORRIS & CO.

As well as its intricate motifs, Dorothy’s Kilim has its own special story. This Kilim was found in the bedroom of one Dorothy walker, the daughter of William Morris’s friend and collaborator, Sir Emery Walker. Now translated into this delightful fabric, we’re thrilled to deliver only Morris & Co.’s second-ever Kilim design. Full of texture, colour and unmistakable shapes, Dorothy’s Kilim introduces an irresistible and eye-catching focal point to any scheme.

VIEW THE EMERY WALKER’S HOUSE COLLECTION

A HAPPY PATTERN CLASH

Kilims contain a multitude of patterns, motifs and colours. Belonging to a Middle Eastern decorative style, we think they’re a fantastic contrast to the more figurative, floral designs of William Morris.

The bold geometric shapes of Dorothy’s Kilim juxtapose the fluid forms of Emery’s Willow, creating a satisfying pairing of different looks.

If, on the other hand, you want your Kilim to seize the limelight, Dorothy’s Kilim makes a compelling centrepiece either as a drape solution or a wall-hanging.

COLOUR PARTNERS

Kilims make a perfect partner-in-colour because their vibrant designs comprise so many different hues. If you’re using a Kilim pattern as a sizeable drape, wall hanging or rug, it’s worth considering good paint coordinates. This works well with painted feature walls, cabinetry or panelling.

Featured Paint: River Wandle

AN UPHOLSTERY SOLUTION

Nothing if not versatile, you can micro or macro-dose the Kilims in your scheme. If this is the first time you’ve worked with a Kilim pattern in your space, why not try upholstering the seat of a chair or a cushion, first? And then, when you’re feeling more confident, you can move on to more expansive instalments such as drapes.