Nice Threads: 8 of the best Flatweave Rugs and Kilims

Whichever room you're designing, the addition of a flatweave rug or kilim will instantly achieve a relaxed living feel.

Despite being around for thousands of years, these tapestry woven rugs, that originated in the former Persian and Ottoman empires, are still somehow associated with the hippy trails and counter culture of the 60s and 70s.

A exotic antidote to the formality of the time, and a flavour of new horizons, these colourful kilims still evoke a boho vibe, that's totally in tune with the current seventies revival for rattan and macrame.

This relaxed feel is also down to the fact that these rugs are woven with a tapestry weave, so there is no thick pile to sink into, the surfaces are flat, suited to warm climes and the nomadic lifestyles of their originators.

There is often a slightly blurred design image and the warp and weft is finished with fringing, which appeals to those who like the informality and non-uniform approach.

See more kilims here.

Those in our edit include original vintage numbers sourced in Morocco and Iran, from Yonder Living and Lilla Rugs, for a totally unique and distinctive style.

Others are current pieces designed and made in the style of a traditional kilim, yet with patterns and colours that appeal to contemporary tastes and which would work in modern homes.

From the gently coloured Chimara at Heal's and the subtly patterned Wyatt at Urban Outfitters to the bold Sparkly at Raj Tent Club and the colourful Karim, made from recycled cotton at Graham and Green, or the more muted Attaleia from Oka and the Poppy from French Connection Home, there is something to suit most modern styles.

Bring in some cane or rattan furniture and a cheese plant to complete the look, but go easy, you could be burning joss sticks and donning a kaftan before you can say, hey man...

See these texturedrugs.

 

Inspired by ancient Oushak rugs produced during the Ottoman Empire, this kilim has been crafted by hand to resemble a series of tiles.

This best seller is now available in a new colour palette: navy and grey.

Meticulously woven from strips of hand-dyed, offcut cotton fabrics, these vibrant rugs have varying depths of colour and dye variation, so are a distinctive way to add comfort, colour and pattern to your home.

Founded in 1980, Linie Design is the biggest handmade rug developer in Northern Europe. The Chimara is made from resilient Jute, perfect for everyday wear and tear in any household.

This vintage kilim is from the Qashqai, a tribe that usually move about depending on the season - moving from the Isfahan province to south of Shiraz (Iran).

Golden threads give this cotton and wool mix rug a lustrous touch of luxe.

Golden threads give this cotton and wool mix rug a lustrous touch of luxe.

Bring a boho vibe to your home with this fringed flatweave rug.

This vintage rug was traditionally woven in Morocco.