The use of carpets and Kilims in the interior

Many associate the oriental carpet with a classic interior, but the following pictures from several interior magazines demonstrate that an oriental carpet can provide atmosphere and warmth to contemporary interiors.

Still, nowadays isn’t synonymous anymore with straight and tight. If you look at the next picture, you see padded settees, table- and floor-lamps with pleated shades, tables with bulging legs and a romantic porcelain dinner-set. All recognisable, but most definitely designed nów and therefore a bit different. A modern contemporary interior with a touch of the 100 year old Dutch living-room. The Persian Naïn on the floor fits in well in this interior.

Persian Naïn in a modern interior		Persian Naïn in a contemporary ‘old Dutch’ interior

The time seems right, now more than ever. We want to sustain our emotional connection with the past, so we will see a revival of authentic and handcrafted elements in the interiors. Designers are inspired again by old crafts, styles and materials. From our own regional culture as well as influences from other cultures.

In the new translation of the classic style, the line between past, present and future is further continued. Antiques from the 18th century can be combined with modern classics as the Thonet-chair and modern designs.
The new appreciation of the classics is no longer limited to the fifties and sixties, but is also stretching to the furniture of the late 19th century, which on it’s own is a remake of styles as the classicism and baroque.

Persian Naïn		Kafkaz carpet, combined with the Barcelona-chairs of Mies van der Rohe, a design from 1929
Photo credits: Press buro Living & Hans Fonk, Objekt

Kilims in the interior

For decades kelims are applied in western interiors. Recently, the kilims get a lot of attention in several interior magazines. Folklore patterns are back and kilims fit in well with the much seen camouflage pallet of mud, liver, sand, mushroom and army green.

We would like to inform you that I.C.E. tapijten has added many different Kilim Collections to the assortment the past year. We now have kilims available from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Morocco with many different designs and colour schemes.

The use of kilims in the house

As of old kilims are knotted to cover muddy floors of tents and houses. Kilims were knotted to measure to make them suitable for passage ways and other narrow and small spaces. This means that the measurements of the carpets usually don’t satisfy the wishes of western interior designers. Rectangular kilims are available in all thinkable sizes, but it is difficult to find large kilims and even more difficult to find square kilims. Fortunately, nowadays the producing countries hold into account the measurements of the western interiors.

The selection of a kilim in a specific room, or in many cases the selection of a room for a kilim is easier if you follow certain functional and decorative precepts.

Floor size and non-slip underlay

Kilims are applicable on many different floors. In natural stone, wood and even wall-to-wall carpeting. In many cases it is advisable to use a non-slip underlay.  This not only increases the comfort, but taking into account durability and safety it is better to use a non-slip underlay. It also keeps the kilim from puckering, because the non-slip underlay can absorb the possible unevenness of the kilim.

The use of kilims in the interior

To create a spacious effect it is advised to us a large kilim and to put the seating furniture on the carpet in total or with the front legs. The furniture of the seating area is really a unit in this way.



With the use of small occasional tables in stead of a coffee table, the decorative medallion of the kilim remains visible.

A long rectangular kilim can be used to bring to rooms together.



Kilims can also be combined. By using several kilims in one room you get a comfortable and cosy atmosphere. In this way it is also possible to accentuate in the interior. Adjustments can be made according to the season, for example more warm colours like red in the winter months and lighter pastels in the summer months.
The small kilim at the door opening accentuates the passageway.


A small kilim can add a traditional atmosphere if it is placed in front of a fire place.


Meer toepassingstips

A very long and narrow kilim can make a small hall look optically longer.
Two or more small kilims applied lengthwise in a long hall will optically shorten the hall.
To add some authenticity and atmosphere to a modern kitchen or living room kilims are very suited.

 In short, kilims are very suitable to add atmosphere to an interior and because they are available in every size thinkable, they are very suitable to create visual effects in certain areas. We would like to invite you to one of our stores to introduce our kilim collections to you.