Kelim Rugs, Vintage and Used

Kelim carpets – traditional craftsmanship for your home

Our kilim rugs are hand-woven works of art that give your home a special touch. With their traditional patterns and bright colors, they tell stories from distant countries and cultures and are very special vintage rugs. Whether in the living room, bedroom or hallway - kilim rugs fit seamlessly into different interior styles and set stylish accents.

Kelim Rugs used and vintage: every piece with details on condition and origin.

Kelim Rugs, Vintage and Used

  • A kilim is not knotted but flat-woven, with no pile. Old kilims turn into three things here: Rugs in their original format, Cushions made from the intact sections, and poufs, which you will find gathered at Rugtales.

    What defines a kilim

    • Flat weave, usable on both sides
    • Geometric patterns, coded differently from region to region
    • Plant-dyed wool that softens over the years
    • Small weaving irregularities as a sign of handwork, not as a defect

    From the floor into a cushion

    An old kilim is rarely equally well preserved throughout. Instead of discarding the whole piece, the strong sections are put to further use: as cushion covers, seating cubes and runners. In this way the best of a rug that has served its time as a whole stays in use.

  • Sustainability: wool in a second life

    Wool is renewable, but washing, dyeing and transport are costly. A kilim that is reused or turned into cushions saves all of that effort. And because flat weave barely mats, an old kilim often looks better than a new one.

    How to lay kilims

    A kilim copes badly with competing patterns. On plain wood or screed it comes into its own, under a patterned sofa it loses. Several small pieces side by side feel livelier than one large one, as long as the colour family holds together. An anti-slip underlay is essential.

    What the experts look for

    • Even edges without waves, otherwise the rug will never lie flat
    • Colour rub-off: plant-dyed wool does not bleed
    • Repairs woven in cleanly rather than glued underneath
    • On cushions: zip and reverse side of matching quality

    Keep browsing

    Nordic textiles can be found under Scandinavian and the matching furniture in our Mid-Century selection.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What is a kelim, and how does it differ from a knotted rug?

A kelim is flat-woven rather than knotted: warp and weft form the pattern, there is no pile. That makes it lighter, usable on both sides and especially graphic in its colours.

How do I recognise a hand-woven kelim?

By slight irregularities in the pattern, by the back mirroring the motif and by hand-finished edges. Small colour gradients, so-called abrash, indicate handwork with natural dyes.

How do I clean and care for a kelim?

Vacuum regularly without a rotating brush and turn it occasionally so it ages evenly. Dab stains with cold water; a professional rug wash every few years is worth it.

Which rooms suit a kelim?

Almost any: being flat-woven it copes with hallways and dining rooms, and under a dining table there is no pile in the way. On smooth floors put an anti-slip mat underneath and it keeps its shape.

Are these vintage pieces or simply used kelim rugs?

Both terms apply: vintage describes age and design language, used describes the history. How old a piece is and its condition is always stated with the item.

How do I sell kelim rugs through 2nd home?

Yes. On the Sell page you describe your piece with photos, we check it and come back with an assessment and the next steps.

How do you ship kelim rugs?

Carefully packed by parcel service, delicate pieces with extra padding. The shipping price is shown on the product page before you order.

Can I see a piece in person before buying?

It depends on the location. Many of our sellers allow a viewing by appointment. Just contact us with the item you are interested in.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our kilim rugs - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you don't have to wait long for delivery, our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available for immediate delivery. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Although we offer vintage and second-hand furniture, we carefully inspect each piece.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • sustainability

    By selling second-hand furniture, we promote reuse and reduce the consumption of resources. At the same time, we reduce CO2 emissions.

    You can find out more on our sustainability page.

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