The Story Behind Kilims
How do kilims help balance indoor climates? What do their symbols mean? And how do they connect us to more sustainable ways of living? At DXP Living, we’re drawn to pieces that carry meaning, history, craft, and purpose. That’s why we’re sharing a glimpse into our ongoing research on Turkish kilims.
They served as blankets, beddings, and protection. Kilims are lightweight, durable, and easy to transport, which makes them ideal for a nomadic lifestyle. Beyond their function, each kilim was hand-woven with symbols that told stories of protection, life, nature, strength, and more.
Kilims were originally made from tree bark fibers and plant threads, but wool became the most common material over time. Wool is naturally non-toxic, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and helps regulate room temperature while purifying indoor air. Many kilims are dyed using natural pigments, including tree root-based dyes, which give them their deep, earthy tones. Tight knotting is another signature of keeping dust from settling, making kilims ideal for people with asthma or allergies.
At DXP Living, we source 100% wool, hand-knotted, antique kilims dyed with tree root pigments. Our Van kilim features powerful motifs like the ram’s horn (heroism), fertility (abundance), scorpion (protection), and eye (spiritual defense). The rich browns, greens, and burgundies reflect nature, strength, and grounding.
Thanks for reading. If you want to learn more or request a handmade kilim or rug in wool or silk, in any color or pattern, visit our contact page. We’ll be happy to help you find the right piece.
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