A brief kilim size guide

nilo kilim

How to easily find the right size

If there is one question that comes up again and again when it comes to kilims, it is this: What size should I choose? And yes, I know – there are countless jokes about ‘size matters’. They may have been original at one time, but now they are so overused that their expiry date lies somewhere between hieroglyphics and papyrus.

So let’s politely flash that joke here, nod amiably – and then move on to what’s really important. Because finding the perfect kilim size is much easier than many people think. First and foremost, what matters is what feels right for you. And with a little information, it’s much easier
to make the right decision that suits you. Here’s an initial overview.

1. A kilim brings order to a room

A kilim is not just a decorative object that you place somewhere. It connects pieces of furniture to form a unified whole, creates calm or even excitement, defines areas – and often completes a room. But don’t worry: you don’t need to have studied interior design or run around with a laser tape measure. We’ll go through the whole process step by step.

2. When is a kilim too small?

This is actually the most common problem. A kilim that is too small often looks as if it is “running away”. The furniture then stands around it like indecisive extras.

Why is that? It’s simple: when a kilim connects furniture, it creates calm. If it is too small, the furniture appears separated or disjointed – and the room appears smaller.

3. Guidelines for the living room

Does your sofa have legs? Then the front legs should ideally rest on the kilim, and the rug should be longer than the sofa.
Does it not have legs (does it go all the way to the floor)? Then the kilim can also be placed slightly in front of it.
A small rug in front of the sofa can work, but sometimes looks a little lost.

And as always: These are guidelines – when in doubt, trust your instincts.

4. Can a kilim be too large?

Yes, it can. A kilim is too large if it…

slides all the way to the wall
no longer frames the furniture, but completely obscures it
or fills the room so much that nothing can breathe

But the simple rule is: As long as there is a nice border around the area you want to define, it is almost always perfectly
fine.

Why a kilim needs room to breathe: The room then appears spacious, clear and calm. A distance of 20 to 30 cm from the wall is sufficient.
There are two simple reasons for this:

It makes the room appear larger.
The kilim appears to be deliberately placed – like a framed picture that also does not reach
right up to the edge of the frame.

4. Can a kilim be too large?

Yes, it can. A kilim is too large if it…

slides all the way to the wall
no longer frames the furniture, but completely obscures it
or fills the room so much that nothing can breathe

But the simple rule is: As long as there is a nice border around the area you want to define, it is almost always perfectly
fine.

Why a kilim needs room to breathe: The room then appears spacious, clear and calm. A
distance of 20 to 30 cm from the wall is sufficient.
There are two simple reasons for this:

It makes the room appear larger.
Der Kilim wirkt bewusst platziert – wie ein gerahmtes Bild, das ebenfalls nicht direkt bis zur Rahmenkante reicht.

5. Bedroom: the three simplest solutions

There are three options that always work:

The large kilim under the bed. Works well with beds that have slightly higher legs, where you can see and feel the kilim underneath. It remains visible at the sides and front, looks very elegant and frames the bed nicely. However, with very low beds or beds close to the floor, this option can quickly lose its effect – as most of the kilim rug will simply be hidden underneath.
Two runners on the left and right. Perfect for those who like symmetry – and for warm feet in the morning.
One rug or longer runner at the foot of the bed. Ideal if the room is narrow or you prefer a minimalist look. If your bed has visible legs, they can also stand on the kilim. And if there is enough space, the kilim can be slightly longer than the foot of the bed.

6. When it comes to the dining table, the chair is the deciding factor.

After all, it wants warm feet too. Put simply: When seated, the chair should ideally be completely on the kilim. The rule of thumb: at least approx. 50 cm beyond the edge of the table on each side. Example: if the table is 90 cm wide, the kilim should be at least 190 cm wide. This ensures that the chairs are stable and do not slide halfway off the rug when you sit down.

7. Small kilims, clear statements

And what about XS or S size kilims? They work particularly well

In front of an armchair or easy chair to give it its own space
In a reading corner, where it’s more about atmosphere than surface area
In the hall or entrance area, where there isn’t much space but you still want warmth or a splash of colour
next to the bed, so your feet land softly in the morning, even if the room is compact
or on the wall instead of a poster – usually calmer, higher quality and simply more authentic than just another poster.

Small formats are ideal for adding accents without dominating the room.

8. Last but not least: the simplest size trick ever

Lay sheets or large blankets on the floor to simulate the desired area. Or simply mark the size with masking tape. After 30 seconds, you’ll have a better feel for the room than an hour of scrolling through Pinterest could ever give you.

Conclusion

Finding the right size isn’t complicated.
You just need to understand how a kilim can calm, connect, define or accentuate a room –
depending on what you want to achieve.
The rest is intuition. And a few simple tricks.
If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us at any time.
Together, we’ll find the size that really works for your space.
And yes – in this one case, size really does matter. But now at least you know why.

Why there is now a Nilo Blog

20. December 2025