Whether you’re adding a touch of bohemian allure or simply want to tie a room together, Turkish rugs are a timeless choice. Kilim and handknotted rugs are a designer go-to, with durable constructions that showcase unique color pairings.
They also feature intricate motifs that embody ancient Turkish traditions and folklore. Keep reading to learn all about the different styles and patterns.
Origin
Rugs from Turkey are a great way to bring cultural heritage, quality and beauty into any room. They are versatile and can be used as a floor covering, wall decor or stair runner depending on the size of the rug.
From flatwoven kilims to ornate Hereke carpets, vintage Turkish rugs offer a wide array of styles that are sure to suit any home. Each rug reflects its unique history and culture, making it a true work of art. They are woven with natural dyes, which are vibrant and easy to work with. This gives the weaver more freedom to express their creativity and create eye-catching rugs.
Materials
Exquisite oxidized colors and posh pastels make vintage Turkish rugs a designer go-to for rustic spaces and palatial drawing rooms alike. They also showcase unique color pairings that can effectively tie a room together.
Artisans dye the wool using natural dyes derived from plant matter. This allows the rug to showcase a gentle visual texture with gradations of color, unlike chemical dyes.
The rug is then woven using a loom. This loom can vary from region to region but it consists of horizontal beams that hold the vertical threads of the foundation called warp. The artisan weaves the knots on this base, using a thin stick like atki to keep the threads from tangling.
Styles
From kilims, which are flatwoven and known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, to the more ornate Hereke rugs, Turkish rugs come in many shapes and sizes. They can be made using wool or silk, and often feature cotton as a warp to hold the knots.
Originally used as protective coverings from the elements, Turkish rugs have evolved to become an integral part of culture, religion and status. The distinct regional styles showcase a wide range of influences and artistic expressions. Their quality and complexity has also earned them a renowned reputation worldwide. They are one-of-a-kind and can be found in homes all over the world.
Knots
The quality of a Turkish rug is often determined by its knot count. This can be found by turning the rug upside down and observing its pattern. A higher knot count means a better-quality rug.
The type of knots used on a Turkish rug can vary by region and village. Some use symmetrical knotting methods, such as the Ghiordes knot, while others use aasymmetrical ones like the Senneh knot.
Antique Turkish rugs are best suited to large rooms, where they can shine without being overwhelmed by other furniture pieces. They can be enhanced with a variety of colors that will make them stand out and look amazing.
Distressed rugs
Exquisite oxidized colors and whimsical botanical designs make Turkish rugs essential designer carpets for rustic spaces and palatial drawing rooms alike. They also work well in contemporary interiors, where they are often overdyed for color vibrancy.
Like Persian rugs, Turkish motifs convey messages, beliefs, wishes, and whims. Even patterns that seem purely geometric to the Western eye have meaning. A star, for example, symbolizes brightness and happiness; a cypress tree, fertility and immortality; and a clover, luck and love.
These rugs are often hand-knotted and hand-woven. Their heirloom quality and intricately designed patterns are sure to add elegance to your home for years to come.
Overdyed rugs
Authentic vintage overdyed rugs are the perfect choice for anyone seeking to bring a sense of history into their home. They are made from natural materials and dyes, which provide rich colors that will last for years. Overdyed rugs also look fantastic when hung up on the wall.
Overdyed rugs are a popular trend in rug area decoration that shows no signs of slowing down. They are a beautiful addition to rustic living spaces as well as palatial drawing rooms. They are distinguished by their oxidized colors and exotic floral patterns. Their blending of historical and modern styles makes them a must-have for interior designers.