High-and-Low Rugs and Kilims: A Brief Style Guide

Our high-and-low Kilim in a bedroom by Yellow House Architects. Photo courtesy of YHA.

What are High-and-Low Rugs and Kilims? 

    Some say that high-and-low rugs are having a moment, but not us. That would imply they were ever out of style, or anything less than fabulous and full of possibilities.

          Our “Textural/High Low” classification includes any rug and flat weave with notable variations in pile height and texture. The idea is as simple as knowing the right pile height for one’s space is essential. Still, we understand better than most the shear variety of techniques that create the effect, and the similar range of moods they can evoke from style to style.

          Josh Nazmiyal and his team love little more than to teach, but we love a chance to exhibit our favorite examples of the style just as much.

Pile vs. Flat Weave, High-and-Low vs. Textural 

Photo by Nina Gilden.

         A misconception: high-and-low isn’t limited to pile rugs. Though this is, arguably, the most recognized version of the technique, many Kilims and flat weaves have their own take. (Some rugs even marry pile and flat weave for their high-and-low texture, but we’ll get there.) This is part of why “textural” is part of the classification  — some weaves are more pronounced than others. 

        Sadly, even rug history buffs like us don’t know the first high-and-low piece to exist, though many suspect Moroccan rugs were among the first cultures to bat. Moroccan tribes are one of the earliest handmade rug cultures, and their boucherouite techniques is one of the most archaic, natural high-and-low rug styles. This is one of many natural high-and-low techniques, though just as many cultures shear their pile rugs to achieve the effect.

         Still, many antique and vintage Kilims and flat weaves employ a textural style that fits the classification. Cicim (or Cecim) Kilims, for example, have an extra-weft style that looks like embroidery to the untrained eye.

         From flat weaves with embroidered motifs to Kilim runners with pile sewn on the face, we curate, and create, more all the time.

The Modern High-and-Low Rug

Photo Montage by Nina Gilden.

       If we could write a book on the legion of high-and-low rugs styles we curate, our sequel would dine on the bold modern rugs they’ve inspired us to create.

        Our Modern Classics Collection hosts the most of this month’s fabulous new high-and-low rugs since it went live this month. A number of these pieces are the first take on high-and-low their classic inspirations have ever seen, and we’ve gotten there a number of intriguing ways. Rug washing, for example, has evolved over time since the early days of antique rugs, and we use a particularly comfortable, proprietary wash that lends these more intricate, mesmeric high-and-low pieces such a distinct, but elegant modern look that we love to see find its audience.

        Still, this only scratches the surface of what’s new in high-low rugs here, classic and custom. Explore the rest or reach out with your thoughts on the technique anytime!