Chilim: A Unique Fusion of Vintage Rugs and Modern Furniture

Preserving Tradition in a Modern Way

The "Chilim by Mirko Di Matteo" furniture line is a unique fusion of vintage rugs and modern furniture. Created with repurposed 80-year-old vintage rugs from Bosnia, each piece in this line is one-of-a-kind. The use of recycled rugs makes these furniture pieces environmentally friendly, while also preserving the old weavers' tradition, making them socially responsible choices for consumers.

The core structure of the furniture is made of 100% pine wood, providing a sturdy foundation. The rug segments are carefully glued onto the wooden parts and then sealed using thermal press technology. To ensure durability, flight case metal hardware is used as framing, creating indestructible pieces that will preserve the vintage rugs virtually forever as functional display items in our homes.

The "Chilim" line includes a chest of drawers, inspired by the over-sized old-fashioned chests our grandmothers used to keep linens. The drawers are tall and deep, providing ample storage space. Unlike the old chests that were difficult to open, these drawers incorporate modern technology with soft-close drawer slide mechanisms. This makes them easily accessible and user-friendly, even with a full load. Opening a drawer is as simple as using one finger.

The project to create the "Chilim" line started in October 2011 in Croatia and was presented for the first time at the 2013 A'Design Award. The design team faced the challenge of securing a steady supply of vintage Kilim rugs for higher-volume production levels. To overcome this, they sourced hand-made Kilim rugs from several non-profit organizations in the region. These organizations employ skilled women, many of whom are widows and sole breadwinners for their families. By supporting these women and their families, the project not only preserves the tradition and history of rug weaving but also helps create self-sustainability.

The "Chilim by Mirko Di Matteo" furniture line has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2013. This award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.