A brief kilim size guide
18. December 2025
It took a while for this section to find its place on the website. Perhaps because Kilims carry so many stories that you don’t know where to start. At the same time, however, I keep realizing how many questions arise and how much more there is to tell about this craft than there is room for in a short social media story. And so the idea for the Nilo blog was born: a place for longer thoughts, backgrounds and real deep dives.
This is about everything that happens between Vienna and the Nile Delta. About techniques, materials, colors, the creation of designs and what makes good craftsmanship. And, of course, the questions that are asked most frequently: What size really fits in my room? How do I choose colors that not only look harmonious in the photo, but also in front of my sofa? What actually distinguishes woven kilims from other types of rugs? And a question that is becoming increasingly important: How do custom-made rugs work, and when is a custom-made rug really worthwhile?
I would also like to introduce myself a little: I am Niel Mazhar, architect in Vienna and founder of Nilo Kilim, with Egyptian and Croatian roots, born and raised in this city, but always with one foot in several cultures. If you like, the Mediterranean was my childhood bathtub, which is probably why Mediterranean design is my natural habitat. What is interesting, however, is that this Mediterranean intensity, the colors, structure and warmth, fits amazingly well in minimalist rooms and with Scandinavian design. Why is that? More on this later.
Perhaps it is precisely this mix of cultural influences that led me to Kilims, to a craft that loves structure and rhythm, but at the same time is soft, patient and deeply human. For me, kilims are a kind of architecture in miniature, lines, surfaces, rhythm and structure, but with wool instead of brick and concrete.
We’ll save the more detailed story, i.e. how Nilo Kilim came about, who is all part of this project and why in the Nile Delta there is sometimes so much discussion about the nuance between sand beige and desert beige until suddenly three new shades are created. Today, it’s all about opening up this new space.
In the Nilo Journal you will find a mixture of background stories, insights into Egyptian weaving, updates on collections and pop-ups as well as occasional notes from the studio in Vienna. In short, everything that shows what is behind a kilim and why these rugs are more than just a pattern on the floor.
I hope you find this journal useful, inspiring or simply interesting. If you can think of topics that should definitely be included here, or if you have any questions, please get in touch at any time. I look forward to seeing this space grow with you.
Until then, make yourself comfortable and enjoy reading.
Niel
PS: If you would like to see Kilims in person or simply find out more about materials, colors or the weaving craft, you can easily book a studio appointment in Vienna here.
Book your appointment and explore the kilim collection.
Burggasse 88, 1070 Vienna, Austria.